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Sargent secures key union endorsement in 81st Assembly race
The Painters union does not have so large a membership as some other labor groups, but it has established a reputation in recent years as one of the savviest and most effective unions in the country when it comes to playing the political game.
Thus, the endorsement of Painters & Allied Trades District 7 -- the regional affiliate of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades -- was much coveted by candidates in the hottest local legislative contest: the Democratic primary to fill the 81st Assembly District seat being vacated by veteran state Rep. Dave Travis.
The endorsement was made Thursday morning and it went to Justin Sargent, the former legislative aide who has worked especially hard this year to attract labor support in a multi-candidate contest where contenders are looking for every advantage. Sargent already had the endorsement of United Auto Workers Local 95 Janesville-Madison, as well as financial support from the United Transportation Union.
Now, he's got the Painters, a union that has developed its political operations to such an extent that its endorsement is now among the most coveted -- along with those of the Fire Fighters, the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees and the Service Employees International Union -- in national and state races.
"In a crowded primary, Justin Sargent stands out," said John Jorgensen, business manager/secretary treasurer, Painters & Allied Trades District Council 7, in a release. "He is passionate about promoting educational and economic opportunity in Wisconsin, His experience in both small business and in the legislature gives him the tools to hit the ground running. Sargent is running for all the right reasons and would best reflect the values and concerns of the people of the 81st Assembly District."
The District 7 council has 2,400 members in the region. And its endorsement comes with a prospect of financial and volunteer support, so you can bet that the candidate is sincere when he says, "I deeply appreciate the support and endorsement from the hard working men and women of Painters and Allied Trades District 7. They understand the importance this primary has in providing an effective strong voice for my friends and neighbors in the 81st Assembly District. As I walk door-to-door, I hear their concerns about education funding, the healthcare crisis, and frustration with partisan gridlock echoed by voters from Madison to Mazomanie. I'm committed to tackling these tough issues."
The other candidates in the Democratic primary contest are Waunakee Village President John Laubmeier, Madison restaurant owner Peng Her, former lobbyist Eric Englund, Dane County Assistant District Attorney Tim Kiefer and former NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin Executive Director Kelda Helen Roys.
The 81st district includes much of the northeast side of the city, along with Waunakee, Black Earth, Cross Plains, Mazomanie and the towns of Westport, Springfield and Berry.
The primary is September 9.
The Painters & Allied Trades District 7 announced Thursday its support for former legislative aide Justin Sargent in the Democratic primary for the 81st Assembly.
