Hudson - In an unprecedented move, the 2.5 million AFL-CIO members state wide endorsed Kirsten Gillibrand in her bid to unseat incumbent John Sweeney.  Gillibrand is the Democratic candidate in New York's 20th Congressional District.  In the past, Representative Sweeney has enjoyed some labor support and it was widely anticipated that the State Federation would not recommend an endorsement in this race.  The groundswell of support for Gillibrand among the delegates of today's AFL-CIO convention made it apparent that she is Labor's candidate.

In response to the announcement Gillibrand said, "I am grateful and honored by the endorsement and support of our labor leaders.  The AFL-CIO has been the leading advocate for working families in this district and today I stand among them as a voice for real change and new direction in this country."

Mario Cilento, Spokesman for the New York State AFL-CIO remarked, "The NY AFL-CIO will work diligently from now until election day in support for Kirsten Gillibrand.  We will phone, hit the streets and educate our members on the importance of this race."  The 500 delegates at the convention today represent the 2.5 million AFL-CIO members state wide and the 3000 local unions that are a part of every city, town, community and neighborhood in this state.