FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 8, 2011

CONTACT:
Anthony A. Caldwell, Media Relations Liaison
Phone: (330)651-2042 | acaldwell@seiu1199.org

SEIU District 1199 WV/KY/OH Members Endorse President Barack Obama in 2012

Working people ready to fight for a vision of America with a strong middle class and a better future for all working families.

COLUMBUS, OH - The 35,000 members of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) District 1199 announced their endorsement of President Barack Obama for re-election in 2012. The endorsement is a part of a broader "99 percent strategy" to create good jobs now, end devastating cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security and other critical programs, require everyone to pay their fair share in taxes, and create a fair path to citizenship for immigrant workers.

"President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden are true champions for working people in America," said Becky Williams, President of SEIU District 1199. "In just three short years, President Obama has made healthcare more accessible for all Americans, leveled the playing field for women in the workplace and is focused on creating good jobs that will rebuild the middle class. That's the kind of leadership we need and I stand in solidarity supporting Barack Obama."

Today's announcement comes in conjunction with the national endorsement by the 2.1 million-member SEIU. The endorsement is the culmination of a six month conversation among SEIU members and leaders across the country that evaluated the candidates, identified members' priorities, and ultimately led to a final endorsement.

With the endorsement, SEIU is committing to a robust campaign to engage SEIU members and their families and friends as well as the general public in the fight to re-elect President Obama. This campaign will include direct voter contact and field operations such as phone banks, door-to-door canvassing, and increased COPE, or Political Action Committee, fundraising.

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