Schatz Wins Backing of Hawaii’s Biggest Union

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Sen. Brian Schatz scored the endorsement of the Hawaii Government Employees Association, which had been one of challenger Rep. Colleen Hanabusa’s main supporters.

HGEA is an affiliate of AFSCME and the largest union in the state with over 42,000 members. In a statement from the Schatz campaign, HGEA President Jackie HGEA President Jackie Ferguson-Miyamoto was silent about Hanabusa. 

Ferguson-Miyamoto said, “Senator Schatz has a perfect voting record on labor issues in Congress and has demonstrated a solid commitment to protecting Social Security and Medicare. His dedication to improving the quality of life for working families is reflected in his leadership and resides in his heart.”

The endorsement brings to 24 the number of endorsements Schatz has received thus far, including from a number of unions.

According to Project Vote Smart, Hanabusa has been no slouch on labor issues, with a 97 percent voting record with AFSCME.

The loss of the endorsement may sting for Hanabusa, a former labor lawyer. AFSCME was Hanabusa’s 11th largest contributor in the 2011-12 campaign cycle, having given her $10,000, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.

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—Kery Murakami

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