Rand Knight Picks Up AFL-CIO Endorsement

In what may be the most unlikely endorsement of the 2008 Democratic U.S. Senate campaign, the Georgia AFL-CIO announced their supporter of political newcomer Rand Knight.

Richard Ray, President of the Georgia AFL-CIO, cited Knight's knowledge and firm stance on issues directly affecting labor unions as integral qualities for a Senator. “Rand is a very passionate young man, very much in tune with the issues that the labor unions have on their agenda, such as health care for everyone.

"The working families of Georgia are struggling to raise families, pay their taxes, support education, and cope with the continued increase in healthcare costs, " Ray said. "Rand Knight knows how to combine energy and the environment with the economy and working families. Rand is listening to working Georgians and he shares our goals."

Rand Knight, a first-time candidate for office, beat out the Democrats' 2006 Lt. Governor nominee, Jim Martin, for the labor community's crucial support. Martin was recruited by the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) to challenge Republican Saxby Chambliss in November and quickly amassed a campaign warchest of more than $300,000. Labor's endorsement of a lesser known candidate in the U.S. Senate race is seen by some as a sign that Jim Martin's stiffest primary competition isn't limited to DeKalb County CEO Vernon Jones.

Knight accepted the state AFL-CIO's support saying he was honored to receive the support of an organization that fights for working families all across Georgia.

"The working men and women of Georgia deserve a champion in the United States Senate, someone who has fire-in-the-belly and has the guts to wear down these Republicans, but also knows when to reach across the aisle," Knight said. "We have an opportunity here in Georgia to create jobs, lower our gas prices through renewable energy resources, and revitalize our struggling economy. We are being held hostage by these energy producing countries.

"We must stop sending billions of dollars over seas for foreign oil. We can create diesel and gasoline in our own backyard using agricultural waste. When I am elected to the United States Senate I will work to ensure that Georgia's working families are not forgotten. The sun is setting on Saxby Chambliss, it's Knight time!"