Scandal-ridden DA Loses Major Union Endorsement

Failed Messiah
July 22, 2013

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In a major blow to Brooklyn District Attorney Charles J. Hynes, New York City’s largest labor union, 1199/SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, today announced its unanimous endorsement Ken Thompson for Brooklyn District Attorney. Representing over 220,000 members in New York City and 100,000 members and retirees in Brooklyn alone, the union cited Ken Thompson's commitment to justice as the major reason for its endorsement of Thompson and rejection of Hynes, whose sloppy prosecutions and shady tactics have brought condemnation from diverse political leaders, legal scholars and community activists alike.

The press release:

1199/SEIU UNANIMOUSLY ENDORSES KEN THOMPSON FOR BROOKLYN DISTRICT ATTORNEY

Surging Campaign Lands Coveted Endorsement Of NYC’s Largest Labor Union With Over 220,000 Members; Major Blow To D.A. Hynes

1199 Brings Unmatched Election Operation Including Thousands Of Volunteers, Massive Phone Banking Program, Direct Mail And Other GOTV Activities

Thompson: I’m Honored To Have The Support Of 1199/SEIU & Will Stand Up For The Hardworking Men And Women of Brooklyn

BROOKLYN – Citing his commitment to justice, New York City’s largest labor union, 1199/SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, today announced its unanimous endorsement Ken Thompson for Brooklyn District Attorney. Representing over 220,000 members in New York City and 100,000 members and retirees in Brooklyn alone, 1199SEIU’s endorsement brings with it an unmatched election operation that includes thousands of volunteers on the ground, a massive phone banking operation, direct mail and other get-out-the-vote activities. In a major blow to D.A. Hynes, today’s endorsement from 1199/SEIU comes on the heels of recent endorsements for Thompson from Brooklyn Congressmembers Yvette Clarke and Hakeem Jeffries, Bay Ridge Democrats, Lambda Independent Democrats, Brooklyn-Queens NOW PAC and Muslim Democrats of New York.

“1199 SEIU is extremely proud to endorse Ken Thompson for Brooklyn District Attorney," said George Gresham, President of 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. "Ken’s impressive life story, strong record fighting for justice, and deep commitment to standing up for working families are what make him the clear choice in this race. Ken is the right leader with the right vision to bring real change to the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office. Our members will work hard to ensure that Ken is resoundingly elected this fall.”

“I am so honored to have the unanimous support of the hardworking men and women of 1199/ SEIU. From the civil rights movement to health care reform, 1199 has always been on the right side of history. This is an incredible show of support for our growing campaign to restore integrity to the Brooklyn District Attorney's office,” said former federal prosecutor and candidate for Brooklyn D.A. Ken Thompson. “I would like to thank the members of this outstanding union for their support – you can rest assured that I will stand up for Brooklyn’s working and middle-class families when I become District Attorney. Together, we will build a stronger, safer and more just future for our communities."

The largest union in New York City, 1199/SEIU has over 100,000 members and retirees in Brooklyn alone, and is known for its stellar field operation and long track record of electoral victories. 1199 SEIU represents 275,000 politically engaged nurses and healthcare workers in New York State who are deeply connected to their communities and will work to mobilize on Thompson's behalf. The union plans to direct mail, phone-bank and go door-to-door to all members and retirees across the borough.

The husband of a nurse and the son of one of the first female NYPD officers to patrol the city, Ken Thompson has fought to ensure equal justice and equal protection for everyone throughout his career. As a federal prosecutor in the United States Attorney's Office in Brooklyn, he investigated and prosecuted a wide range of criminal cases. He was part of the legal team that delivered justice for Abner Louima, who suffered some of the most horrific acts of police brutality ever committed in the history of New York City. In private practice, Ken has stood up for victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and employment discrimination to ensure that their voices were not drowned out by the wealth or political connections of their abusers.

For more information on Ken's campaign for District Attorney, visit: www.KenThompson4DA.com