Burger: Ohio Voters Support Leaders Who Support Working Families

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 7, 2006

CONTACT: Carole Florman
202-721-6045 direct
301-580-4364 after hours

WASHINGTON, DC -- Following is a statement from Anna Burger, chair of Change to Win on the results of the vote in Ohio.

"Today, working people voted with a simple, common belief - if we take action and make our voices heard, we can help bring about change. What these election results show us is that while corporations may have spent millions, it's working families who vote.

"For months, thousands of members of Change to Win unions in Ohio have joined with other union members to elect leaders who will fight to make work pay for ordinary Americans, not just corporate America. Our affiliate members made almost 1.5 million calls, distributed close to 100,000 campaign flyers, and knocked on tens of thousands of doors to support Ted Strickland, Sherrod Brown and other pro-worker candidates around the state.

"And Ohio voters also helped give a raise to workers less fortunate who Congress, for too long, has ignored.

"This extraordinary effort has paid off, but our work is far from over.  Governor-elect Strickland and Senator-elect Brown have a big job ahead of them shaped by the economic concerns that all working people share: affordable health care, job security, the freedom to form a union, and a retirement with dignity.

"And Change to Win and our affiliates will continue to do our part by uniting workers in their industries, because we believe that a vibrant, growing labor movement is the best way to strengthen workers voices, hold our elected leaders accountable and restore the American Dream."