Hoffa: Michigan Voters Support Leaders Who Support Working Families

DETROIT - Following is a statement from James P. Hoffa, General President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and member of the Change to Win Leadership Council on the results of the 2006 vote in Michigan.

"Working families in Michigan have much to celebrate tonight.  The voters of Michigan have spoken and they have said that they support leaders who support working families.

"Governor Granholm has worked hard to help create good new jobs throughout the state, and supports policies that help working families.  Senator Debbie Stabenow has stood firm against the Bush administration giveaways to big business, and is a fighter for everyday American needs such as lower drug costs and a livable wage.

"Over the past few months thousands of members of Michigan Change to Win unions have pounded the pavement on their behalf. Together, they made more than 1 million calls, and distributed three quarters of a million worksite campaign flyers to support Governor Granholm, Senator Stabenow and many other pro-worker candidates around the state.

"But our work is not over.  Governor Granholm and Senator Stabenow 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."