USW Supports Halter in Arkansas Senate Race

Failure of Lincoln to Stand Up for Workers Key in Decision

BENTON, Ark., March 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Arkansas members of the United Steelworkers (USW) today announced support of Lt. Gov. Bill Halter in the U.S. Senate primary challenge to incumbent Democrat Blanche Lincoln.

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The USW is the largest private sector union in Arkansas, representing a large slice of the state's working families. Those workers are sending a message to elected officials around the country that they are looking for real solutions to our economic, health care and other challenges.

"It seems like some politicians in Washington have forgotten about us, everyday people who live and work and raise our families in Arkansas," said Michael Martin, a machine operator from Malvern, AR. "Bill Halter is a candidate who will stand with us and work for us, not just big corporations. We're tired of business of usual. It's time for change in Arkansas and at the U.S. Senate."

John "Mickey" Breaux, the director for USW's District 13, which includes Arkansas, said rank-and-file members are energized by Halter's candidacy and are looking forward to educating fellow members, volunteering for his campaign and turning out the vote.

"Our members who live and work in Arkansas understand that we can no longer afford politicians who stand in the way of the creation of good jobs or federal nominees who are needed at agencies on which workers depend," Breaux said. "We won't support those who don't support the right to more easily bargain for a better life or those who obstruct real health insurance reform. We're done with those who time and time again choose big corporations and Wall Street over Main Street."

Halter, who announced his candidacy March 1, has supported working families in his role as lieutenant governor as well as in various other political and private sector positions, including serving as a senior advisor at the Office of Management and Budget in the Clinton Administration.

Jobs and education are Halter's top priorities, and he has said it's time elected officials in Washington do better at representing working families.

"Working families in Arkansas know Halter's record, including his role in passing a state lottery that sends our kids to college and his work helping the poor get access to health care. This is the kind of voice we need in the U.S. Senate," Martin added.

The USW represents 850,000 workers in the U.S. and Canada employed in the industries of metals, rubber, chemicals, paper, oil refining and the service sector. For more information: www.usw.org/.

CONTACT: Ben Lilienfeld of USW, +1-832-373-9754

SOURCE United Steelworkers (USW)