Birmingham, AL –The statewide affiliates of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) voted unanimously to endorse Rep. Earl Hilliard, Jr. in his effort to become Alabama’s next Congressman, filling the open seat in Alabama’s 7^th Congressional District.

In making the endorsement, Bill Blackman, President of Local 136, stated, “we’ve only ever known Representative Hilliard to be a fair and honest legislator.  We expect big things from him in the years ahead and are proud to stand by him in this important election.”

“IBEW is one of the more prominent unions in this great state and represents members in various industries – such as construction, utilities, manufacturing, and others.  I am proud to have their support and consider it an honor to work tirelessly to bring about a new day in the 7^th Congressional District.  I  envision a time when the families and children of these hard working men and women will not feel compelled to leave Alabama in search of better opportunities,” stated Rep. Hilliard.

Rep. Hilliard was a 2008 delegate for President Barack Obama.  He currently serves as the State Representative for Alabama District 60, representing parts of Western Birmingham, and as a Vice Chairman of the Labor and Economic Development Committee with the National Conference of State Legislators.  Recognized as a leader amongst his peers, Rep. Hilliard received the 2009 Rising Star and 2009 Father of the Year awards from the Birmingham Area chapter of the NAACP, was named a 2009 Legislative Conservationist of the Year by the Alabama Wildlife Foundation, and was selected as the 2008 Freshman Legislator of the Year by the Alabama House Democratic Caucus.  He is married, has two children and is a member of Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church of North Pratt.

Rep. Earl Hilliard, Jr. has also been endorsed by the Congressional Black Caucus Political Action Committee, the American Postal Workers Union and the Alabama State Council of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, and the Central Alabama Building and Construction Trades Council: Asbestos Workers local 78, Boilermakers local 108, Bricklayers local 1, Carpenters local 127, Electrical Workers locals 136 & 443, Elevator Constructors local 24, Operating Engineers local 312, Laborers local 559, Millwrights local 1192, Painters local 57, Plumbers locals 91, 52 & 498, Sheet Metal Workers local 48, Sprinkler Fitters local 669, Structural Iron Workers local 92, and the Teamsters local 612 unions., as well as the Professional Firefighters of Alabama, and the Alabama Farmers Federation (ALFA).  For more information about Rep. Hilliard visit his website at www.HilliardForCongress.com or become a fan of ‘Earl Hilliard, Jr.’ on Facebook.

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