FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 16, 2009

Ozark, AL – The Alabama State Council of Machinists and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) has formally endorsed State Representative Earl Hilliard, Jr. in the race for Alabama’s 7th Congressional District.

The endorsement was announced last night at the Alabama State Council of Machinists’ holiday dinner in Ozark, AL. The dinner was attended by various representatives and labor leaders from the IAMAW and other unions. Larry Keel, President of the Alabama State Council, remarked “Rep. Hilliard has impressed us with his forthright demeanor and common sense approach to addressing some of the greatest problems facing our society in today’s day and age. We are pleased that he was able to join us tonight and look forward to helping elect him to Congress.”

The Alabama State Council of Machinists represents approximately 6,000 members statewide in the Aerospace, Automotive, and Transportation industries. The men and women of the Alabama State Council of Machinists perform functions such as building and servicing commercial and military airplanes, aircraft engines, missiles and rockets, aerospace electronic gear, satellites and space vehicles, and auto mechanics.

Recently returning from a conference on labor and economic development, Rep. Hilliard referenced the growing number of issues affecting trade and industry in America stating, “In an increasingly competitive global economy there is no shortage of threats to local job security. The Machinists Union represents employees of some of the most vital industries in Alabama, and I am honored to say thanks. These hard working men and women have helped Alabama and America maintain a top position in the world when it comes to the technical trades.”

Rep. Hilliard was a 2008 delegate for President Barack Obama. He currently serves as a 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 and the American Postal Workers Union. 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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