AFSCME endorses candidates in key primary races
Our state has been plunged into a war over the rights and standard of living of working people. Governor Rauner launched this war with his attacks on unions, public employees, and public services. AFSCME endorsed the following two candidates in what will be tough races at the ballot box.
Juliana Stratton for Illinois State Representative (5th district)
Juliana Stratton, a long-time community activist, is challenging incumbent Ken Dunkin for state representative of the 5th legislative district in Chicago. Stratton, who received AFSCME Council 31’s endorsement, served four years in Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle’s administration as Executive Director of the Cook County Justice Advisory Council. A graduate of DePaul Law School, Stratton is Executive Director of Cook County Justice for Children and an officer on the local school council. Her mother is a retired AFSCME member and her sister is a public school teacher. She is committed to stand with public service workers.
Stratton takes on Rep. Dunkin (D-Chicago), who failed to support a key child care funding bill on the same day that he did not show up to support the union-backed fair arbitration bill by voting to override Rauner’s veto. The bill failed by one vote.
Senator Sam McCann for Illinois State Senator (50th district)
State Senator Sam McCann (R-Carlinville) has served as 50th District Senator since January 2011. McCann has a long track record of supporting working families, despite enormous pressure from Governor Rauner on the Republican caucus. McCann was the sole Republican who voted to support the union-backed fair arbitration bill in an attempt to override the governor’s veto.
Commenting on his vote to support a fair contract for all state employees, McCann said, “I followed the two C’s… My conscience and my constituents.”
McCann is endorsed by AFSCME Council 31 and the Sangamon County GOP.
