Labor Launches "Last & Final" Push For Gray In DC Mayoral Race

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)

“This is the time when elections are decided,” American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten said to more than 100 union members at last night’s get-out-the-vote rally for Vince Gray at AFT headquarters. “People who live and survive in this city want a voice and for too long they have been denied that voice. It’s time to not only talk the talk, but to walk the walk!” Local educator and Washington Teachers Union member Pat Rayner told Union City that “Working people from all walks of life across this city are pulling for Gray.” He added, “We’re tired of being intimidated – now’s the time to bring the community back into the decision-making process and we believe that will happen with Gray as Mayor.” After the rally, union members set out across the city to knock on doors and make phone calls to union voters in a “last and final push” to turn out votes for Gray. Washington Teachers Union President George Parker (above) added that “right now” is the time to “spend every last bit of energy we have to elect Vince Gray as Mayor of the District of Columbia and restore respect, transparency and accountability to the residents of this city!” Union members across the District and in Maryland will be blitzing labor households today until the polls close with phone calls and lit-drops to help get out the vote. Click here to view the complete list of labor-endorsed candidates on the Metro Washington Council’s website and to find your polling place; contact your local union to volunteer (click here for a directory). A “victory party” for Vince Gray is scheduled for 6:30P at the Washington Court Hotel; all are welcome. - report/photo by Adam Wright