Hakeem Jeffries Scores CWA [Video]

This afternoon, Brooklyn Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries announced the endorsement of the fairly influential Communication Workers of America District 1, which represents over 175,000 building workers throughout the region.

This move is the latest in a small string of labor endorsements in Mr. Jeffries’ campaign to unseat veteran Congressman Ed Towns. He’s already been endorsed by United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1500 and the New York State Council of Machinists, a remarkable early development for a challenger to a Democratic incumbent.

Mr. Jeffries has also received, apparently, some financial backing from the Police Benevolent Association, something the third candidate in the race, Councilman Charles Barron, found objectionable.

Labor can provide important organizational support for what could easily be an extremely low turnout election. In fact, because congressional elections look likely to have a separate primary election date from other elections this year, Mr. Jeffries’ election may very well be the only contested race on the ballot in the district.

Voters head to the polls June 26th.

Update: After the event, Bob Master, the director of legislative/political of the union, told reporters the CWA would be working to get additional resources into the race, which he called “our top priority” in New York City.

“We will lead the fight inside the Working Families Party to get a Working Families Party endorsement for Assemblyman Jeffries in the primary,” he said, adding “there’s very serious consideration to a significant independent expenditure in the race as well, by labor.”

Watch the event below: