Appointed Senator Brian Schatz (D. HI) scored another big endorsement for his 2014 campaign:
http://hawaii.news.blogs.civilbeat.com/...
A union official said the Hawaii Building and Construction Trades Council and at least one of its member unions will announce this afternoon they are endorsing Sen. Brian Schatz for re-election.
The obvious question is why not wait to see if Rep. Colleen Hanabusa is running for the seat.
“We’re trying to push her to run against the governor,” said the official, who is involved in the process. “She’s not getting the endorsements from HBCT or the trade unions if she runs against the senator.”
As for Schatz, the official said the 40-year-old would be in a position to build seniority and gain power in the Senate. “That’s what (the late Sen. DanieI Inouye) did. He was 30-something (when he entered Congress) and that’s how Hawaii was able to be protected.” - Honolulu Civil Beat, 4/3/13
Schatz expressed his gratitude for their endorsement:
http://www.hawaiireporter.com/...
“I’m thankful to have the support of the Hawaii Building and Construction Trades Council, its unions, and their incredible membership,” said Senator Schatz. “I have worked with these groups throughout my career, and their success is integral to economic growth and development in Hawaii. The Building Trades Council has made ‘Build a Better Tomorrow’ its motto, and I could not agree more. Hawaii’s brightest days are still ahead if we have the right people working on our behalf in the United States Senate. I am grateful for the support, and I pledge to keep fighting to ensure prosperity and success in the future.”
Along with the Hawaii Building and Construction Trades Council, the following member unions are endorsing Senator Schatz:
Plumbers, Local 675
Elevator Constructors, Local 126
Drywall, Tapers, and Finishers, Local 1944
Glaziers, Local 1889
Boilermakers, Local 204
Painters and Allied Trades, Local 1791
IBEW, Local 1186
Heat and Frost Insulators, Local 132
Teamsters, Local 996
Roofers, Local 221
Iron Workers, Local 625 - Hawaii Report, 4/4/13
Schatz recently earned endorsements from the University of Hawaii Professional Assembly and the League of Conservation Voters Fund:
http://www.dailykos.com/...
The League of Conservation Voters (LCV) Action Fund, which works to elect candidates who will implement sound environmental policies, announced today its endorsement of Brian Schatz for U.S. Senate from Hawaii. Schatz has made addressing climate change and investing in clean energy a top priority throughout his career and will continue this strong leadership in the U.S. Senate.
“Brian Schatz is a lifelong environmentalist and a proven leader on climate change policy,” said LCV Action Fund President Gene Karpinski. “He has championed clean energy initiatives that have put Hawaii at the forefront of utilizing renewable energy and reducing dependence on petroleum. We will need his continued leadership in the U.S. Senate.”
Schatz has led on climate change and environmental policies since his time serving in the state legislature. While serving as Hawaii’s Lieutenant Governor, Schatz helped implement the state’s landmark clean energy initiative, which has helped the state get 18 percent of its energy from renewable sources. Schatz also spearheaded Hawaii’s work with the Pacific Island nations to invest in smart grid projects, and helped to develop the largest wind energy facility in Hawaii.
Schatz is in a unique position to make progress on environmental legislation, as he is a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, as well as Chair of the Subcommittee on Water and Power. Already, during his short tenure in the U.S. Senate, Schatz has distinguished himself by supporting an effort to put a price on carbon pollution, which is responsible for climate change and the extreme weather we’ve experienced in recent years. - League of Conservation Voters, 3/27/13
I fully support Schatz's re-election campaign, He has vowed to make climate change a top priority and I am impressed by how fast he has been working on this issue in the Senate and he deserves to be elected to a full term. If you would like to donate to his campaign, you can do so here:
https://secure.actblue.com/...
