Minnesota Lawyer
Debbie White
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 5 announced its endorsement this morning of Winona City Councilmember Debbie White’s bid to unseat state Rep. Gene Pelowski, DFL-Winona.
Should Pelowski decide to seek a 13th term representing District 31A, White, a DFLer, will challenge him for the party’s endorsement. Pelowski has said he normally announces his re-election plans after the end of the legislative session.
The AFSCME endorsement is further evidence that labor unions are focused on defeating Pelowski for his votes against last session’s omnibus tax bill. AFSCME noted Pelowski’s votes in a news release.
“He ignored hundreds of calls to raise revenue fairly and invest in our community. Instead, he helped Gov. [Tim] Pawlenty’s allies protect tax breaks for the wealthy, while cutting the vital public services that working families need most when they’re losing their jobs, their homes and their health care,” said Paul Bissen, chairman of AFSCME’s screening committee.
More detail on the District 31A race appeared yesterday in PIM.
