The Rhode Island AFL-CIO Executive Board announced today it was endorsing Congressman Robert Weygand for the Democratic nomination for the United States Senate. In a press release announcing the decision, President Frank Montanaro explained that "Congressman Weygand has proven to be a tireless advocate and courageous champion on behalf of working people. Congressman Weygand's endorsement was based on his strong stands on issues important to working families including a 100% voting record with the National AFL-CIO, constant support for raising the minimum wage, innovative work on proposals to lower the cost of prescription drugs for seniors and retirees, supporting the creation of fair trade policies, and advocating the rebuilding of America's public schools."

In other action, the Executive Board endorsed Patrick Kennedy for the first congressional district and decided to take no position in the second congressional district.

Last week, the Rhode Island National Education Association endorsed Weygand's Democratic opponent, Richard Licht.

The AFL-CIO endorsement is highly sought in Rhode Island because the AFL-CIO is the state's largest labor organization, with more than 225 unions participating in the federation and a total of 80,000 members.