UAW backs Democrat Whitmer for Michigan governor

Democrat Gretchen Whitmer, 2018 Michigan gubernatorial candidate, being sworn-in as Ingham County prosecutor on June 21, 2016. (photo provided)
Democrat Gretchen Whitmer, 2018 Michigan gubernatorial candidate, being sworn-in as Ingham County prosecutor on June 21, 2016. (photo provided)

LANSING (AP) — Michigan’s largest labor union is endorsing Gretchen Whitmer for governor.

The United Auto Workers, which represents 385,000 active members and retirees in the state, announced the endorsement Monday at its international headquarters in Detroit. Whitmer, a former legislative leader, is among four main Democrats seeking the nomination in August’s primary election.

She previously won the backing of the Michigan Education Association, the state’s second-biggest union.

UAW President Dennis Williams says Whitmer is a “champion” who will protect members’ safety and jobs while strengthening their schools and communities. In her campaign, she has talked about protesting outside the Capitol when Republicans enacted a right-to-work law in 2012. (Continued below.)

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Whitmer says it is time Michigan workers “had a governor who will fix the roads and fight for working people.”

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