Each state legislative election year the Massachusetts AFL-CIO rolls out its “Special Friends” program where it identifies candidates for state legislator who are or will be tremendous supporters of working families. This year everyone in the labor family is fortunate to have another round of candidates who are not only stalwart supporters of labor, but four are also union members themselves. There are five individuals at this time that have been designated as Massachusetts AFL-CIO 2008 Special Friends because they have proven their commitment through the State Federation’s endorsement process, are in competitive elections, and union members can be the difference between victory and defeat for them. These candidates have been with labor in the past in various capacities and will continue to stand with labor in the legislature. All of these individuals have competitive primary elections and some have general elections. These 2008 Special Friends are:

- Ken Donnelly for State Senate (Fourth Middlesex District) – Primary

• Ken has been a union firefighter for over 3 decades and brings experience as a Legislative Agent and as Commissioner of the Public Employees Retirement Administration Commission (PERAC). He is currently Secretary-Treasurer of the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts.

- Doug Belanger for State Senate (Second Worcester) – Primary

• Doug is a Vice President, Business Agent and former organizer for UFCW Local 1445, is also Treasurer of the Central Mass. AFL-CIO and a Selectman in Leicester.

- Jen Flanagan for State Senate (Worcester and Middlesex) – Primary

• Jen has been a powerful ally for union members as a State Representative with a 100% Labor Voting Record, and faces a tough campaign against a former State Representative.

- Ed Mills for State Representative (8th Middlesex) – Primary

• Ed Mills has been a member of the Boston Carmen’s Union for 34 years and has been a dedicated activist in the Labor Movement. He is a Labor Delegate on the Democratic State Committee. Ed won the Democratic Primary for this seat in 2000.

- Julia Fahey for State Representative (29th Middlesex) – Primary

• Julia Fahey has been fighting for union members as the Associate General Counsel for NAGE/SEIU Local 5000.

As part of its Special Friends program, the Massachusetts AFL-CIO will do mailings, phonebanks, and robocalls for these candidates. The Massachusetts AFL-CIO urges everyone to get involved in these campaigns through contributions, and mailings and phonebanks to your members on their behalf. Click HERE to see the full list of endorsements.