Massachusetts AFL-CIO and U.S. Senator John Kerry co-sponsor successful breakfast at the Democratic State Convention

Senator Kerry speaking about the importance of organized labor during the breakfast

Massachusetts AFL-CIO and U.S. Senator John Kerry co-sponsor successful breakfast at the Democratic State Convention

On Saturday, June 7th, the Massachusetts AFL-CIO held its Annual Breakfast in conjunction with the Democratic State Convention. The breakfast, held just outside of the Tsongas Arena in Lowell before the start of the Democratic State Convention, was a great success with many prominent elected officials speaking to the audience of delegates, labor leaders, and fellow Democrats. Click here to view photos from the breakfast.

This year's breakfast was co-sponsored by John Kerry, junior U.S. Senator of Massachusetts and a strong friend of organized labor. Senator Kerry spoke first, thanking everyone for their continued support and touting the many reasons he wants to be re-elected to continue his life of public service, one of which is to ensure that the Employee Free Choice Act is passed into law. John Kerry has been a powerful ally for working families across the nation during his 23 years in the Senate.

"It was a beautiful day and a tremendous breakfast event that we were honored to co-host with Senator Kerry this past Saturday in Lowell," said President Haynes, who emceed the event. "The turnout of elected officials was a testament to just how strongly our elected leaders care about the needs of working families. I don't know any other organization that can draw such a large crowd with such distinguished guests."

Senator Kerry is up for re-election this year, and the AFL-CIO has officially endorsed him and is committed to working hard to ensure that Senator Kerry earns another term in Washington. In addition to being challenged by a Republican in the General, he now has a Democratic Primary challenger. However, Senator Kerry's outstanding Labor Voting Record speaks for itself, and he has gained respect and loyalty during his decades of public service. This was apparent at the Democratic State Convention where Senator Kerry garnered well over three-quarters of the Democratic State Convention's support.  

The Massachusetts Congressional Delegation was well-represented at the
Congresswoman Niki Tsongasbreakfast, with Congressmen Tierney, Markey and Congresswoman Tsongas all giving spirited remarks. All three spoke of their support for Senator Kerry, and of the future of the Democratic Party in national and state politics. They encouraged everyone to do their part to ensure that more Democrats are elected to the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate from important neighboring battleground states, including New Hampshire and Maine, this year. Congressman John Olver also attended and said hello to the crowd.

Mark MacKenzie, President of the New Hampshire AFL-CIO, echoed the sentiments of the day, thanking Massachusetts members for their support in trying to elect former New Hampshire Governor Jeanne Shaheen to the U.S. Senate over anti-union incumbent, Senator John Sununu. Also there to stress the importance of growing the Democratic numbers in both Houses of Congress was Governor Shaheen's daughter, Stefany, who spoke on behalf of her mother. Ms. Shaheen described what her mother will stand for once elected to the Senate: health care reform, the Employee Free Choice Act, energy independence, and social justice that will give a voice to working families.

Massachusetts Constitutional Officers including Governor Deval Patrick, Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray, State Auditor Joseph DeNucci, Secretary of State William Galvin, and Attorney General Martha Coakley all spoke about the progress made in Massachusetts over the past two years with a Democratic State House and a Democratic Administration.


Ed Mills and President Robert J. Haynes
Doug Belanger, Ken Donnelly, and Ed Mills addressed the crowd as well. All three are union members running for open seats in the state legislature this year. Belanger, Organizing Director of UFCW 1445, is running to replace Senator Augustus. Donnelly, of Secretar-Treasurer of the PFFM, is running to replace Senator Marzilli. Mills, of the Boston Carmen's Union, is running to replace Representative Loscoco. All three are running in open seats.

All of the speakers emphasized that the Democratic Party must unite in order to be effective, from the national level down to state and local level. Repeated calls were made to urge Massachusetts residents to help neighbors in Maine and New Hampshire to elect Democrats to House and Senate seats. With motivational speeches, an eager audience, a beautiful day, and the anticipation of the Democratic State Convention, the breakfast was a great success.