The International Association of Fire Fighters on Monday endorsed Labor Secretary Tom Perez’s campaign to become the next chairman of the Democratic National Committee.
IAFF President Harold A. Schaitberger said Mr. Perez could strengthen ties between Democrats and labor groups.
“The Democrats need a new leader who is committed to broadening the Party’s base, using a strong economic message that is truly inclusive of everyone, so it can get back to a winning coalition that put its arms around all workers, rather than the narrow focus on identity and cultural politics that alienated many of its core voters in the last election,” Mr. Schaitberger said.
“In the race for Chair of the Democratic Party, our union believes Tom Perez is the person who has the right mix of personal background, progressive values, experience and total commitment to all workers, in all regions and states across the country to do just that,” he said.
Mr. Perez is running against Rep. Keith Ellison of Minnesota, as well as New Hampshire Democratic Chair Ray Buckley and South Carolina Democratic Chair Jaime Harrison.
The IAFF disagreed this month when the AFL-CIO executive board voted to endorse Mr. Ellison earlier this month.
• Seth McLaughlin can be reached at smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.