AFL-CIO Convention Kicks Off Political Convention In Hartford

The Connecticut AFL-CIO begins its political convention in Hartford today. Both the Democratic and Republican candidates for governor are scheduled to address the delegates. WNPR’s Harriet Jones reports.

 

More than 400 attendees are expected to hear Dan Malloy, the Democratic nominee for governor, and Tom Foley, the Republican candidate speak at the Hilton Hotel on Trumbull Street today. The federation of labor unions is expected to announce its endorsements on Tuesday.

 

The state’s high profile U.S. Senate race will also be represented: Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, the Democratic candidate is scheduled to address the convention. Republican Linda McMahon has also been invited, but it is unclear whether she plans to attend.  

 

The AFL-CIO says it has changed its focus from previous election cycles, when it concentrated on the races in particular congressional districts. Now it will spread its resources statewide, placing election coordinators in all five districts, and taking in the governor’s race as well as some competitive general assembly seats. The organization plans to leaflet workplaces, distribute mailers and organize a phone campaign on behalf of its endorsed candidates. 

 

Former presidential candidate and Vermont Governor Howard Dean is the keynote speaker at the two day political convention. Senator Chris Dodd will also address the group. 

 

For WNPR, I'm Harriet Jones.