Hoffa, Teamsters Rally To Support Gretchen Whitmer In Final Push To Election Day

Michigan Gubernatorial Candidate Supported by Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa, Teamsters and Community Members at 'Get Out the Vote' Event

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International Brotherhood of Teamsters

Oct 31, 2018, 14:50 ET

FLINT, Mich., Oct. 31, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa led a final 'get out the vote' rally at Teamsters Local 332 Tuesday evening in support of Gretchen Whitmer for governor of Michigan.

Hoffa was joined by Teamsters Joint Council 43 President Greg Nowak, Local 332 President Nina Bugbee, Teamsters and community members, along with union and political leaders, in support of Whitmer and her Lieutenant Governor running mate Garlin Gilchrist.

The Teamsters Union officially announced its endorsement of Whitmer on March 9. Whitmer is campaigning in support of workers and retirees, on a pledge to create good-paying jobs, fix critical infrastructure and repeal the retirement tax.

"We need to make sure we go to the polls and vote. We've got a candidate who believes in us and can say the word 'union.' She walks the walk. She believes in what we believe in—a better America and a chance for all of us. We all love this state and this is the opportunity for us to turn this thing around. We've got the candidate to do that in Gretchen Whitmer," Hoffa said.

"The UAW and Teamsters are here in the same room for a great cause. We need to keep this momentum going. Gretchen is an endless candidate and has a great running mate. It's important we get out the vote," Nowak said.

Bugbee noted her mother, a UAW member, came to Michigan to work on a production line in order to provide a middle class living for her family.

"My mother was able to work that job because of the good union men who said that if a woman can do the job, she can have the job. Gretchen Whitmer can do the job and should get the job as our governor!" Bugbee said.

"We have the opportunity to pave this road from crisis to recovery and it's going to be by electing Gretchen Whitmer," said Steve Dawes, Assistant Director of UAW Region 1D.

Rep. Dan Kildee (D-MI, 5^th District) said there is one thing that defines Michiganders—they don't give up.

"We have a chance to take back our state and give every kid the chance to get an education, and every worker the ability to retire with dignity. That's what this election is all about. That's why Gretchen Whitmer is going to take us to victory because those are the things she's always stood for and fought for," Kildee said.

Gilchrist called on the rally participants to spread the word about the importance of voting on November 6.

"I'm here as your brother in this movement because we have a lot of work to do," Gilchrist said. "We need to step up and make phone calls, knock on more doors, send more text messages, and have more conversations because we need to pull people together across the finish line. We need allies in order to govern, lead and win the future of Michigan. Can you do that with us?"

Whitmer thanked the crowd for their dedication and support.

"I'm so glad to be here with you in the house that labor built, because labor built the middle class in Michigan," Whitmer said. "I'm proud to have the support of the Teamsters and working families all over the state. We've got all the momentum in this race, but we're not taking anything for granted. We're keeping our foot on the gas and doing everything we can to get out the vote between now and Election Day, and today's rally is a great way to kick things off."

For more information on Gretchen Whitmer, visit: https://www.gretchenwhitmer.com/

Teamsters Joint Council 43 covers the entire state of Michigan with 12 local unions representing over 65,000 Teamsters.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and "like" us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.

Contact:
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SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters