CWA locals split in Senate race

Different locals of the Communications Workers of America split over Sen. Frank Lautenberg and Rep. Rob Andrews today.

Andrews, who is challenging Lautenberg for the Democratic nomination, got the endorsement of CWA Local 1034, whose president is Carla Katz, the former paramour of Governor Corzine.

"Rob Andrews has always been a true friend of working families in New Jersey and the nation," Katz said. "He is one of the leading advocates in Washington for the economic benefits and health and safety standards he believes should be afforded all workers."

Continuing on Andrews' theme of including veiled references to the 84-year-old Lautenberg's age in nearly every statement, Katz said the local chose Andrews because the Democratic Party "needs a candidate who will mount a vigorous campaign against the Republicans in the fall, and New Jersey needs a new, energetic voice in the Senate to fight for the middle class."

Local 1034 represents 16,000 public- and private-sector workers in the state, according to the Andrews campaign.

Lautenberg followed with an announcement that CWA Locals 1032 and 1039 were endorsing him. Leaders of both locals and Lautenberg cited the Employee Free Choice Act that Lautenberg supports, which would make it easier for unions to sign up workers for bargaining in the workplace.

"Our members feel that Frank Lautenberg is the right choice for New Jersey and deserves to stay in the United States Senate," said Local 1039 President Thomas J. Palermo Jr. The Lautenberg campaign said Local 1039 has 6,000 members.

"Senator Frank Lautenberg has always stood with us on issues of importance to our members," said Local 1032 President Jim Marketti. The campaign said Local 1032 also has about 6,000 members working in  New Jersey state departments, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and municipal and private sector workplaces.