Working families made their voices heard on Election Day by voting for candidates who stand up for rebuilding the economy, putting people back to work and protecting vital services for residents.

Alexi Giannoulias’ acceptance speech was more about the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate’s plan to put people to work as it was a campaign victory speech.  Giannoulias defeated his Primary Election challengers on a message of standing up for working people like he did at Hartmarx where, as state treasurer, he intervened to help save hundreds of jobs in Cook County from going overseas.

In a close race for Governor, both candidates had support from organized labor.  In the end, Governor Pat Quinn emerged as the nominee and stands to receive the unified support of a labor movement that is committed to putting people back to work in Illinois.  In recent weeks the state Illinois has received $1.2 billion in federal funding for high speed rail and helped Ford bring 1,200 jobs to its Chicago production facility. 

“This election was more about our issues than ever before,” said Dennis Gannon, President of the Chicago Federation of Labor.  “More than two years into the worst recession in generations, people are focused on getting our economy back on track.  We need candidates who will get out there and create jobs for working men and women.”