AFL-CIO on Critz win

Expect a lot of talk in coming days about the big labor push for Mark Critz over Jason Altmire. The AFL-CIO is out first with a statement:

"The Pennsylvania AFL-CIO would like to congratulate all of the candidates on their hard fought victories today," said Pennsylvania AFL-CIO President Richard Bloomingdale. "It's now time to look towards the November election and redouble our efforts to ensure candidates who support working families in Pennsylvania are elected."

"Everyone is surprised but us in organized labor, and those who know Mark Critz!" said Pennsylvania AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Frank Snyder.

Pennsylvania unions contributed over 600 volunteers, who knocked on over 10,000 doors, made over 64,000 phone calls and sent over 36,000 pieces of mail.

UPDATE: And from the SEIU:

Harrisburg—Gabe Morgan, President of the SEIU Pennsylvania State Council, Neal Bisno, President of SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania, and Kathy Jellison, President of SEIU Local 668 released the following joint statement this evening on the come from behind victory for Mark Critz in the district 12 congressional primary:

"On behalf of the over 80,000 members of SEIU in Pennsylvania, we want to congratulate Congressman Critz on his great victory in tonight's primary.

"Throughout this campaign, the differences between Mark Critz and Jason Altmire could not have been clearer. Time and again, Mark Critz has stood with working families and against the big corporations, millionaires, and billionaires who are not paying their fair share. He has always understood that we need to level the playing and has kept his promise to fight for those who are struggling.

"Over the past several weeks, SEIU members have mobilized, hit the pavement, and spent countless hours talking to voters across the 12th Congressional District about Congressman Critz's candidacy. Today's results send a clear message as we move toward the November elections: the people of Pennsylvania want candidates in office who will fight for working families and the middle class.

"We are proud to stand with elected leaders who represent the 99%, and look forward to continuing to work with Congressman Critz as he fights for hard-working Pennsylvanians."