Democrat Christine Cegelis’ campaign announced a donation from the Glen Ellyn-based United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners Local 588 today in her bid for the Democratic nomination in the congressional 6th District race. Her campaign called the union contribution “an unorthodox break from the usual tradition of staying out of contested primaries” and “a significant indication that traditional Democratic supporters clearly believe that Cegelis is the most viable candidate to win the general election in November 2006.”
The union financial support comes at a time when Cegelis and her supporters are looking for greater institutional Democratic support after her prior run in 2004, where she received 44.2% of the vote against then-incumbent Republican Congressman Henry Hyde. Many insiders believe Cegelis needs to show greater strength in her fundraising numbers. Christine reported over $100,000 in the previous filing period, considerably more than either of her two announced Democratic rivals, Wheaton-based Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission administrative law judge Peter O’Malley’s campaign and Wheaton College Professor Lindy Scott, who was not really in the race at the time of the first filing.
Saying she was “honored and humbled by the Union’s early support,” Christine Cegelis said,
“As the granddaughter of a union steelworker, I truly understand the challenges and issues working families face in this country. We need to stop the hemorrhaging of American jobs and keep good-paying jobs in America.”
The United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners Local 588 is one of two Locals that only cover DuPage County. It has recently been active in supporting U.S. Army Sgt. Joel Gomez, a Wheaton Warrenville South High School graduate, who’s injuries during a March 2004 Iraq mission led to quadriplegia. Local 588 raised money for a home renovation to accommodate Sgt. Gomez, with the money going to a Wheaton home that is now close to complete. Local members were also involved in a ceremonial Homecoming for Gomez at his high school, where union member Chris Chapman presented a plaque to Joel’s parents during the halftime ceremony.
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