Fairfax and Prince William Firefighters Back Connolly

By: James Martin
Published On: 3/21/2008 12:43:36 PM

In a huge (but not totally unexpected) boost to Gerry Connolly- the Fairfax and Prince William Professional Firefighters have endorsed him over his three opponents.

The Firefighters are always an important boost and were invaluable in Connolly's reelection as Fairfax County Board Chairman by a historic margin (to the tune of more than $100,000 in campaign contributions).

Press Release below the fold.

Fairfax, Prince William, International Firefighters Endorse Gerry Connolly for Congress

Fairfax, VA -- The Gerry Connolly for Congress campaign announced today that Connolly has received the endorsement of the Fairfax County Professional Firefighters and Paramedics (Local 2068), the Prince William Professional Fire Fighters (Local 2598) and the International Association of Fire Fighters.

"I'm so proud to have the support of the firefighters in this race," said Connolly.  "I've had their endorsement in all five of my previous elections and, with their help, won each time.  I'm looking forward to working with them to win this campaign as well."

"This is about a relationship," said John Niemiec, President of the Fairfax County Professional Fire Fighters and Paramedics.  "Gerry has stood with us for thirteen years and we're proud to stand with him now."

Niemiec cited Connolly's work to establish a wellness center for firefighters in Fairfax County as just one example of Connolly's leadership.

"Our wellness center has saved lives and improved our ability to protect the citizens of this county," he said.  "Gerry was a leader in that effort."

Connolly was first elected to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in 1995. In 2003, he was elected Chairman of the Board.  Prior to serving in elected office, Connolly spent ten years with the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, where he managed committee oversight of international economic issues, international narcotics control and United Nations and Middle East policies.  He received a B.A. in Literature from Maryknoll College and an M.A. in Public Administration from Harvard University in 1979.


Comments



Firefighters (Ben - 3/21/2008 12:50:23 PM)
Are always on the same side of this fight.  Connolly is the Davis candidate.  The firefighters also endorsed Jeannemarie Devolites-Davis over Chap.  John Niemiec did so while sitting as a member of the Democratic Committee.

In other words, my message to John Devolites-Niemiec...

Get lost.



Why am I not surprised (Lowell - 3/21/2008 1:17:08 PM)
that a group that would endorse Tom Davis' wife would also endorse Gerry Connolly?  Hmmmmm.


Connolly Owns The Firefighters (Lee Diamond - 3/21/2008 2:32:41 PM)
We will never have transparency in Fairfax County as long as the same people remain in control.  It is  run by an incredibly stagnant and stale group of people camped out in the back pocket of real estate developers and other regressive, unimaginative people.

The Bossism may not be seen by the average person, but it is there.  Connolly is not fit to be a doormat.  Think about it.  How many donors does he have to call?  How many donors does a grassroots candidate call?  How many people really support Connolly enthusiastically as opposed to accepting the reality of his money machine rolling into his House of Representatives parking spot simply because he wants the job?



Did you see (Lowell - 3/21/2008 7:43:43 PM)
this?

As investments go, Gerald E. Connolly has yielded pretty good returns for Fairfax County firefighters and paramedics.

Their union, Local 2068 of the International Association of Firefighters, has put up nearly $100,000 in campaign contributions to the Board of Supervisors chairman over the last four years. During that period, they've received salary increases significantly higher than those of other county employees. County and union officials say there was no quid pro quo, and that the raises were strictly a matter of keeping public safety pay competitive with surrounding communities.

And the best comment so far:

"there was no quid pro quo except for the quid pro quo"



Interesting position (TurnPWBlue - 3/21/2008 3:59:50 PM)
I wonder if that leads to any awkward tension when Bruce Roemmelt (who endorsed Byrne) meets with his firefighter buddies.


No more or less interesting than when service men and women debate an election (snolan - 3/21/2008 4:16:25 PM)
Not any different than a company donating to one campaign while it's employees vote for the opposing candidate.

When I was in the air force we frequently had animated debates about ongoing elections while working together on our gear and remained friends throughout the process.

I suspect it's the same for firefighters...  argue hard, play hard, work hard... forgive and forget really, really fast.



my bros... (bruce roemmelt - 3/21/2008 7:26:44 PM)
I've got no problem with my boys and girls.  i'm retired (but still active in the union) but leave the political decisions to the active members.  we talk all the time.  and we're fine.

as you might imagine i'm a much more partisan fellow than the members of the local.  locally and nationally the IAFF endorses on the basis of "fire fighter interests."  the fire fighter's issues are retirement, staffing, health care, and safety.  my interests surround much more broad areas including labor, but also the rest of the essential core Democratic principles.

remember when the PW local endorsed Sean C (then our CXO) for Lt Gov?  that was also about positioning.

my endorsement of Leslie is stronger than ever.  she's a true friend of labor, and she and Larry were huge for my campaign last year. (i must have missed the Gerry check)

bottom line is the fire fighters win regardless.  Leslie will take care of them.

Leslie rocks and that's all i got to say about that...

b

 



Thanks Bruce. (Lowell - 3/21/2008 7:34:14 PM)
You're the one who rocks, just wish you were in the HoD and not "Sideshow Bob." :)


Too bad I don't still live in Virginia (JohnBruhns - 3/22/2008 7:48:44 PM)
I would break my back to get Leslie Byrne elected.  I hope she wins -- she is by far the best candidate.