Heinrich secures first union endorsement in race

Martin Heinrich has won the first union endorsement of the 2008 race to replace Heather Wilson in Congress.

The United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1563 informed Heinrich in a letter last week that its board members voted unanimously to endorse him. The union represents thousands of grocery, retail and food-industry employees in New Mexico and is headquartered in the First Congressional District.

“Martin is honored to have the support of hardworking members of the UFCW,” a statement posted on his campaign blog read.

In the letter, the union’s president wrote that Heinrich’s “leadership in the successful effort to secure a living wage for the citizens of Albuquerque is not forgotten and our members appreciate your efforts.”

“There is much work to be done in Washington and we firmly believe that you are the right person for the job,” the letter states.

On the Democratic side, Heinrich is joined in the race by attorney Jon Adams, teacher Jason Call and former state Health Secretary Michelle Lujan Grisham. Republicans running are state Sen. Joe Carraro and Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White.