Oct. 22, 2009 (PR Newswire) --

Joint Council 25 to Back Illinois Treasurer in 2010 Senate Primary

CHICAGO, Oct. 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Teamsters Joint Council 25 endorsed Alexi Giannoulias today for the U.S. Senate seat formerly held by President Barack Obama.

"Alexi Giannoulias will stand in solidarity with working Americans and help rebuild our middle class," said John T. Coli, President of Joint Council 25. "By investing in new jobs and industries, Giannoulias will protect retirement security and raise the standard of living for America's working families."

As treasurer, Giannoulias supported hardworking men and women by refusing to do business with banks that threatened Illinois jobs with liquidation. This spring, he assured Wells Fargo its business with the state would be jeopardized if Hartmarx Corporation were allowed to succumb to bankruptcy. Giannoulias' decisive action effectively saved thousands of jobs in Illinois.

In addition to advocating for policies to protect the finances of working families, Giannoulias directed investments into Illinois job creation throughout his tenure as treasurer.

"We cannot afford to elect lawmakers who pander to the special interests of corporate America while our nation's factories close and jobs are outsourced overseas," said Coli.

This year, Giannoulias also served as a keynote speaker for a national veterans jobs program initiated by Teamster officials in Chicago.

An affiliate of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Joint Council 25 represents 22 local unions throughout Illinois.

SOURCE Teamsters Joint Council 25