SEIU Union Members Endorse Hill For Governor

Former state treasurer Jim Hill has won a major union endorsement in his bid for governor.

Photo By: Tim King

(PORTLAND AP) - The Service Employees International Union Local 503, which represents more than 18,000 state employees, announced their endorsement after months of interviews with the candidates and an analysis of their positions, union officials said.

"SEIU members know that Jim Hill has the experience, the skill and the vision to move Oregon forward," said Joe DiNicola, president of SEIU Local 503.

DiNicola said concerns about stable funding for public services, health care and ensuring a secure retirement for Oregonians were among the factors in the union's choice of Hill.

The last meeting with the candidates was a week ago, when an SEIU committee met with Hill and fellow Democratic candidates - Gov. Ted Kulongoski and Lane County Commissioner Peter Sorenson. The committee also met with Republican Kevin Mannix and Republican-turned independent Ben Westlund.

In 2002, the SEIU gave $185,000 to Kulongoski plus $90,000 worth of "in-kind contributions" after he won the Democractic primary.

But Kulongoski failed to win the endorsement of another major union before the primary four years ago. The Oregon Education Association backed Hill before it closed ranks behind Kulongoski, who won the 2002 election and now is seeking re-election.