HUNTINGTON, WV- House Speaker Rick Thompson picked up the endorsement of almost 10,000 hardworking men and women today when he joined members of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) District 1199 WV/KY/OH at their Huntington office.

It's time for politicians to get their priorities straight - West Virginians want good paying jobs, quality affordable healthcare and the chance to leave our kids with a better way of life like our parents left us," said SEIU member Penny Moore, a Patient Care Assistant. "This Logan County Girl is proud to support Rick Thompson for Governor of West Virginia."

Thompson told the members that he is honored to have SEIU's endorsement because of how hard they work to deliver quality services in their communities and on behalf of the issues that matter to working families.

"I'm very proud to represent working families," said Thompson. "If we stick together, we'll win this fight!"

SEIU endorsed Rick Thompson because of his flawless voting record on behalf of the issues important to working families, his work to expand affordable health coverage and his outspoken support for workplace rights.

SEIU submitted a questionnaire to every candidate running for governor. Penny was one of the many members who reviewed the responses, conducted in-depth interviews with the candidates and submitted an endorsement recommendation to SEIU District 1199's executive board.

"Rick knows that West Virginia's teachers, nurses and miners didn't cause our budget problems and taking away hardworking Americans' seat at the negotiating table does nothing to address deficits," said Kathy McCormick, SEIU District 1199 Executive Vice President. "Rick Thompson has spent a lifetime standing with middle class and working families and now, more than ever, we are proud to stand with him."

SEIU will now turn its attention to educating members on the endorsement and helping them to fill the volunteer ranks of the Thompson campaign across the state.

"It is not the size of the dog in the fight but the size of the work in the dog and nobody is going to outwork, out organize or out hustle SEIU as we turn out our friends and neighbors for Rick Thompson. We in his positive message for West Virginia," said Beth Marshall, a direct care provider and SEIU member.

SEIU District 1199 represents more than 30,000 healthcare and social service workers across West Virginia, Kentucky and Ohio, including almost 10,000 members in the Mountain State.

With 2.2 million members in Canada, the United States and Puerto Rico, SEIU is the fastest-growing union in North America. Focused on uniting workers in healthcare, public services and property services, SEIU members are winning better wages, healthcare and more secure jobs for our communities, while uniting their strength with their counterparts around the world to help ensure that workers -- not just corporations and CEOs -- benefit from today's global economy.

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