FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 27, 2014

CONTACT: Colie Colburn 651.252.1706 media@davepinto.com

AFSCME ENDORSES PINTO IN 64B HOUSE RACE Labor endorsement seen as key as precinct caucuses approach (Saint Paul, MN) AFSCME Council 5, AFL-CIO, which represents more than 40,000 public employees across Minnesota, has announced its endorsement of Dave Pinto to serve as State Representative in Minnesota House District 64B. The only candidate to receive labor support, Pinto is now well-positioned in the field of candidates seeking DFL endorsement for the seat, in the process starting with the February 4 precinct caucuses. Dave Pinto is devoted to public service, like AFSCME members are, says Judy Wahlberg, President of AFSCME Council 5. He truly cares about improving peoples lives. Dave is one of us and we are proud to support him. As a husband, father and lifelong community activist, Dave Pintos roots run deep in the district, where he is out front on issues that matter to working families, adds Wahlberg. His leadership has helped create safer communities where more hardworking neighbors can get ahead and their kids can achieve their full potential. AFSCME Council 5s endorsement is significant. The union is one of the largest and most politically active in Minnesota. It represents almost 500 workers and retirees who can vote in House District 64B, which includes Highland Park, Mac-Groveland, and Fort Road/West 7th neighborhoods in St. Paul. Pinto has served as a public employee at multiple levels of government. He has worked in the Office of Congressman Bruce Vento, in the Clinton White House, for a federal judge, and now serves Ramsey County, as a prosecutor of crimes of violence against women and children. "As a prosecutor, Dave has chosen to protect vulnerable people," said former St. Paul Mayor George Latimer, the co-chair of Pintos campaign. "He has a deep understanding of what it means to be a public servant; thats why he has my support and is endorsed by the public service workers union."

Pinto is a longtime activist for progressive causes and candidates in District 64B, having lived in Highland Park with his family for more than ten years. He was recently recognized as an inspiring leader by the Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women. Pinto has pledged to continue at the Capitol his work advocating for and protecting children and the vulnerable, including: Investing in both early childhood education and out-of-school opportunities Moving forward on school safety and protections against bullying Fully funding safe harbor options to prevent sexual exploitation Closing equity gaps in health and education Pinto's other campaign co-chair is long-time women's advocate and Highland Park resident Marlene Kayser. More information about Pinto, including a fuller version of his progressive agenda, is on his website, www.davepinto.com. Pinto Volunteer Committee -- P.O. Box 8119, St. Paul, MN 55108-8119 651.252.1706, info@davepinto.com, www.davepinto.com
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