Labor backs both candidates in Assembly race

"All three candidates are well qualified and have demonstrated a commitment to the well-being of working men and women throughout their careers," Shelly Kessler, executive secretary-treasurer of the Central Labor Council, said in a prepared statement. "We will be fortunate to be represented by such dedicated, high-quality people in Sacramento."

The San Mateo County Central Labor Council is an alliance of 110 unions, representing more than 70,000 workers in the country. To win a recommendation for endorsement, a candidate must receive at least two-thirds of the delegates' votes.

Under the rules of the California Labor Federation, local labor councils recommend endorsements in races for state offices. Delegates will act on the endorsements during the federation's political convention Nov. 28 in Los Angeles.

Winning labor's support is a key factor in most races in San Mateo County and in San Francisco, which shares the 12th District with San Mateo County.

Mullin, the vice mayor of South San Francisco, has walked picket lines with striking unions and joined labor's fight against employers such as Wal-Mart. He has a solid history of supporting the union agenda on the local level, according to the council.

"We're very happy for the expression of support from the labor council," Mullin said. The dual recommendation was a strong political statement and a remarkable outcome, given "that our campaign is only two-and-a-half weeks old. It gives each of the two candidates the opportunity to work within the individual unions."

Papan, a deputy attorney general, has extensive Sacramento experience and knows her way around the state capitol, according to the council. She has committed herself about improvements to workers' compensation programs and emergency relief for working people.

"As a union worker, I'm extremely honored to have the support of theCentral Labor Council," Papan said. "A single reccomendation would have been good, but a dual recommendation is . . . well, just as good."

The 12th Assembly seat is currently held by Papan's father, Lou Papan.

In the past, delegates have recommended more than one candidate for endorsement, though Tim Paulson, the council's assistant executive director, couldn't remember an instance for the Assembly's 12th district.

"When friends of labor decide to run for [the same] position, it's worth having more than one endorsement," Paulson said.<