The Portsmouth Herald

DOVER — Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter today is set to receive the endorsement of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard-based Metal Trades Council. Last week she picked up the endorsement from the State Employees Association and the Service Employees International Union.

Paul O'Connor, the council president, said the formal announcement at Prescott Park in Portsmouth at 1:45 p.m. reflects union members' belief that the first-term lawmaker still has the "best vision for working families"

"We were right then," he said of the union's 2006 support, "and we are right now. Congresswoman Shea-Porter has been a great supporter of the Shipyard and we look forward to endorsing her on Monday."

The council noted that earlier this month Shea-Porter successfully secured more than $30 million in funding for the shipyard. The funding contains $20.6 million for the Waterfront Support Facility and $9.98 million for the Consolidated Global Submarine Component.

"The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is a critical part of both our national defense and local economy," Shea-Porter said. "I will continue to be a strong advocate for the Shipyard in Washington. The Navy knows we have the best Shipyard workers in the country and I am honored to receive their endorsement."

The Democrat — who is running for re-election against Rep. Jeb Bradley, a Republican from Wolfeboro — accepted the SEA/SEIU endorsement at the Riverside Rest Home at the Strafford County Complex on Oct. 15 after visiting with some of the nursing home's residents.

The membership of the SEA/SEIU Local 1984 represents a majority of the county works and nearly 10,000 state, county and municipal workers throughout New Hampshire.

"Carol Shea-Porter is one of us, she's middle class," said Joan Hamblet, an SEA member. "She understands what average New Hampshire families struggle with." Hamblet said her group endorsed Shea-Porter because of her support for health care reforms.

"She has supported and introduced legislation to provide health insurance for children in New Hampshire and has pledged to work with us to win real reform that would ensure quality, affordable health care for all," Hamblet said.