The Allegheny County Labor Council on March 6 and 7 will interview candidates who plan to run in the primary election May 19.
The council's endorsement is a prize for candidates because the organization represents about 100,000 workers, thousands of whom volunteer for get-out-the-vote efforts on behalf of endorsed candidates.
Several judicial candidates, the only statewide offices up for election this year, "are coming all the way across the state to be interviewed," said Jack Shea, the labor council's president.
"We have a pretty good operation, and we're proud of it," he said.
Interviews, which take place in closed sessions before about 35 union men and women, are by appointment only, Shea said. Interested candidates can call 412-281-7450.
Shea said the interviews are open to all candidates, regardless of party. Though the council typically endorses Democrats, he said, it has supported Republicans including U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy of Upper St. Clair.
"It's really not about (Democrat) or (Republican)," Shea said.
There's no script. Candidates are asked about their life experiences, how they plan to finance campaigns, their stance on issues such as privatization of government services, and other topics of interest to unions, Shea said.
