Dem Senate hopeful talks jobs with union workers (Post-Trib)
Dem Senate hopeful talks jobs with union workers
BY RICH JAMES
EAST CHICAGO -- As part of his Indiana Works Tour, U.S. Senate candidate Brad Ellsworth asked union officials Tuesday what Congress can do to improve employment in the steel industry.
After touring the 80-inch hot strip mill at ArcelorMittal, Ellsworth met with steelworkers at the Local 1010 union hall.
"I asked Jim Robinson (Steelworkers District 7 director) what we (in Congress) can do to help," Ellsworth said.
Robinson's response was to get people to buy more cars, Ellsworth said.
"I want to see how they work, what they are doing and how we can help them do their jobs," Ellsworth said about his Indiana Works Tour.
"When they talk about creating jobs, we set up the atmosphere. We want them creating the jobs. I want to know what we are doing in Washington that helps you and hurts you. Are we making it easier for people to buy cars?" Ellsworth said.
Retraining is the key for the thousands who have lost their jobs in the steel industry over the last three decades.
"Don't say we can't do things," Ellsworth said. "That's not what made our country great."
Ellsworth said he isn't well-known in northern Indiana and needs to learn the key issues, including the illegal dumping of foreign steel.
Ellsworth, who represents Indiana's 8th Congressional District, is the former Vanderburgh County sheriff. He is seeking the Democratic nomination for the seat being vacated by Sen. Evan Bayh.
Like Bayh, Ellsworth acknowledged being a Blue Dog Democrat.
About his vote for the health care reform bill, Ellsworth said, "I may have lost some friends, but I walked into other places and got a standing ovation. It's not perfect, but something needed to happen. If you are voting to get re-elected, you are not doing your job."
LINK: http://www.post-trib.com/news/2143843,new-ellsworth-0407.article