By STEVE PEOPLES
Journal State House Bureau

In what is believed to be the first endorsement by a major labor union in the race to become Rhode Island's next governor, Patrick Lynch has won the backing of the United Food and Commerical Workers Local 328.

The Lynch campaign announced the endorsement of the state's second-largest union Monday afternoon, which comes less than six months before Attorney General Lynch is set to square off against state General Treasurer Frank T. Caprio in a Democratic primary.

"Patrick Lynch is the only candidate in the governor's race who has consistently stood strong in support of working families like the 12,000 members of UFCW 328. Patrick Lynch is a man we know and trust and has worked hard with us on issues of civil and economic justice," Local 328 President David Fleming said in a statement. "This state needs strong leadership that can make not only the tough decisions, but the right decisions for working families. We here at UFCW 328 are convinced that Patrick Lynch is such a leader."

While the endorsement lists 12,000 members who work across various sectors such as banking, food service, health care, cosmetology and transportation, Local 328's most recent filing with the federal Department of Labor reported 11,192 members.

That's still second largest among all Rhode Island labor unions. The National Education Association of Rhode Island lists 11,245 members.

Labor unions offer candidates several benefits. They can offer on-the-ground support to help boost voter turnout, unlimited ability to send campaign literature and other communication to their members, and campaign donations to the candidates through their political action committees.

Since January 2009, the Lynch camp has received more than $26,000 from labor union PACs, while Caprio -- largely considered the more conservative of the two Democrats -- has received approximately $9,250.

"I am probably in a better position [to win the support of organized labor] than [Caprio] is," Lynch said in a Monday interview. "I think Chafee is still a factor."

Indeed, the independent candidate Lincoln D. Chafee, generally considered a friend to labor during his time in the United States Senate, has received $2,650 so far from union PACs, although he only recently started raising money for his bid for governor.

Lynch acknowledged that some labor unions may wait until after the Democratic primary to announce their endorsements, keeping alive the possibility that they could back Chafee.

In the statement that accompanied news of today's endorsement, however, Lynch was more certain.

"There should be no question in the minds of Rhode Islanders with respect to who stands with working people," Lynch said. "I have spent my career as attorney general making tough decisions, fighting for justice in the courts and pushing legislation to help working families. That is the kind of governor I will be and I appreciate the support of the working men and women as we take this fight to the governor's office."