Eau Claire, WI — Today, Eau Claire Firefighters Local 487 announced their endorsement of Rebecca Cooke in Wisconsin’s Third Congressional District. Local 487 joins the Stevens Point Fire Fighters, IAFF Local 484, and workers from across the district in supporting Cooke. The only candidate in the WI-03 race from a working-class, labor family, Rebecca has earned endorsements from more labor organizations than any other candidate.
“Local 487 supports Rebecca Cooke because she has a strong work ethic, core values and we believe she will do what is right in the position of 3rd US Congressional district for the citizens,” said Taylor Quinnell, Local 487 President. “Local 487 supports her fight to face challenges head on, while being open and transparent throughout her journey.”
“As someone who comes from a family of first responders, I am immensely honored to have Eau Claire Firefighters by our side in this critical race for the future of our communities,” Rebecca said Monday. “Our firefighters and their loved ones selflessly put so much on the line each and every day, and they deserve a champion in Congress who understands the importance of the particular needs of the fire service, including the right to collectively bargain for issues of health, safety, wages, and benefits, as well as getting them the resources, equipment, and training needed to do their jobs safely and effectively. I’ll never stop working to ensure they and every Wisconsinite get a fair shake, and live and retire with the dignity they deserve.”
This latest endorsement follows 30+ events and roundtable meetings in seven counties across the district as part of the Cooke campaign’s 19-County Tour across Wisconsin’s new Third District. On April 13, Rebecca met with dairy farmers in Chippewa County to talk about Dairy Margin Coverage and Dairy Protection Revenue before visiting Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Co., a large employer in the area brewing nearly 60% of their product in Chippewa Falls, for a discussion on supply chain and workforce challenges. Rebecca then visited the Heyde Art Center for their 58th Annual Spring Art Show to talk about the importance of investing in the creative economy.
On April 19, Rebecca met with water quality experts in Dunn County from the WI Department of Natural Resources, UW-Extension and Stout professors who have been dedicated to the Tainter and Menomin watershed. They discussed their public/private work and the strong coalitions they have built, particularly in agriculture communities, in addressing PFAS contamination.
On April 21, Rebecca visited Jackson County and met with leaders at Western Technical College in Black River Falls about the ways they serve their community with K-12 opportunities and pre-college support. She sat down with Mayor Jay Eddy to discuss local issues, and Jackson County Electric Coop. To finish the day, she joined grassroots Democratic leaders and participated in a robust conversation on childcare alternatives that are key to filling the gaps both for parents, and providers.
Later this week, the campaign will visit Eau Claire, Wood, and Portage Counties for a series of stops as part of the 19-County Tour. Please contact press@cookeforwisconsin.com for additional information or if you are interested in covering.
