By Patrick McGroarty
News Editor

Ninth District Congressman Stephen Lynch was the featured speaker at labor-led endorsement rally for democratic gubernatorial hopeful Tom Reilly on Tuesday afternoon at Florian Hall. Reilly, the state's attorney general, emphasized his well-documented hardscrabble upbringing and modest lifestyle as he addressed a blue-collar crowd that included over 200 workers from 12 unions.

"I'm no different from you. I just have a different job. I'm proud to be one of you," said Reilly.

Referencing his opponents, Reilly claimed to be the only gubernatorial candidate "that's not a millionaire."

"It's amazing," he said. "A Democratic primary, and I'm the only one with a day job."

Reilly has garnered the endorsement of 16 union locals, including the Firefighters Local 718, who hosted the afternoon rally.

"He understands what it is to be a working man. Hopefully as governor that will translate into support for the average consumer," said P.J. Foley, an electrician from the I.B.E.W. local 22.

A contingent of elected officials were also on-hand to offer their support, including Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court Maura Doyle, City Councilor Maureen Feeney, Mayor Thomas Menino, and state Representative Martin Walsh.

"He understands what working people need is a good job with a good salary and good benefits," said Menino. "He rents a house. He's a real guy."

Speaking to the Reporter, Reilly said that if elected he would treat union members with respect and fight for the rights of workers. "The current administration has been anti-organized labor, anti-worker," he said. "That needs to change."

Lynch said that he remembers working with the attorney general's office while he was serving in the Massachusetts House and Senate, and that Reilly always kept the needs of Lynch's constituents in mind.

"He has a good understanding of the district," Lynch told the Reporter. "When I was representing on Beacon Hill, he was an asset in helping us with problems with crime, drugs and getting guns off the street. He has a good grasp of the issues facing South Boston and Dorchester.

A former iron-worker, Lynch is a staunch advocate for labor unions in his district.

Lynch also addressed the cancellation of a debate that had previously been scheduled for this Thursday by the League of Women Voters between himself and Democratic challenger Phil Dunkelbarger.

"They scheduled it for a day when there's a vote in the House, and that's not something I could miss," he said. "There's not a lot of time between now and the [September 19 primary], but there could be another opportunity for a debate if we could work out a date."