SMART union endorses Clinton

The Sheet Metal, Air Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART) union announced Saturday that it would back the presidential campaign of Democratic frontrunner Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.).

{mosads}The endorsement of the labor group with its 230,000 members means that Clinton now has the support of unions representing 3.6 million workers.

“Hillary Clinton understands our issues. She knows the importance of sound policies and programs to address the energy crisis, fair trade, quality and affordable health care, funding college and technical education and training, as well as protecting retirement security,” said Michael Sullivan, the union’s future president. SMART was recently formed after the Sheet Metal Workers’ International Association and the United Transportation Union merged.

“We want new leadership and new thinking both at home and abroad, and she will bring to this high office the intelligence and common sense necessary to guide our nation,” Sullivan added.

SMART joined several other unions that are already backing Clinton, including the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees and the American Federation of Teachers.

“I am honored to have the support of the Sheet Metal, Air Rail, and Transportation Workers,” the former first lady said. “We will stand together to rebuild the middle class and make sure that America’s working families are no longer invisible to the president of the United States.”