GOP Candidate Denied Entry to Union Picnic

Press Release

Union organizers of an event in deep southwest Virginia today turned away several Republicans, despite inviting them a month ago. The group denied entry included the candidate for the Ninth Congressional seat, Morgan Griffith.

In a letter dated August 3, the Southwest Virginia Branch of the Western Virginia Labor Federation extended the invitation for Griffith and other delegates from southwest Virginia to the Coeburn picnic for their union membership. The Central Labor Council is made up of members from Associated Postal Workers Union, Communication Workers of America, National Coalition of Public Safety Officers, United Autoworkers, United Food Workers, United Steel Workers, and United Mine Workers of America.

The Ninth Congressional candidate was even invited to speak at the event for approximately 20 minutes by Valeria Castle-Stanley who is listed as the union group's District 9 Congressional Coordinator.

Griffith campaign officials had not received word that they had been denied access. Mick Bransfield, campaign manager for Griffith, says he had been in contact by phone but was never told not to show up. "We thought the picnic was open to us, and made an effort to drive from an appearance in Scott County and was hoping for an equal, fair opportunity like any other official."

James Gibbs, International At-Large VP of the United Mine Workers, and Mike Kennedy, the vice president of Local 2204 of the Communications Workers of America, both met Griffith at the gate. Kennedy has been outspoken in the past that President Obama is a friend of coal here in southwest Virginia.

"I am very disappointed in their decision not to allow me an opportunity to speak to the group. We are at a very important time in the history in this country when dealing with the proposed Cap and Trade legislation of Obama and Pelosi. The bill will negatively affect coal production here in southwest Virginia," says Griffith.

What is ironic here, according to the Republican, is the fact that his opponent--the incumbent Democratic Congressman--Rick Boucher was also invited and expected to attend. "He voted for and even helped write Cap and Trade--thus affecting these same people that turned us away today."

"The Congressman," says Griffith, "should welcome a friendly debate of issues especially when he is trying to distance himself from the D.C. group of Obama and Pelosi."

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