Welch has support and cash from local labor, pols

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Updated: March 11, 2012 8:25AM

A few weeks after being snubbed for an endorsement by the Proviso Township Democratic Organization, Emanuel “Chris” Welch, a candidate for 7th District state representative, gained some key support from local politicians and labor groups.

Late last month, Welch received “the overwhelming support” of a number of local mayors and village chiefs who are backing his run — formally and financially.

Those supporters include: Bellwood Mayor Frank Pasquale, Forest Park Mayor Anthony Calderone, Broadview Mayor Sherman Jones, Hillside Mayor Joseph Tamburino, Mayor Ron Serpico of Melrose Park, Mayor Ben Mazulla of Stone Park and Mayor Jeffrey Sherwin of Northlake.

“Welch is a proven civil servant and with his outstanding leadership ability, it is clear that he will work closely with our communities to help us obtain growth and development,” the mayors wrote in an endorsement letter.

Welch is a lawyer and the president of Proviso District 209’s school board.

The mayors also have been donating to Welch’s campaign months before the endorsement announcement.

In September, Calderone gave $500, Serpico’s campaign committee donated $1,000, Tamburino delivered $250, and Jones’ committee transferred in $500, according to the Illinois State Board of Elections.

Serpico also dipped into his war chest late last month to give Welch another $1,750.

At an unrelated Welch fundraiser in November, Jones explained his support for Welch: “Well, you know, I support him, he supports me.”

Welch also recently received thousands of dollars from the labor groups that are supporting him, as well as from affiliated organizations.

Those groups include: the Service Employees International Union Illinois Council, Local 399 Operating Engineers, and the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150.

Campaign disclosure reports show that, in December and January, Welch received $2,000 from SEIU PAC, and SEIU Local 73B-PAC, political action committees affiliated with SEIU Illinois.

IUOE Local 150 also gave Welch $1,000 this month.

“Chris is the kind of man we need in Springfield,” said James M. Sweeney, president-business manager of the IUOE Local 150. “We are pleased to offer him our support.”

Rory Hoskins, another candidate in the race, received an endorsement from veteran 7th District Congressman Danny Davis.

The Proviso Township Democratic Organization did not endorse. It is led by Karen Yarbrough who is leaving the post to pursue a Cook County seat