IBEW endorses Tony Evers for governor

Walker and Evers — Scott Walker and Tony Evers.

The Wisconsin State Conference of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers endorsed Tony Evers for governor.

The IBEW, in a statement, said it would mobilize its 15,000 members across the state to support Evers' campaign against Republican Gov. Scott Walker. Evers won the Democratic primary Aug. 14.

“Because of Tony Evers’ strong record of supporting workers’ rights, energy independence, infrastructure investment and apprenticeship training as superintendent of public Instruction of Wisconsin, we are thrilled to support his campaign to lead our state into the future,” said Leo Sokolik, president of the Wisconsin State Conference of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

He also said, “Tony listens to working families and is committed to making sure that we have a strong voice in his future administration. IBEW is proud to support Tony’s plans for our state by mobilizing our members to help his campaign succeed.”

Tony Bartels, secretary treasurer of the Wisconsin State Conference of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, said in a statement, “Our members are on the front lines of Wisconsin’s rapidly evolving utility industry and know what is required to move Wisconsin towards its renewable energy future. With so much at stake, we are confident Tony Evers has the experience and vision to move Wisconsin forward and look forward to working with him to do so."

The Wisconsin State Conference of IBEW represents 15,000 electricians, telecommunications, broadcasting and linemen and other employees of public utilities.