By Vince Sullivan
ASSOCIATE EDITOR

EDDYSTONE - Republican Congressional candidate Pat Meehan got a vocal show of support Thursday afternoon when he received the endorsement of the United Aerospace Workers Union Local 1069 at their headquarters in Eddystone.

"I am extremely proud to stand before you today to announce that UAW Local 1069 is endorsing Pat Meehan for Congress," UAW 1069 Vice President Chris Owens said before about 50 members. "We are confident that Pat will be a strong advocate for us in Congress and for all working families in this region."

Owens said the decision was made after talking with both Meehan and his opponent Democrat Bryan Lentz of Swarthmore. Owens said Meehan had asked to speak to the members of the union about four months ago, and "blew us away."

In his remarks following the endorsement, Meehan talked about his experiences working in a rubber plant in high school, and then working on an asphalt crew in the summer.

"I want you to know that I remember and I will always know what it's like to be a working man," Meehan said. "My commitment to you today is to never forget what it's like."

Owens described the obstacles facing Local 1069, which represents 1,900 members with 90 different job classifications, all of whom work at the Boeing plants in Ridley. They work solely on the construction of the Chinook and V-22 Osprey helicopters.

"Over the years, we have seen our share of battles in this plant," he said. "We have seen our share of battles in this region over jobs. It's a constant struggle… I can tell you how important it is to have strong allies. It's essential"

Owens talked about Meehan's performance as Delaware County District Attorney and then as US Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. He said that Meehan was a dedicated and strong supporter of people in the region, especially working families. Owens touted Meehan's support for the Osprey and Chinook projects, and his fight against outsourcing.

"Pat Meehan has never been the type of person to shy away from a fight. He completely understands the challenges we face. He understands the economic impact that Boeing has on this community," Owens said. "He has vowed to stand up for… our members in fighting for the Chinook and V-22 in Washington."

After struggling early in his campaign to present a strong grasp of defense issues in the face of his opponent's military service, Meehan has of late been showcasing the support he has received from the defense establishment. Last week he received the vigorous endorsement of Congressman Buck McKeon, (R-CA), who currently serves as the Minority Leader on the House Armed Services Committee. Now he has the support of representatives of the largest employer in the region in the form of AUW Local 1069.

"We don't make endorsements based on politics or party," Owens said. "We look at the individual and what he's going to do for our members. We want someone strong to fight for defense."

Meehan welcomed the endorsement and the bump it gives him campaign in the final weeks before Election Day.

"Let me tell you how deeply touched I am, not just by your endorsement, but what this means to me personally as well, and how I see this as a covenant with you to fight for your jobs."

http://www.delconewsnetwork.com/articles/2010/10/12/news_of_delaware_county/news/doc4caf70df6b009704250337.prt