The Florida Carpenters Regional Council (FLCRC) recently hosted U.S. Senate candidate and Congressman Patrick Murphy, from Florida’s 18th Congressional District, at the Fort Lauderdale Training Center.

Murphy accepted the invitation to address a mixed group of apprentices, carpenters, contractors and Council staff. During his visit, he also received an official endorsement from the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, the FLCRC, and all of the Council’s local affiliates.

In his comments, Murphy stressed the importance of rebuilding and maintaining America’s middle-class. He outlined his platform, which is centered on:

• Protecting American jobs and industry from moving overseas
• Protecting workers rights to earn a fair wage and retire with dignity
• Promoting construction apprenticeship as a career path for folks that are not college bound
• Productivity, professionalism and attitude on the job sites
• Reaching across the aisle to get things done for the America people
• Promoting a spirit of co-operation in the Senate

The Congressman also took a moment to talk about his father’s history in the construction industry, first as a laborer and then moving up to become a carpenter from the former Miami Local 2024. 

Before organizing the event, leaders of the FLCRC met with the Congressman to discuss his platform and how the FLCRC can help his campaign.

“There are target areas where we can be of great help to build on his campaigning effort, and to support the Get Out the Vote initiatives,” said FLCRC Executive Secretary-Treasurer James Banks. “Congressman Murphy is a champion for our organization and for the working middle class in general. We wish him well in his campaign.”