Carbondale, Ill. – The “We the People” campaign of Ray Lenzi, Democratic candidate for Congress in Illinois’s 12th District has picked up two major endorsements from labor organizations, plus backing from a national grassroots group.
“I am very proud to secure the backing of the United Steelworkers International and the Illinois AFL/CIO,” said Lenzi. “These endorsements are recognition that our campaign is doing the right things for labor.”
The United Steelworkers endorsement comes from the International Union in Pittsburgh, Pa. and includes backing from locals in Granite City and across Southern Illinois.
The Illinois AFL-CIO represents 1,500 local unions and nearly 900,000 union members in Illinois. In making its endorsement, the AFL-CIO wrote, “Your support of the Illinois AFL-CIO on issues affecting the working men and women of Illinois earned you the endorsement.”
Lenzi is a former UMWA coal miner who has long championed union issues, including support for prevailing wage laws, a $15/hour minimum wage, PRO Act, and an expansion of labor laws.
“I oppose my opponent’s anti-labor agenda,” said Lenzi, “and it appears that major labor organizations feel the same way. What’s good for working people is good for the 12 District and the nation. Mike Bost simply doesn’t seem to understand that.”
The Lenzi campaign has also won the endorsement of the national Indivisible organization. “Ray Lenzi has been a coal miner, a professor, and has worked in non-profit rural economic development,” Indivisible wrote in its endorsement. “Next on his list is congressman, to bring progressive change to Illinois’ 12th District. We’re proud to endorse Ray Lenzi.”
Indivisible is a nationwide grassroots progressive group with thousands of chapters across the country. The Indivisible Project was instrumental in taking back the House in 2018.
The Lenzi campaign has also won endorsements from Mom’s Demand Action, LEAP Forward, the Sunrise Movement, and the Sierra Club.
“We expect to pick up more endorsements in the weeks and months ahead,” said Lenzi. “Clearly, our grassroots ‘We the People” movement is gaining momentum…it’s time to retire Mike Bost.”

Carbondale, Ill. – The “We the People” campaign of Ray Lenzi, Democratic candidate for Congress in the 12th District, today called on his opponent to renounce votes made in the U.S. House supporting the Confederate flag.
“Mike Bost needs to explain to voters why he voted to support the Confederate flag, and then renounce those votes,” said Lenzi. “All voters in the 12th District need to know that their congressman actually represents their interests in Washington.”
In June 2015, Bost voted to delay a resolution that would require removal of all Confederate symbols from the U.S. House (HR 34 – Vote #385). One month later, Bost voted to block consideration of removing any state flag containing the Confederate battle flag from the grounds of the U.S. Capitol (HRES 355 – Vote #425). Then, in May 2016, Bost voted against prohibiting display of Confederate flag imagery in Veterans Administration cemeteries (HR 4974 – Vote #223).
“’Confederate’ Mike needs to change his tune,” said Lenzi. “Bost dishonors the memory of Southern Illinois hero John A. Logan who must be turning over in his grave over Bost’s defense of the racist Confederacy.”
Lenzi went on the say that Bost should reflect on those votes and join the rest of the country in condemning the Confederate battle flag and everything it stands for. “Failure do so is an indication that he does not understand the issues facing the nation today,” Lenzi said.
“NASCAR has banned the Confederate flag from its events and South Carolina has removed the flag from statehouse grounds. The U.S. military, including the Marine Corps, has also ordered removal of the flag from all of its installations,” said Lenzi. “We further urge Mr. Bost to support renaming those military bases bearing the names of Confederate commanders.”
Lenzi noted that “the times, they are a changing. It’s time for Mr. Bost to condemn his votes regarding the Confederate flag and join the rest of the nation in correcting the mistakes of the past.”

“They’re not even trying to be subtle”

Carbondale, Ill. – A special interest lobbying group, supported and funded by Big Pharma, has thrown its support to 12th District Republican Congressman Mike Bost.
In paid ads running in 12th District newspapers Sunday, the “Alliance for Patient Access” says it has given Bost its “2020 Champion of Patient Access” award.
The Associated Press reported last year that the “’Alliance for Patient Access’ gives off a consumer-friendly vibe but is bankrolled by the powerful pharmaceutical industry.”
“They’re not even trying to be subtle,” said Ray Lenzi of Makanda, the Democratic candidate seeking to take over Bost’s seat. “There can no longer be any doubt…Mr. Bost is clearly in the tank for Big Pharma. He’s actually bragging about it.”
Steven Knievel of the nonpartisan watchdog group Public Citizen told the AP that, “Groups like the Alliance for Patient Access often act as foils for the pharmaceutical industry instead of advancing patient interests. They advocate for policies where industry and patient interests align. But any time drug prices are on the table, they toe the line of their corporate backers.”
Lenzi noted, “It’s part of a pattern that has followed Mr. Bost throughout his entire political career…service to his constituents takes a back seat to big money.
“Mr. Bost has a terrible record when it comes to health care in this country and in the 12th District,” said Lenzi. “He may push Medicare access, but when Big Pharma comes to call, Bost will fall in line in the name of profits for his corporate masters.
“Don’t count on ‘No Show’ Mike when it comes time to pass legislation that would keep the high costs of prescription medicines in check” said Lenzi, “Its really a shame that Bost hides from ‘We the People’ who live in the 12th District and then brags about support from special interest groups that seek to hurt those who need help the most. He is clearly out of touch with the needs of his district. It’s just one more reason why it’s time to retire Mike Bost.”