The national Republican party has selected Indiana Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels to respond to President Obama’s State of the Union address next week–sending a clear signal the party is making attacks on working people a top priority in the 2012 elections. Daniels is a key backer of right to work for less (RTW) legislation which state Republican lawmakers, in a stunning display of arrogance, have repeatedly tried to ram through, while thumbing their noses at working Hoosiers–not to mention democracy. Read more >>>

First, multimillionaire Mitt Romney told a group of jobless workers he’s also “unemployed.” Next, Romney thought there was no problem in stating publicly that he likes to “fire people.” Now, the Republican presidential wannabee proved yet again how out of touch he is with mainstream Americans by showing the extent to which he’s a member of the elite 1 percent. In South Carolina yesterday, Romney admitted he pays “around” a 15 percent tax rate, while earning $374,000 a year in speaker’s fees alone—an income he described as “not very much.” Read more >>>

Viewers in Austin, Texas, and Pittsburgh are getting the first public look at a new AFL-CIO television spot, “Work Connects Us All: America’s Unions.” The evocative ad features members of many unions, from virtually every industry, and is part of a broad campaign that aims to “fly above the tactics and controversies of the day” and connects with people around the values associated with work, according to AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Liz Shuler. Read more >>>

The Colorado AFL-CIO is giving its support and endorsement to three candidates running for Congress in 2012.

CD 3 - Sal Pace, Minority Leader of the Colorado State House of Representatives, has been a true champion of workers' rights and a proven advocate for the working families of the 3rd Congressional District. On his endorsement Rep. Pace said, "From my first involvement in politics, I have always tried to stand up for the little guy -- the small business owner, the farmer, the construction worker and the real people who work in the steel mills -- these are the people of the AFL-CIO and I am humbled and honored to receive their support in my race for Congress. I will continue to fight for jobs for all the people of Colorado and that taxpayer funded jobs should stay in Colorado."

CD 4 - Brandon Shaffer, President of the Colorado State Senate, is far and away the most qualified person to represent the people of the 4th Congressional District. On his endorsement Sen. Shaffer said, "This is another piston in the engine of our campaign as we continue to build momentum and endorsements. I have always been very proud of the work the AFL-CIO does in standing up for the right of every American to be treated fairly on the job. I am honored to have their endorsement."

CD 6 - Joe Miklosi, Colorado State House of Representatives, knows that rebuilding our middle class is key to rebuilding our economy. He will bring leadership to the 6th Congressional District and a steadfast conviction to stand up for the middle class. On his endorsement Rep. Miklosi said, "I am honored to have their endorsement and I am proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with the working men and women who are the backbone of the Colorado economy. I'm running for Congress to create jobs and get America working again. "