Published: June 17, 2010

In its first federal endorsement in a 2010 race, building workers' union SEIU 32BJ is endorsing Rep. Carolyn Maloney for re-election to Congress.

"Carolyn Maloney has been successful in fighting for working New Yorkers because she takes the time to understand what's going on in their daily lives," said Mike Fishman, president of 70,000-New York member 32BJ.

Maloney is competing in a Democratic primary against political newcomer Reshma Saujani in NY-14, which spans Manhattan and Queens.

The union cited Maloney's work to secure "$4 billion in federal funding for the Eastside-LIRR Connector and the 2nd Avenue Subway projects that will improve transportation for New Yorkers and create 38,000 new jobs" and said she "has also asked the President to reform federal contracting to ensure tax-dollars are not helping create poverty wage jobs that keep workers dependent on additional tax-funded public assistance programs."