LAWRENCE COUNTY Political, labor leaders back Bob Casey Jr. for governor

NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Lawrence County's political and labor leaders turned out in full-force to make an early endorsement for governor.
State Auditor General Bob Casey Jr. stopped at the Lawrence County Government Center on Thursday to accept the support of the county's Democratic leaders.
Casey vowed to fight for programs that service the elderly and the very young such as Headstart, a preschool program for children from low-income families, and the Women, Infants, Children program that provides free services and food to low income families.
Other plans: He also talked about plans to reduce class sizes for grades kindergarten through grade three and provide more state money to local school districts. He said the state contributed about 31 percent to local schools this year, as opposed to 37 percent 10 years ago.
He garnered the early support of local Democratic leaders, including state Sen. Gerald LaValle of Rochester, D-47th, state Rep. Chris Sainato of New Castle, D-9th, county Commissioner Brian Burick, District Attorney Matthew Mangino and others.
Leaders from the Teamsters, steel workers, bricklayers and other unions were also there to express their support.
"This means something" getting early support, Casey said. "I will not forget this when I am in office."
Casey is getting an early start on his campaign for governor. The election is in 2002. He is the son of former Gov. Bob Casey.