The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 825 today announced their support for Assemblyman Joe Lagana (D-38) to succeed State Senator Bob Gordon following the announcement of Gordon’s departure for the Board of Public Utilities (BPU).

“Assemblyman Lagana has been a trusted and steadfast supporter of the issues most important to the men and women of the Operating Engineers Local 825,” said Greg Lalevee, Business Manager of IUOE 825. “Joe was there for our folks when it counted the most and we are proud to support him for the Senate now.”

The endorsement comes as Lagana attempts to put down an effort by his slate mate, Assemblyman Tim Eustace (D-38) to snag the senate seat.

Talks were ongoing this morning.

Bergen County Democratic Committee Chairman Lou Stellato is engaged.

Headquartered in Springfield, the International Union Operating Engineers Local 825 represents nearly 7,000 operating engineers throughout New Jersey and five counties of lower New York: Rockland, Orange, Ulster, Sullivan and Delaware.

“On behalf of the nearly 7,000 members of the Operating Engineers, we would like to thank Senator Gordon for his many years of leadership and service to the people of New Jersey — and I would like to personally thank him for his friendship. We wish him well in his next endeavor at the BPU,” added Lalevee.