Never before has it been more important for our elected representatives to be vocal warriors for working family issues and with Paul Kirk's appointment, working people get another ardent supporter. Paul Kirk has enormous shoes to fill as the replacement to Sen. Kennedy but working people in Massachusetts and across the country are confident that he will live up to Sen. Kennedy's legacy.

The appointment couldn't come at a more critical time - - as Washington soldiers on to create health care reform and fight against big business and the insurance industry who are so opposed to change.

We congratulate the Mass. Senate and the House in taking decisive action, and the working people of Massachusetts who mobilized to call on leaders to ensure that Massachusetts would be fully represented.

Contact: Alison Omens (202) 637-5018