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Capitol View®
Tim Pugmire

Sen. Reinert loses Teamsters backing

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A state legislator who tangled with the Teamsters Union over Sunday liquor sales this session has lost his endorsement from the labor organization.

Sen. Roger Reinert, DFL-Duluth,  tried unsuccessfully to pass a bill allowing beer taprooms to sell growlers on Sunday.  The Teamsters opposed the move, saying it could force them to reopen contracts with beer distributors, and put other language about pay and working conditions in play.

Reinert said the union’s decision to rescind it endorsement over a single disagreement was “unfortunate.”

“I think I probably have a perfect voting record on many other issues they support," Reinert said. "I’m not up for re-election until 2016, so we still have time that we need to work together. I serve on the transportation committee, and that certainly is a major interest area of theirs.”

In a letter to Reinert, union officials said they felt the senator had been dishonest and disrespectful. They said it was the first time in more than 30 years that they rescinded the endorsement of a sitting legislator.

The letter was published by the Bluestem Prairie blog.

Edward Reynoso, Teamsters Joint Council 32 political director, was not immediately available for comment.