(Cobb photo by Watertown Daily Times, Stefanik photo by Post-Star)

As the summer ends and the fall push toward the election kicks off, a number of campaigns took advantage of Labor Day to tout their union endorsements or announce new support.

Tedra Cobb, Democratic candidate for Congress in New York’s 21st Congressional District, sent out a Labor Day message praising union organizers.

“Let us not forget the men and women of the labor movement and their dedication to the social and economic achievements of American workers,” she wrote in a news release. “The history of the labor movement shows us that when we work together, we can create opportunity and an economy that works for everyone.”

The release also included a list of her union endorsements, including the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, New York State United Teachers, Civil Service Employee Association, Public Employees Federation, UAW/CAP Region 9, Plumbers and Steamfitters local 773, Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 2 and 1199 SEIU.

Cobb’s opponent, U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Willsboro, did not send out a specific Labor Day message from the campaign. Last month, after Cobb received the NYSUT endorsement, Stefanik sent out a list of her own union support, a mix of endorsements and campaign contributions.

They included the National Postal Mail Handlers Union, National Association of Postal Supervisors, Air Line Pilots Association PAC, Allied Pilots Association, National Treasury Employees Union, National Association of Letter Carrier, Painters & Allied Trades Union, Laborers Union PAC, International Association of Fire Fighters, Plumbers/Pipefitters Union (United Association PAC), Carpenters & Joiners Union, National Air Traffic Controllers Association and the Operating Engineers Union.

Stefanik campaign spokesman Lenny Alcivar said on Tuesday that the campaign has since received support from the National Rural Letter Carriers Association.

Alcivar wrote in an email to the Times that the campaign received a “show of support from top local Democrat Ernie LaBaff, a former president of the Aluminum, Brick, and Glassworkers Union who previously (and famously) supported Stefanik opponent Mike Derrick in ’16.”

Alcivar was referring to a photo published on the blog of former Mayor Jeffrey Graham of LaBaff posing with Stefanik, an “Elise for Congress” shirt draped over him.

LaBaff said the photo did not mean anything.

“Just because we had pictures taken together and a good conversation, that’s not an endorsement,” LaBaff said.

LaBaff said it was too early for him to announce an endorsement, and pointed out he took pictures with both Assembly candidates in the 116 Assembly District, Addie Jenne, D-Theresa, and Republican challenger Mark Walczyk.

“I’m kind of hoping the Democrats take back Congress,” LaBaff said.