The AFL-CIO has endorsed Hampton Dellinger.

The state chapter of the coalition of unions announced this weekend that it would back the former aide to Gov. Mike Easley in the Democratic primary race for lieutenant governor. 

"Hampton is the kind of statewide leader working families need now more than ever, someone who can help attract and retain good jobs while ensuring fair workplace conditions," AFL-CIO president James Andrews said in a statement.

Since the coalition did not endorse in the governor's race, Andrews said it would work more for Dellinger's campaign.

Dellinger has also been endorsed by the state chapters of the Communications Workers of America and the United Transportation Union as well as by NARAL Pro-Choice America.

The AFL-CIO will not endorse in the Democratic gubernatorial primary.

The state chapter of the labor federation invited all six candidates for governor to interviews, though only Richard Moore and Beverly Perdue came to a meeting of the Committee on Political Education Thursday.

After the interviews, the 70-plus members of the committee narrowly voted to endorse Perdue.

This morning, the endorsement went to the 32-member executive board, but it did not reach the required two-thirds threshold for ratification.

"We made a decision that we should allow each of our affiliates to work for the candidate of their choice," said chapter president James Andrews. "The bottom line is that our membership was extremely pleased with both of these candidates."

The AFL-CIO includes representatives from unions for firefighters, Teamsters, Longshoremen, mail carriers, teachers and bus drivers, among other professions.