From Daily Kos: White House reportedly vetting two potential labor secretary picks, this week in the war on workers
EDITOR'S NOTE: Sara Nelson was a featured speaker at the 2019 Kentucky State AFL-CIO convention in Lexington.
By LAURA CLAWSON
The White House is reportedly vetting two candidates to replace outgoing Labor Secretary Marty Walsh. Deputy Labor Secretary Julie Su has been a leading candidate from the moment Walsh’s exit was rumored—in fact, she was a leading candidate at the time he was chosen. Su, a former California labor secretary and longtime advocate for immigrant and low-wage workers, has significant support from labor unions.
Also reportedly being vetted is Sara Nelson, the president of the Association of Flight Attendants. Nelson has the backing of Sen. Bernie Sanders and is an actual longtime union member and leader, which Su is not.
Su has the advantage of knowing the Labor Department at a high level and being already involved in its ongoing work. Nelson is one of the best current spokespeople for workers in the U.S. Neither of these is a bad choice.