LAS VEGAS, NV - The Teamsters Union is backing Democratic Congresswoman Shelley Berkley of Las Vegas in the 2012 Senate race.

Union officials announced Thursday that they would support
Berkley in her effort to unseat newly-appointed Republican Sen.
Dean Heller of northern Nevada.

Teamsters president Jim Hoffa says Berkley has fought to protect
retirement benefits and create jobs.

The endorsement means union workers in Las Vegas and Reno will
be out campaigning for Berkley through the November 2012 contest.

Union endorsements usually go to Democratic candidates.

But the endorsement is still an important get in Nevada, a union-rich state.

Heller left the House to join the U.S. Senate this month. He replaced resigning Republican Sen. John Ensign.

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