SEAFOODNEWS.COM [SCOM] — June 27, 2014 — The United Fishermen of Alaska (UFA), the largest statewide commercial fishing industry trade association representing 36 member organizations, announces their endorsement of Senator Mark Begich for re-election to the United States Senate. Senator Begich’s record of service to the commercial fishing industry and fishing dependent coastal communities in Alaska provides more than enough justification to send him back for a second term.
The United Fishermen of Alaska (UFA), the largest statewide commercial fishing industry trade association representing 36 member organizations, announces their endorsement of Senator Mark Begich for re-election to the United States Senate. Senator Begich’s record of service to the commercial fishing industry and fishing dependent coastal communities in Alaska provides more than enough justification to send him back for a second term.
“With this early endorsement, UFA is recognizing Senator Begich’s efforts to look out for Alaska’s fishing businesses and coastal communities”, said UFA President Jerry McCune.
UFA appreciates Senator Begich’s unique position as chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and Coast Guard as well as his role on the Appropriations Committee. Senator Begich continually addresses challenges facing the seafood industry head-on. Senator Begich has been an advocate for fishermen throughout his five years in the senate tackling issues such as Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, genetically modified (GMO) salmon, seafood certification, seafood marketing and fisheries disaster funding. Recently, Senator Begich introduced legislation that ensures common sense is applied to EPA discharge regulations for commercial fishing vessels.
“UFA has watched Senator Begich’s quick rise in stature in the Senate. He has shown a constant dedication to helping Alaska’s fishing families and businesses and the thousands of people that are employed by the seafood industry,” said UFA President Jerry McCune. For that reason, UFA is pleased to offer an early endorsement for Senator Begich’s re-election campaign.
The UFA's endorsement requires an affirmative vote of the board representing all types of fisheries and fishing interests in Alaska, and is sought after by politicians. The UFA was instrumental in helping Sen. Lisa Murkowski win reelection through a write in campaign in 2010 after losing a Republican primary to a tea-party candidate.
This story originally appeared on Seafood.com, a subscription site. It is reprinted with permission.