Massachusetts U.S. Senate candidate Elizabeth Warren is a “genuine American hero, a pioneer for consumers’ rights, a champion for workers’ rights…who will stand with Massachusetts working families every time, and especially when we need her the most,” AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka told more than 700 union members Saturday before they marched off into neighborhoods to talk to voters.

At the pre-canvassing rally at the Laborers (LIUNA) Local 22 union hall in Malden, Trumka spoke about the importance of union members being active in politics.

Nothing is more important in politics than the active involvement of working people like you who give your time and put yourselves on the line for something you believe in. Nothing. And nothing is more important than walking neighborhoods. A face-to-face conversation will beat a TV ad every single time.

Warren told the cheering crowd that when she entered the race, she was told repeatedly her opponent would wage a nasty campaign against her. “And they were right,” she said. “It’s even worse than they said. This is a big fight, but I’m not afraid because I’ve got my brothers and sisters here.”

Massachusetts AFL-CIO President Steven Tolman told the volunteers that Warren’s opponent, Republican Scott Brown:

...has turned his back to the working men and women of Massachusetts. His record is in line with Mitch McConnell and the extreme conservative Republicans who will run the Senate if Brown is re-elected.

Read more from the Massachusetts AFL-CIO.