Health care workers union 1199SEIU supporting Rangel

Rep. Charles Rangel won a coveted endorsement Tuesday, receiving the support of the health care workers union 1199 SEIU.

"We feel as far as our political report card is concerned, Charlie was always an 'A' and many times an 'A +'," 1199 President George Gresham told The Daily News.

He vowed to throw the unions full weight behind Rangels primary campaign against state Sen. Adriano Espaillat and the Rev. Michael Walrond.

When we get into these things, we do it to win, Gresham said. As far as resources, both financially and human, were not putting any limits.

Meanwhile, The News learned that Rangel had a private lunch Monday at City Hall Restaurant with Mayor de Blasio, who so far has not taken sides in the June 24 primary.

Earlier this year, Rangel grumbled that he couldnt get de Blaiso on the phone.

The large and powerful health care workers union had watched the Rangel race from the sidelines as big players like the United Federation of Teachers and the Hotel Trades Council both former Rangel supporters backed Espaillat (D-Manhattan).

But the union, which backed Rangel against Espaillat in the 2012 Democratic primary, decided it was time to be "rock solid with someone who's been rock solid with us," Gresham told The News.

"I couldnt begin to give you a list of negative things about Adriano, he said. Its more about the positives about Charlie. The same could be said for ... Walrond. Our membership urged us to consider him as well.

With 200,000 members and deep pockets, 1199 SEIU can provide Rangel with important logistical support. Theyve got basically unlimited resources, a labor source told The News earlier this year.

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Health care workers union 1199SEIU supporting Rangel

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