IBEW Local 98, one of the most politically active unions in Pennsylvania, handed U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz a $100,000 check Wednesday night as it endorsed her candidacy in the Democratic primary for governor.
The union, led by its influential manager business manager John J. Dougherty, announced its decision ahead of a fundraiser it hosted for Schwartz at the union hall in the Spring Garden section of Philadelphia Wednesday night.
“It is great to receive such an important endorsement from hard working men and women in Philadelphia,” Schwartz said in a statement. “As Governor, I will make representing the interests of working families one of our Commonwealth’s highest priorities.”
 Dougherty, in an interview with Newsworks' Dave Davies, cited Schwartz's "vision" as well as her "old-school" loyalty to Local 98 and the causes of organized labor. In particular, he said, Schwartz helped the local's favored candidates in key local races when other elected officials declined to get involved.