• 1st dist.: Councilman Robert Garcia ("We do so once again. We were one of labor unions that originally backed Robert in the 2009 special election")

• 3rd dist: Councilman Gary DeLong ("He has been very consistent in his voting on Port-related issues that are inline with what ILWU is looking for. He voted for the Middle Harbor project. He understands the Port's master plan and what job creation in Long Beach is all about, so we're happy to give Gary DeLong our endorsement.")

• 5th dist: Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske

• 7th dist: James Johnson

• 9th dist: Open endorsement ("Due to having several strong candidates, we left it "open" which means no endorsement at this time but leaves the race open to endorsement if there's a runoff. An open endorsement is better than "no endorsement" since it indicates there are several strong candidates, too many to choose from at this time.")

Mr. Dines said the group is unlikely to become involved in the City Attorney or City Prosecutor races...and has endorsed Mayor Foster for reelection.

What is the So. CA District Council of ILWU? It's not a PAC (political action committee). It coordinates political and legislative activities for the union; although ILWU locals may act independently, they rarely do on such political matters Mr. Dines said.

Mr. Dines says ILWU's District Council is comprised of delegates from ILWU locals from San Diego to Fresno. Six locals were represented and 16 delegates were present and voting. Their votes came after verbal presentations on Jan. 9 by several of the Council incumbents and challengers.

So what were the endorsement votes on each race? Mr. Dines declined to itemize...but said that as chair he is empowered to vote in a tight race...but didn't have to.

[update] Reaction is being added to LBReport.com as received: