BELLAIRE — Ohio Sen. Lou Gentile, D-Steubenville, was among friends Tuesday at the United Mine Worker’s Association District 31 office in Bellaire, as the organization officially endorsed his bid for re-election in November.

Gentile is opposed by Republican Frank Hoagland, a Mingo Junction resident, business owner and former Navy SEAL.

“I want to begin by saying no matter what you have heard, we are here to set the record straight. Lou is a friend of coal miners, he supports the coal industry, he is a friend of health and safety, and he is a friend of work. … This district has had no better friend than Lou Gentile,” said UMWA District 31 Vice President Mike Caputo. “He’s not afraid to take a stand when it comes to the working men and women of Ohio. Brothers and sisters behind me, Lou is the only choice out there for our workers, he is the only choice for their families and he is the only choice for our retirees.”

Caputo noted Gentile has sponsored a resolution in the state legislature urging Congress to pass the Miners Protection Act, calling on federal lawmakers to protect the pensions and benefits of retired UMWA members and future retirees.

“The majority party in Columbus continues to block that effort by Lou, and it’s for nothing more than political reasons,” said Caputo.

“Today we need to stand with Lou Gentile, because he has stood with us. He has never wavered. … I want the press to understand, these endorsements don’t come from the top down, they come from the bottom up — everyday workers. … They only support the candidates that they believe best represent their interests. Lou Gentile is that candidate,” Caputo noted.

UMWA members, leaders, past leaders and members of the United Steelworkers attended the event and stood behind the podium in solidarity as Gentile spoke about his record as a friend of coal and coal miners. Gentile thanked the UMWA members for their endorsement and said he is “humbled and honored” by the endorsement.

“I recognize that this is an endorsement that has to be earned. This is not an endorsement that is just given to you based on political affiliation, or based on your lineage, but one that is earned through hard work, through a record of supporting the things that your membership cares about,” Gentile said.

Gentile recognized that the UMWA has supported him since 2012, when he and the union came together in a successful effort to keep the Mine Safety Training Center in Harrison County. He also talked about his efforts for coal development, and working to ensure it will always be a viable energy source in the area. He noted that he and Ohio Rep. Jack Cera, D-Bellaire, are working on legislation to help miners who have black lung disease.

“And I will continue to be the squeaky wheel, the voice in Columbus, Ohio, and in this state, on the front lines to make sure those folks in Washington understand how important those pensions are to the members and families in this community,” Gentile said, regarding his resolution urging Congress to pass the Miners Protection Act.

Member Dave Dilly of Coshocton, Ohio, was at the event to show his support for Gentile’s candidacy.

“Lou’s been a good friend of labor, a good friend of mineworkers, has stood up for working class people. It’s rare that you can find someone so sincere and passionate. I feel like I can really trust him,” said Dilly.

Larry Vucelich, who was a past board member of UMWA District 31 in Bellaire, shared his thoughts on why he is supporting Gentile.

“I joined this union in 1969, worked actively for 45 years, and I can honestly say that of all the politicians I have dealt with in the last 47 years, Lou Gentile is as honest as the day is long. He is in my top three favorites. When he says he’s going to do something, he’s going to do it. He cares about everybody. For him to be thrown out of the Senate, it would be a crime and a shame,” said Vucelich.