Washington, DC—After most recently serving as national campaign manager for Senator John Edwards, today Congressman David Bonior officially returns as Chair of American Rights at Work.

Bonior will once again provide his wealth of experience to the non-profit labor policy and advocacy organization’s efforts to guarantee all men and women have a free choice and a fair chance to form a union.

"David Bonior has been a dedicated champion of workers’ rights throughout his life,” said American Rights at Work Executive Director Mary Beth Maxwell. “His passion and leadership are needed now more then ever to help give workers a fair shake. The American public has one more leader on their side fighting for them who is dedicated to solving this economic crisis. David’s return is a testament of our commitment to shoring up political will and public support for policies that benefit all Americans.”

Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1976, Bonior served Michigan’s Macomb and St. Clair Counties for 26 years – the longest tenure of any Congressman from the district. When he retired at the end of 2002, he had held the position of Democratic Whip for 10 years, the second highest ranking Democrat in the House. His time in Congress was marked by a passion for social and economic justice, earning Bonior a reputation as a strong voice for working families and as a leader on the environment, fair trade, jobs, and human and civil rights.