ALBANY – The state AFL-CIO Monday announced its endorsement of Democrat Scott Murphy in the 20th Congressional District race.

Murphy will go up against Republican-Conservative James Tedisco, currently the Assembly minority leader. In addition to the Democratic endorsement, Murphy has Independence Party backing.

But, Tedisco said Murphy’s new endorsement and additional line on the ballot don’t mean much.

“People more or less know who they are coming to vote for; in a regular election it might of be of some import, but in a special election, they are going to come for one or the other. And, we love how the polls are now; we’re ahead by 12 percent,” Tedisco said.

AFL-CIO President Denis Hughes said Murphy’s “commitment to the ideals of working people, he has received substantial support within the local labor movement in the 20th congressional district. Our executive board recognized his strong support, and has acted to ensure that labor's extensive grassroots initiative will be implemented immediately.”

The two men will face off in a special March 31 election to fill the seat held previously by US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.