Region 2-B of the United Auto Workers (UAW), which represents all of Ohio’s local UAW unions, has begun airing a television commercial challenging the state’s political parties to do a better job developing and recruiting minority candidates for elected office.

The commercial is currently being aired and can also be viewed on the web at www.uawrealitycheck.org.  The 30 second spot features comments from Lloyd Mahaffey, Director of UAW Region 2-B.

Mahaffey says both the Republican and Democratic parties needed to be reminded of the importance of diversity.  “This is an issue that had to be raised coming into the next election cycle,” Mahaffey said.  “Ohio is an ethnically diverse state – but our rich diversity isn’t reflected in our elected leaders.”

In the commercial, Mahaffey points out that none of Ohio’s six statewide officeholders are minorities.  He also calls attention to the fact that in Lucas County only two of 26 countywide elected officials are minorities.

“Both parties need to do a better job developing and recruiting minority candidates,” Mahaffey said.  “And if they don’t, they need to be held accountable.”

UAW region 2-B represents more than 150,000 active and retired members in Ohio who work in virtually every segment of the economy.