OMAHA - As a firefighter and sprinkler fitter exchanged haymakers at Baxter Arena Saturday, hundreds of electricians, plumbers, police officers, teamsters and other organized workers cheered on their siblings in labor who converted to amateur pugilists for the night. The annual Blue Collar Boxing event pits representatives from different unions against each other in a boxing ring while bringing together the Omaha area's labor community to raise money for the United Way of the Midlands. The event also brings out Nebraska politicians, candidates and campaign operatives looking to court labor support.

On that front, Omaha State Sen. John Cavanaugh is off to a fast start. Cavanaugh wears a literal and figurative white collar in his work as an attorney and state lawmaker. But the candidate seeking the Democratic nomination for Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District looked at home at the blue-collar event, shaking hands, sipping a Miller Lite and talking shop with union members.

He's the only candidate in the crowded race to replace Rep. Don Bacon who has announced endorsements from local unions. About five months ahead of the Democratic primary, he's racked up support from seven, including multiple electrical worker locals and a union representing government employees.

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