"The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is a critical part of both our national defense and our local economy," Shea-Porter said. "I will continue to be a strong advocate for the Shipyard in Washington. The Navy knows we have the best shipyard workers in the country and I am honored to receive their endorsement."

"Two years ago, we endorsed Congresswoman Shea-Porter because she had the best vision for working families and we believed in her," said Paul O'Connor, president of the Metal Trades Council. "We were right then and we are right now. The Congresswoman has been a great supporter of the shipyard and we are happy to endorse her."

Since first arriving in Washington, Shea-Porter has made funding the shipyard a top priority.

Earlier this month, Shea-Porter helped secure more than $30 million in funding for the Shipyard. The funding, which was included in the Defense Authorization bill, contains $20.6 million for the Waterfront Support Facility and $9.98 million for the Consolidated Global Submarine Component.

President Bush just recently signed the legislation into law.