WASHINGTON (AP) - Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton has won the endorsement of a union representing plasterers and cement masons in the construction industry.

The 45,000-member Operative Plasterers' and Cement Masons' International Association timed its announcement for Clinton's speech Wednesday before the AFL-CIO's Building Trades National Legislative Conference.

Union President Pat Finley said in a statement that Clinton has the ability to turn around the economy and rebuild the middle class.

Finley said, "She has a clear record fighting for working families, and is the strongest candidate to go toe-to-toe with John McCain in November."