LOS ANGELES (AP) — The nation's largest union of government workers chose a new leader on Thursday as its members grapple with efforts around the country to weaken labor rights or cut public employee pensions and benefits.

Lee Saunders was elected president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. He had been the union's No. 2 official and becomes its first African- American president.

Saunders takes over from Gerald McEntee, the legendary leader who over 31 years built the union into a political powerhouse that regularly spends more than any other to help Democrats win office.

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