The competition for Lieutenant Governor is both crowded and competitive. And lucky for Mark Smith, he has found a way to stand out.

The Bradford County Commissioner secured the support of the Lehigh Valley Building Trades Council — an organization comprised of 21 labor unions spread throughout Allentown, Bethlehem and the surrounding areas.

“Mark Smith is the type of candidate Pennsylvania needs,”James Reilly, President of the Lehigh Valley Building Trades Council, said. “He’s young, energetic, progressive and he’s not afraid to stand up and fight for hard working middle class Pennsylvanians.”

The Lehigh Valley Building Trades Council is the 12th labor organization to endorse Smith. Although most are in NEPA, several are from other areas of the state.

Smith’s labor support continues to grow as he is also endorsed by the Boilermakers Union Local 13, the Wilkes-Barre Building Trades Council, the Scranton Building Trades Council (SBTC), Teamster Local 529, Wilkes-Barre Heat and Frost Insulators, the Sheet Metal Workers Local 44, and IBEW Local 163, 182, 1319, 126 and 81.

The Lehigh Valley Building Trades Council endorsement became more competitive last month when Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli said he would not seek the Democratic nomination.

“I’m excited to receive the endorsement of the Lehigh Valley Building Trades,” said Smith. “These unions work day in and day out for their members and I will do the same for the state of Pennsylvania.”

Although Smith lacks the name recognition of some his fellow candidates — namely former Congressman Mark Critz and State Senator Mike Stack (D-Philadelphia) — he has done well in gaining the support of labor groups, which bodes well for him going forward.

Smith has also raised $230,000 for his campaign, which is much higher than the paltry amount that the former Democratic candidate, Scott Conklin, had at the beginning of 2010. Conklin brought under $16,000 into 2010.

Smith is also running against Harrisburg City Councilman Brad Koplinski and Harrisburg’s parks and recreation director, Brenda Alton.