AFL-CIO Endorsement of Democrat May Wait

[dajabr]

By MIKE GLOVER
Associated Press Writer

July 26, 2003, 4:00 PM EDT


URBANDALE, Iowa -- Because of the large Democratic field in 2004, it will be difficult for a presidential candidate to win the AFL-CIO's endorsement before a nominee is determined, a top union leader said Saturday.

Even if the federation of 65 unions, which represents more than 13 million workers, makes no endorsement before the primary season, individual unions will be active in choosing sides, said Gerald McIntee, president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

His union, the second-largest in the AFL-CIO with 1.4 million members, gave $9.5 million to Democrats in 2002, more than any other union.

In an interview, McIntee urged Iowa activists to pick a favorite in the state's leadoff caucuses but said:

"Electability is important. We just can't endure another four years of this kind of governance."

More: http://www.newsday.com/business/nationworld/ats-ap_business12jul26,0,3755460.story?coll=sns-business-headlines

[Gman]

1. They damn well BETTER NOT endorse anyone right now

The AFL-CIO told us in 1984 they would "never again" endorse a candidate before the primaries after they pissed all of us off by endorsing Mondale before the primaries ever got started. There's still a whole lot of us out here that remember and are still pissed about 1984. (I wanted to support Gary Hart.)

[DrFunkenstein]

2. I Thought Graham Was The Electable Wing...

Well, here's Kerry. I hope he's electable.

For 2002, Kerry has a 92% rating with the AFL-CIO, his only blemish is his fast track vote, also his only blemish as far as Public Citizen is concerned. 85% with UAW.

For 2001, Kerry is 100% for UAW and AFL-CIO.

<>

NEA 100% 2000-2002.
American Federation of Teachers 100% 2000-2002.

Also 100% from Common Cause, which "represents the unified voice of the people against corruption in government and big money special interests."

95% from USPIRG.

"2002 According to the National Journal - Conserv. on Economic Policy calculations, in 2002 Senator Kerry voted more conservative on economic policy issues than 0 percent of the U.S. Senate.

2001 According to the National Journal - Conserv. on Economic Policy calculations, in 2001 Senator Kerry voted more conservative on economic policy issues than 0 percent of the U.S. Senate."

[blm]

3. McEntee has already said

that he thinks Kerry is the most electable. He's holding off out of respect to Gephardt, giving him the opportunity to grow his campaign.

[revcarol]

4. An AFL/CIO International insider told me:

"Dennis Kucinich is labor's 'dream candidate.'" Getting a LOT of labor support here.

[blm]

5. He should...you know how many picket lines

that man has been in with his constituents?

Countless...in the rain, snow and heat. He would talk them through their most spiritless times.

[davidinalameda]

6. but he's not going to win the nomination

and the AFL-CIO isn't going to waste its time and money on somone who will lose the nomination

I'm sure they're waiting to see if Gephardt can pull it together

[JohnKleeb]

7. Thats good

I think Kucinich should be Labor's pick not Gephardt who is pretty good labor wise but Kucinich is superior on this and so much more and thats why I love the guy.

[AnAmerican]

8. Waiting is good

Traditionally, Gephardt would be the favorite for gaining the endorsement, but this year we have multiple candidates with excellent labor credentials. There is no rush for the AFL-CIO to choose someone at this stage. Let the process play itself out.

I personally think Gephardt will fade in time, endorsing him now would lessen the impact of future endorsements from the group.

Dennis has strong labor ties, and as his campaign builds steam, the fallacy of unelectability will be exposed for what it is.

Let them wait, the time will come for a formal endorsement but right now is still way too early.

[blm]

9. well reasoned reply, AA.

.