Union event attracts political hopefuls ((Dennis Kucinich and John Edwards)

[Omaha Steve]

by ROD JONES and KATHERINE HEAD

When the most powerful union cooperative gathers in a union-friendly state, it is expected that many big-name speakers will show up to deliver a message. That is what happened in Seaside this week as the AFL-CIO came to town for its annual convention spanning three days, from Sunday evening to Tuesday.

Adding to the AFL-CIO’s influence in Oregon is the fact that 90 percent of its members turned out for the last general election, making it a voting block that expects to be heard.

Included in the list of speakers were two U.S. presidential candidates (Dennis Kucinich and John Edwards, both vying for the Democratic ticket), two U.S. Senate candidates (Steve Novick and Jeff Merkley), a couple state legislators (Sen. David Wu and Rep. Darlene Hooley) and a host of other dignitaries (including Gov. Ted Kulongoski, state Senator Ben Westlund and Oregon Secretary of State Bill Bradbury).


Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards addresses members of the Oregon AFL-CIO during the group’s annual convention held in Seaside Sunday through Tuesday. KATHERINE HEAD/Seaside Signal


Oregon AFL-CIO President Tom Chamberlain opened the meeting at the Seaside Convention Center Monday morning before the more than 400 delegates began their daylong session of hearing resolutions and amending bylaws. Interspersed within the housekeeping business were several speeches by various guests.

Included in the Monday list was Bradbury, who called the Oregon union movement the "envy of every advocacy group around."

He said his work as Oregon secretary of state has included an effort to ban the practice of paid signature gathering, noting that out-of-state interests have meddled in Oregon affairs.

FULL story at link.