Clinton, Obama wooing the USW

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08032/853981-176.stm

Friday, February 01, 2008
By James O'Toole, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The United Steelworkers, an early backer of former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards, is being wooed by both of the surviving Democratic presidential candidates, but isn't likely to make a decision on the presidential race until after next week's Super Tuesday contests.

USW President Leo Gerard spoke to both Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York and Barack Obama of Illinois within hours of Mr. Edwards' announcement Wednesday that he was suspending his presidential campaign, the union said.

The USW statement said it "would engage in internal discussion with its leadership about the choices facing the union." The union said no decisions were anticipated before its hierarchy has a chance to confer during a previously scheduled executive board meeting next weekend.

"We greet the senator's decision with some disappointment, but with a great deal of pride in what he has accomplished in this campaign," Mr. Gerard said, praising the former senator as "the most forceful advocate" for changes in the nation's trade policies.

The USW and the United Mineworkers were the first major industrial unions to endorse Mr. Edwards, showcasing their support in a rally with the former candidate and his wife, Elizabeth, at the kickoff of Pittsburgh's annual Labor Day parade.

The USW aided his campaign with financial support and manpower, including extensive volunteer work in Iowa, Nevada and other early nominating contests. This is the second election cycle in a row in which the union has backed a candidate who left the race early. Four years ago, the USW endorsed former Rep. Dick Gephardt, D-Mo.

FULL story at link.