AFL-CIO Endorsement of Democrat May Wait

[Rose Siding]

AFL-CIO Endorsement of Democrat May Wait

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/news/politics/wire/sns-ap-democrats-2004-labor,0,532579.story?coll=sns-ap-politics-headlines

[davsand]

1. Sounds like Gep isn't a lock after all.

A lot of people had been saying they thought Gep had a lock on the AFL-CIO endorsement (well up to the day he missed the vote on OT pay they said it...)but it looks like he maybe isn't such a shoe in.

Gives me hope that maybe we'll have a primary that actually makes the candidates talk about the issues in order to get cash and volunteers.

Laura

[jamesinca]

2. It wil be nice if they have to compete for the endorsement.

I am not a big fan of Gephardt. I dislike Lieberman even more. I hope either Dean or Kerry gets it. I like DK but I just don't think this is his time. I like the message that DK has and it is powerful, but he just does not seem to be getting any traction.