Unions hold keys, some bigger than others, to caucus

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/sun/2007/aug/21/566670876.html?marc%20furman

August 21, 2007

Unions hold keys, some bigger than others, to caucus

By J. Patrick Coolican <[e-mail]>, Las Vegas Sun
Las Vegas Sun

CulinaryCulinaryCulinary. It's all you ever hear from political watchers these days, as everyone anticipates the 60,000-strong union's endorsement in Nevada's Jan. 19 Democratic presidential caucus. The leading candidates are going to the union hall and promising to march with workers if they go on strike against MGM Mirage after a vote next month. The national press is writing profiles of Culinary chief D. Taylor. The thinking is that the caucus won't have a big turnout, and the candidate with Culinary Local 226 in its corner will have an army of get-out-the-vote volunteers with a proven track record, at least in local races.

But leading Democrats, including New York Sen. Hillary Clinton, Illinois Sen. Barack Obama and former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards, are also reaching out to other labor unions and their leadership, because the other unions, with varying degrees of success, are also moving forward with their own caucus plans. For the most part, labor unions drive Democratic voter turnout in Nevada.

A caucus creates even more competition for labor support, because unlike a regular election, a caucus entails people showing up at a specific time and place and voicing public support for a candidate in front of their neighbors. Labor is uniquely situated to train people in caucus politics and get them to the polls. Also, union members are experienced in going to meetings and voicing their opinions.

Below, a profile of some labor unions and their leadership, and what they're doing for the caucus. Many of them will meet this week at the AFL-CIO convention in Reno.

The Service Employees International Union has 15,000 members and is led by Jane McAlevey, who's added 6,000 workers and is in the middle of more organizing campaigns. About two-thirds of members are registered to vote, and the goal is to get to 90 percent.

FULL story at link.

[Debi]

1. O. Steve - I appreciate all the labor-related articles you post on this board

I ask this only because I don't know it - what states other than Iowa and (just this year) Nevada hold true caucuses? I know Michigan held a Caucus last year, but it really was just a primary as each person entered a polling place and cast a ballot and went home. A true caucus is not just a showing of presidential preference but also organized party building all wrapped into one evening with neighbors.

[Omaha Steve]

2. Nebraska is now on the list

Our FIRST EVER caucus is just about three weeks after yours. I plan on crossing the river and watching the Council Bluffs proceedings to get a feel for the process. If this reflects all the recent changes, this page has what your looking for.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democratic_Party_(United_States)_presidential_primaries,_2008