Major Service Union to Endorse Dean but Holds off Announcement

[sfecap]

Major Service Union to Endorse Dean but Holds off Announcement

By Leigh Strope The Associated Press
Published: Nov 6, 2003




WASHINGTON (AP) - In a major boost to his campaign, Democrat Howard Dean is getting a prized presidential endorsement from one of the nation's largest unions. However, the Service Employees International Union, which has 1.6 million members, said it would not announce its endorsement decision until next week, at the request of Gerald McEntee, president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

Dean was the only candidate to meet Thursday with members of the SEIU board, and he appeared at a union news conference wearing an SEIU jacket with the words, "Dr. Dean."

(snip)

The endorsement is a blow to Dick Gephardt, who has staked his second try for the White House on the support of organized labor. In his 27 years in the House, the Missouri congressman has carried labor's banner on trade legislation and other issues. But for SEIU and other large service unions, defeating Bush in next year's election trumps loyalty.

Backing from SEIU, the largest union under the umbrella of the AFL-CIO, provides Dean with thousands of crucial ground troops in early primary states and helps him diversify his campaign. The union represents janitors, health care workers and other service employees, many of whom are minorities and women.

SEIU's endorsement also could shake loose support from other unions, including AFSCME. AFSCME, with 1.5 million members, previously had targeted early December for an endorsement but moved up the timetable when the SEIU decided to act this month.

AFSCME's endorsement is considered the holy grail for Democrats because the union spends more money on elections than any other. McEntee was key to Bill Clinton's 1992 campaign success by providing crucial, early support when other unions were backing Sen. Tom Harkin of Iowa.

(more)

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGA3ZZ0APMD.html

[MoonAndSun]

1. Thanks for the link,

this is very BIG for Howard Dean and his campaign. He just keeps moving forward every day and getting stronger.

[Larkspur]

2. Beep-beep!! Roadrunner (Howard Dean) keeps moving ahead

Now, I'll be waiting in great anticipation for next weekds co-endorsements.

[dfong63]

3. now, why would afscme ask for a delay?

[sfecap]

4. Its about solidarity and rivalry and respect.

There's a discussion here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=108&topic_id=78572#78659

(And all over the media.)