Unprecedented USW Voter Turnout Effort Highlighted Trade and Economy

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.uswa.org/uswa/program/content/3533.php

Unprecedented USW Voter Turnout Effort Highlighted Trade and Economy



For Immediate Release November 8, 2006


Pittsburgh - The United Steelworkers pulled off an unprecedented get out the vote effort in Tuesday’s mid-term election, based on issues of concern to working families.

While the continuing war in Iraq was clearly an issue, many voters cast their ballots based on serious concerns about the direction of the economy, including the Bush administration’s wrong-headed free trade agenda.

A CNN exit poll estimated that 39 percent of voters keyed in on the economy. Another poll cited by The Associated Press said 8 in 10 voters called the economy very important to their House vote.

“This election proved that populism is alive and well,” USW President Leo W. Gerard said.

“Voters showed they’re fed up with flat and declining wages while executive compensation is out of sight,” Gerard added. “And they’re deeply troubled by an Administration that is at the beck and call of drug and insurance companies when health care costs are totally out of control.’’

Gerard said that “Democrat Sherrod Brown’s Senate victory in Ohio showed, voters are fed up with lousy trade deals that keep wiping out good paying jobs – another 29,000 were lost last month.”

USW-supported candidates in manufacturing states including Ohio and Indiana worked to distinguish themselves from incumbents who supported the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and its expansions like CAFTA.

Results show 15 House and 4 Senate (Mo., Ohio, Pa. and R.I.) anti-fair trade incumbents were beaten by pro fair trade challenges with 10 House races and 2 Senate anti-fair trade challenges too close to call.

FULL story at link above

[Upfront]

1. USWA

Is now and has always been a great union. Proud member for 37 years and still belong to S.O.A.R.