Posted on 11/06/2003 9:16:26 AM PST by Dan from Michigan
Major service union to endorse Dean
By LEIGH STROPE
The Associated Press
11/6/2003, 3:17 a.m. ET
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.
The endorsement by the Service Employees International Union, which has 1.6 million members, was being announced Thursday, top union officials told at least three Democratic campaigns Wednesday night. It was to follow a meeting of the union's 63-member executive board, campaign sources said, speaking on the condition of anonymity.
SEIU spokeswoman Sara Howard said Dean was the only candidate being considered, but the board could decide not to endorse anyone.
"Tomorrow, the local leaders who comprise SEIU's executive board will come together to decide whether the union should endorse," she said. "Until they vote on that question, any speculation as to the result of that vote is just that — speculation."
But other officials said it was a done deal for Dean, the former Vermont governor and Democratic front-runner.
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 President 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 — possibly even from its rival, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, which has remained neutral so far.
AFSCME's executive board has been summoned to a newly scheduled meeting for Wednesday to consider an endorsement, a union official told The Associated Press.
Dean is a major contender for AFSCME's endorsement. John Kerry and Wesley Clark also are being considered.
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. Its president, Gerald 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.
SEIU and AFSCME initially overlooked Dean as a marginal, quirky candidate from a small state. But that changed as he surged in fund raising and state polls in key states such as New Hampshire and Iowa and began attracting large, boisterous crowds.
SEIU has mapped an aggressive, intensive voter mobilization effort for 2004 that includes making 7 million phone calls, distributing 6 million fliers, visiting 10 million homes and running six mobile action centers in converted tractor-trailers.
Union officials also plan for 500,000 members to donate to the effort, totaling $20 million.
SEIU is the largest union in the early primary state of New Hampshire, with 7,500 members. It also has a large presence in other early primary states, including Michigan, with 45,000; Wisconsin with 10,000; and Washington, with 50,000.
In delegate-rich states such as California and New York, SEIU has 530,000 and 350,000 members, respectively.
Same here .. I keep holding out hope that the union members will someday stand up to their leadership .. because I do know for a fact they don't all agree with the Union Boss'
Statement of SEIU President Andrew L. Stern Re: SEIU’s Endorsement Decision
WASHINGTON, DC – The following is a statement of Andrew L. Stern, President of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), regarding SEIU's endorsement process:
“Earlier today, the local leaders who comprise SEIU’s International Executive Board came together from across the country to decide whether the union should make an endorsement in the presidential race.
"During this meeting, the Board reviewed a large amount of information: candidate positions, national and local polls and surveys of members and leaders, straw votes conducted by dozens of locals, verbal and written feedback from members. And Howard Dean himself met with us and answered questions from the board.
"We have reached a decision, and we are hopeful that there are other unions who share our members’ excitement for Dr. Dean’s candidacy.
"Our decision is the result of a year-long process that began with – and ends with – our members. And it is because of that process that I know that the decision made here today is the right one.
“Gerald McEntee, President of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, has asked us to wait to announce the decision made here today until AFSCME’s board can meet. Therefore, we will announce our decision on Wed. November 12.
“I look forward to talking with our union brothers and sisters who are still going through their own decision-making process.”
Hmmm - I wonder if Dr. Deanie-Baby's latest gaffe has led to this postponement ...
Does this mean they think Dean runs better than Gephardt in the general election or are they trying to decide the nomination as quickly as possible?
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