Posted on 08/28/2007 2:10:31 PM PDT by SmithL
WASHINGTON, (AP) -- Democrat Chris Dodd has earned the backing of the International Association of Fire Fighters, a major coup for the presidential hopeful, while leading contender Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton secured the endorsement Tuesday of the United Transportation Union.
The Dodd endorsement is the more surprising of the two, with the Connecticut senator lagging behind better-known rivals Clinton, Illinois Sen. Barack Obama and John Edwards in the latest polls.
The firefighters' executive board will officially vote and endorse Dodd on Wednesday. Dodd and the firefighters plan a three-state tour, visiting Iowa on Thursday, New Hampshire on Friday and Nevada on Saturday.
In 2003, the 281,000-member union backed Democratic Sen. John Kerry, a boost to his then-moribund campaign that helped him secure the 2004 party nomination, and its backing of Dodd is certain to improve his standing.
The firefighters "know how to win elections, and they'll put lots of boots on the ground. This is an important election, and they know it," Dodd said. "They've made it clear it would be about the future — who could win the election, fight for middle class, and bring people together to get the job done."
IAFF President Harold A. Schaitberger said Dodd earned their support because he's the best candidate, and the 25-year Senate veteran has been a longtime ally of firefighters in Congress.
"He's done more than vote right and be supportive — he's really carried our water and been proactive on our behalf," Schaitberger said. "And the other reason is that I really think he has the experience. Our board gave a lot of thought to this. He has the experience and the strength to lead this country in what we know is going to be tough times."
Clinton got the endorsement of the 125,000-member United Transportation Union.
(Excerpt) Read more at sfgate.com ...
... and tomorrow is wednesday. So where is the news here?
How many firefighters are in Congress?
Poor old Chris Dodd, he’s probably basking in the “glory” of the announcement of promised votes for lying and pandering.
Whew, I’m glad this cliffhanger is over.
In other news ...
Water Flows Downhill, Astonishes Scientists
Day Follows Night, Witnesses Describe "Creeping Light"
Gravity Still a "Force to be Reckoned With"
God Makes Little Green Applies, Says Study
Another nail in the Hildabeasts coffin.
Exactly. Why do we care if the Union thugs support...a DEMOCRAT.
Where is the news in that?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.