Kerry Cancels Speech, Honors Picket Line

[GreenPartyVoter]

BOSTON (AP) - Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry may cancel plans to speak to the U.S. Conference of Mayors rather than cross a police officers' picket line.

Kerry spokesman David Wade told reporters Saturday afternoon that Kerry would not give his scheduled Monday morning speech because of protests at the conference. Later, Wade said the campaign was monitoring the situation and still hadn't decided whether he would speak.

"He's never crossed picket lines in his time in public life," Wade said.

Boston police officers, pressing for a more generous contract, marched outside the Sheraton Boston Hotel Saturday morning where the mayors from across the country are holding their annual meeting.

http://apnews1.iwon.com/article/20040627/D83F3A5G0.html

[bvar22]

1. Very smart move!!!

He should make this a VERY PUBLIC EVENT. Invite all the media.

[KittyWampus]

2. Tough Decision But The Correct One IMO

the Police are first responders... they're the ones who are on the line when shit happens.

Without them, Mayors would be lost.

[GreenPartyVoter]

3. Not to mention this is in his own back yard and the convention is coming

up.

But kudos for him for letting the union do what it needs to do and not getting in the way of that.

[ShaneGR]

4. Very tough decision..... the chair of that organization is a Dem

Don Plusquellic, mayor of Akron, Ohio and a longtime labor supporter. Akron is a bigtime labor town. When Kerry came to Akron, he introduced Plusquellic... not the other way around. He's been the mayor for 18 years.

[MuseRider]

5. Good for Kerry!

This is great, it makes me feel better again (every little bit helps). Keep adding little things to make me feel better Sen. Kerry. I would love to feel good casting my vote for you. Good job.

[senseandsensibility]

6. My local Teachers' Union

was supported by Congresspeople and the Mayor during our labor negotiations, and it made all the difference. I guess I don't have to add that we were supported by DEMOCRATIC officeholders; but you knew that, didn't you? In fact, it was my job to call them and request that they not cross our picket lines for events, and they all agreed without hesitation. I am surprised to hear that there does seem to be some hesitation in the Kerry campaign. I hope they will follow through.

[Don_G]

7. I Hope He Does

He can always choose to speak outside the picket line to the group and get better media coverage than he normally would speaking inside the Hotel.