Firefighters Union Endorses Kerry

[Freddie Stubbs]

WASHINGTON - Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry is the first Democrat to get a national union endorsement other than Dick Gephardt, who now has 14.

The International Association of Fire Fighters planned to endorse Kerry on Wednesday after a vote of union leaders.

The union, which reported 214,000 dues-paying members last year, likes Kerry's record as a decorated Vietnam War veteran; his political, legal and legislative experience; his sense of humor; and his personal interests in athletics and Harley-Davidsons, union President Harold Schaitberger said.

Late entrant Wesley Clark has four-star credentials, but lacks political and legislative experience, said Schaitberger, who spent a couple of hours at breakfast with the retired general several weeks ago, along with other union presidents.

more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A56393-2003Sep24.html

[fertilizeonarbusto]

1. What?

Not endorsing Chimpster, after all the trouble he took to gut their budget?

[JI7]

11. yup, total hypocrite

just like with those mine workers whose safety funds he cut after the photo ops. john kerry has been supporting firefighters in many ways throughout the years. that's why they endorsed him.

[blm]

12. This is going to hurt Bush with his precious

white male vote. Firefighters are pissed and didn't know enough about Bush in 2000 like they do now, and even then they were fierce advocates for Gore. This time they will be RELENTLESS.

[phillybri]

2. Great pickup....

My dad was a firefighter for 25 years. Glad to see them make this choice...

[NewYorkerfromMass]

3. post 9/11 this is huge

man oh man, the endorsement just keep coming, and coming.....

[blm]

4. I have a firefighter brother in Ohio.

The union members are MAJOR LEAGUE activists.

The two of us are the blacksheep Democrats of the family. heh

[DrFunkenstein]

5. My Uncle Was A Firefighter For Several Decades

Eventually becoming chief fire inspector, and very active in local politics. Just about everyone in my family has been a public servant in one way or another, as police officers, public works employees, school nurses, and my Grandfather was even a member of the Board of Education for several terms. Both he and my Grandmother inspired us to believe in the fundamental worth of public service and government itself, despite our skepticism about its excesses.

[blm]

6. Maybe that's what attracts people like us to Kerry?

We believe in public service and working towards stronger communities.

[NewYorkerfromMass]

8. that's my excuse!...er...

mission..sense of duty...esprit de'corps..etc, etc... :hi:

[blm]

10. I'll adopt you.

;)

[Nicholas_J]

7. This is a big deal

This organization is very active in canvassing votes and supports from delegates and has played a decisive role in New Hampshire on numerous occasions in the past.

[molly]

9. Great news!!!