Manchester Rally Kicks off "Firefighters for Kerry"

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Manchester Rally Kicks Off “Firefighters for Kerry”

September  29,  2003

MANCHESTER, NH –
Hundreds of local firefighters from New Hampshire and all over New England rallied for John Kerry today, following the lead of the 260,000 member International Association of Fire Fighters who endorsed Kerry last week.  Today’s Manchester rally kicks off the “Firefighters for Kerry” effort and the support among one of America’s most politically active national unions. 

“John Kerry has stood up for firefighters and has led the fight to make sure we have what we need to do our jobs,” said Professional Fire Fighters of New Hampshire president David Lang.  “And you can bet that we will stand up for John Kerry every day of this campaign so America has a President that fights for homeland security and fights for the values that we as firefighters embrace.” 

The 1,200 members of the Professional Fire Fighters of New Hampshire represent one of the 2,900 affiliates of the International Association of Fire Fighters, whose endorsement of John Kerry received last week.  The International Association of Fire Fighters has more than 2,900 affiliates, representing fire fighters in every state and Congressional district in the U.S.  Its members are the nation’s full-time professional fire fighters and paramedics, who protect the lives and property of 80 percent of the nation’s population.

“I’m honored to receive the support of these American heroes, and I’m ready to tell people in New Hampshire and New England and all over America what’s at stake in this election,” said John Kerry. “Americans have had enough of politicians of who are firefighters’ best friends when the bagpipes are wailing but walk away when the flags return to full staff.  We’ve had enough of those who offer words without actions, tough rhetoric and a tin pot record.  Everyday firefighters show the courage to do their jobs, do their duty, and protect their communities.  And I believe its time we had leadership in America that shows that same courage.”

John Kerry has also offered a State Tax Relief and Education Fund to support America’s homeland defenders and ensure that states and local taxpayers are not left footing the bill.

“Our states shouldn’t have to choose between firefighters and schools, firefighters and raising property taxes, firefighters and layoffs.  Our first defenders must never come in last in the budget.  Firefighters are first up the stairs and you deserve to be first in line when we decide our spending priorities,” said Kerry. 
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[Loyal]

1. Good for Kerry

Putting up the good fight against Smirky. Kerry is a great guy, solidly liberal.

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6. Thanks...anyone who understands Zinn

should be a fan of Kerry's record in Congress.

Robert Parry fans should be down with Kerry, too.

[molly]

2. International - now that's big news!

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5. Nah...not big news....the networks aren't covering it at all.

I haven't seen any of this covered on the network newschannels. It's sad. They know this is a huge endorsement and that it is a huge slap in the face to Bush who used the dead bodies of firefighters to lift his post 9-11 popularity. Yet...no coverage.

[seaglass]

3. There would have been even more firefighters there if

the notice went out earlier. My husband's station just got word on Friday.

The great thing is my husband has now decided that Kerry's his man (after telling me a month ago he didn't think Kerry could win). He even wants to get involved in the campaign. This from a man that came from a solid GOP family, voted for Perot in '92 and finally has seen the light.:-)

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4. Wow...so you can get

Firefighters for Kerry tshirts?

I have to hound my brother in Ohio to send me one.