AP: Democrats court labor unions for their money, organization and endorsements

[Omaha Steve]

Strange I found this AP story from a paper outside the USA. Has anyone seen this article anywhere else?

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/06/19/america/NA-POL-US-Democrats-Unions.php

Democrats court labor unions for their money, organization and endorsements
The Associated Press
Published: June 19, 2007


WASHINGTON: They might be found rallying union workers, walking picket lines or helping sign up new members. Democratic presidential contenders are busy this time of year seeking the endorsements of the oh-so-important labor unions.

"Wherever I am, I talk about the importance of organizing," former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards told the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers after writing letters urging R.J. Reynolds Co. employees to join up.

Edwards is not alone in courting labor to get a push in the early primary states.

Rep. Dennis Kucinich of Ohio begins union speeches with "Solidarity Forever!" New York Sen. Hillary Clinton advocated for union nurses fighting for a new contract at Finley Hospital in Dubuque, Iowa, in April. Illinois Sen. Barack Obama relocated an important Chicago fundraiser because it had been booked in a nonunion locale.

"We think that it's really important for candidates not only to talk the right talk but actually walk the right talk," said Anna Burger, secretary-treasurer of the Service Employees International Union, which has nearly 2 million members nationwide and a large membership in Iowa and Nevada which both hold caucuses in January at the start of the presidential election process. The caucuses and primary elections are to select delegates for the party's national nominating convention.

More than for any other interest groups, Democratic candidates line up to participate in union presidential forums, or the 10-million member AFL-CIO labor federation's candidate forums.

FULL story at link.