Culver receives state machinists' endorsement

[Debi]

http://www.dmregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060227/NEWS09/60227005/1001



Democratic gubernatorial candidate Chet Culver has received the endorsement of the state's machinists, as the fight for labor endorsements heats up.

<snip>

The machinists said they backed Culver because of Blouin's past
statements opposing minimum wage increases and project labor agreements while serving as Des Moines Partnership head.

Blouin is backed by the state employees union, AFSCME, and the Service Employees International Union, which represents health-care workers and others.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Okay, I know we're about talked out when it comes to union endorsements here, but there is a point (for Culver)I want to make. There is no (nor can there be any) quid pro quo for unions to endorse Culver right now, he has nothing to give them (or take away from them) during this primary. Blouin, on the other hand, has received endorsements from unions that have their leaders sitting on the Governor's committees - Iowa Values Fund and the Iowa Democratic Party. And the Governor is still the Governor, who wants to piss him off right now?

I put more credibility in Culver's endorsements, but then again, I'm supporting Culver.

D.

[Bluzmann57]

1. Well for what it's worth

I belonged to the IAM at one time. Thats International Association of Machinists. The plant where I worked and belonged to that particular Union is no longer in operation, as the President/CEO/asshole in charge was hell bent on breaking the Unions. He did so, at the expense of jobs. But anyway, IAM is a pretty good Union, mostly representing airline mechanics and Boeing people, among others. Glad they are endorsing Culver.

[Debi]

2. Machinists work hard for the candidates they endorse

feet on street-wise. Also, the endorsement process is ground-up (at least it used to be) and not leadership driven. :thumbsup: