Unions Spurn Kerry's Lobbying Efforts, Stick with Dean for Now

[LuminousX]

Unions not swayed by Kerry momentum

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- John Kerry's big momentum is carrying him into what's expected to be a strong showing this weekend. But so far it hasn't generated a new wave of support from Capitol Hill, or the backing of two unions that could really help him in the days ahead.

Sources tell the Grind that the Service Employees International Union and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, which have both backed Howard Dean, are sticking with their man through the next round of contests. This, despite an intense lobbying effort by Kerry.

Thank God for loyalty.

[Anwen]

1. Good.

I'm very happy to hear this, thanks for the post! :)

[WiseMen]

2. Real Story is "KERRY REFUSES UNION DEMANDS." Expected Kerry

to agree to make changes in his positions to get endorsement.

He would not. Good for Kerry.

[LuminousX]

4. LOL

[DontBlameMe]

10. Where in the article...

does it say that the unions demanded Kerry change any of his positions?????

Put down the crack pipe and step away from the table!!!

Kerry hasn't won, yet.

Got it?

Good.

[aquart]

3. Some don't cave at the first bad news. Nice.

But then, unions are used to fighting hard and digging in for the long term.

And winning by slow increments.

[NewYorkerfromMass]

5. Gerald McEntee is sucking lemons nowadays

he didn't have the smarts to stick up for Kerry (his first choice) when his union (AFSCME) chose Dean.
They're just trying to save face, but they won't be done with Dean soon enough.

[JaneQPublic]

6. McEntee was also looking at Clark, not Kerry

http://www.theolympian.com/home/specialsections/Election2004/20031031/137659.shtml

AFSCME President Gerald McEntee, who provided crucial, early support to Bill Clinton in 1991, has been eyeing Clark, but the retired Army general upset the union by stating that he would bypass Iowa, where AFSCME is strong with 28,000 members. Still, Clark remains at the top of McEntee's list, officials say.

[revcarol]

7. Notice that the unions that back Dean are the ones whose jobs

cannot be shipped overseas. (Dean supported NAFTA, and so did Kerry.)

Guess they like to cut the rest of the unions down.

[WiseMen]

8. Hope Folks Will Now Admit that KERRY WINS WITHOUT THE BIG BOYS

[JNelson6563]

13. yes, his amazing fundraising from the populace

is incredible!

Oh wait, we're talking about a guy who couldn't inspire enough people to keep his campaign afloat so he loaned it to himself.

It's a good thing Kerry doesn't need those big boys nor the little people.

Julie

[MODemocrat]

15. What took Kerry so long?

He's had to play up to the Big boys at some time or another, otherwise, how else would he now be worth between $163 and $211 million? :eyes: :think: :boring:

[sandnsea]

9. $2-3 million in

Yeah, I bet they are sticking with their guy who isn't "beholden to anyone."

[Snivi Yllom]

11. A puddle of loyalty

In a sea of defectors. I'm thankful though.

[THUNDER HANDS]

12. oh well

I guess we can do without their support for another two weeks or so.

[Skip Intro]

14. Taking Dean's supporters' future support for granted, eh?

I wouldn't expect a lot of us to come knocking with that kind of welcome mat at the door.

[madfloridian]

16. Now that was a lovely thing to say.

There is a lot going on with many Dean supporters. You seem to think we are all proper Democrats who will fall in line. We have many groups formed to continue the campaign for change in the party.

Many groups are made up of Republicans and Independents and Greens who are not to be expected to vote Democratic the fall.

Some of us have been Democrats, but now that we have witnessed the humiliating tactics here and in the media.....we are not sure.

There is nothing at all wrong with voting one's conscience. You should not put us down, and you should not make anyone feel guilty because they think and have opinons.

I have been working with people from all walks who appreciate the truth so much, that we know it can not go away. Dean if he drops out will throw his support to the party, but many of his supporters are active in other ways already.

The turning point for many of us was being talked down to here and made fun of about kool-aid drinking. All good and honest people can work together, and sometimes the Democrats have been lacking in that in measure.

I once said the only time in my long life that I was called names was at DU. That is not easily forgotten.

[dsc]

17. Gee that makes me feel warm and fuzzy

I am going to go right out and vote for Kerry.