Gerry McEntee (AFSCME Union Head) WITHDRAWS Dean endorsement

[ShaneGR]

MODS: I realize this is a dupe now, but the other one doesn't provide a linked story so I kept this up.

For those of you familiar with the AFL-CIO and organized labor, McEntee is about as big a name as they come. Lots of power. Probably #2 to Robert Sweeney.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4207546/

Major union to pull support from DeanThe Associated Press
Updated: 6:26 p.m. ET Feb. 07, 2004The head of a major union that gave an early boost to Howard Dean’s presidential campaign told the former Vermont governor on Saturday that he would withdraw his union’s support, dealing a major blow to the Democrat’s faltering campaign, The Associated Press has learned.

Gerald McEntee, head of American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, delivered the news to Dean in a meeting with two other unions whose support has been propping up the former governor’s campaign, said two Democratic officials who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The officials said McEntee is worried about the impact of Dean’s ailing campaign on the union. McEntee voiced his concerns in a meeting during the day with Roy Neel, Dean’s campaign manager, these sources added.

[NV1962]

1. Yikes

That's a bucket of cold water over AFSCME's credibility.

Howard Dean deserves better than yellowbellied endorsements like that...

[ShaneGR]

2. Same guy that argued for a Bill Bradley endorsement in 2000

Although he has had some very substantial successes here in Ohio.

[NashVegas]

3. Big Time

They should never have endorsed him if they couldn't imagine going into the trenches.

[ShaneGR]

5. Yeah, it translates into: We are weak, and have no real power

Sorry for interfering.

[mot78]

4. AFSCME can take their endorsement and shove it up their asses

I'm not a Dean supporter, but for them to suddenly retract their endorsement is COWARDLY!

[stickdog]

6. READ THE SENTENCE AGAIN.

Gerald McEntee, head of American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, delivered the news to Dean in a meeting with two other unions whose support has been propping up the former governor’s campaign, said two Democratic officials who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Did they get this "story" from Kerry's campaign HQ aka the DNC?

[ShaneGR]

7. No, it's real... I just called a friend in the AFL-CIO

Had been decided early this week.

[Moderator]

8. Dupe.

There is a link in the original thread:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=288230

Thanks

DU Moderator