NYTimes: Kerry to get Firefighter s' Union (IAFF) Endorsement

[DJcairo]

Firefighters Union Will Throw Support to Kerry, Officials Say
By STEVEN GREENHOUSE

The International Association of Fire Fighters will endorse Senator John Kerry for president next week, union officials said yesterday, making it the first union to endorse a Democratic presidential candidate other than Representative Richard A. Gephardt.

Harold Schaitberger, the firefighters' president, declined to discuss his union's plans, but labor leaders who have talked with him said the union would back Mr. Kerry because its leaders thought the senator was the most electable Democrat.

The firefighters' endorsement, which is expected to be announced on Wednesday in Washington, is bound to hurt Mr. Gephardt's efforts to win the coveted endorsement of the A.F.L.-C.I.O., union leaders said.

http://nytimes.com/2003/09/19/politics/campaigns/19ENDO.html

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

1. That won't hurt.

[CMT]

2. Kerry deserves it

he worked hard for it.

[JI7]

3. that's my guy

well deserved senator kerry.

[blm]

9. This will matter to

two certain NY Senators with close ties to the NYFD. I know Hill won't be endorsing anyone but I think Schumer might.

[TheDonkey]

4. Good to hear, more endorsements the merrier for JK (nt)

[blm]

10. yes, endorsements are good, but, this one

means feet on the ground campaigning AGAINST those who never showed interest in their fight. Seems some popular candidates here are very UNPOPULAR with the firefighters.

I wonder if they will bother to question why?

[DrFunkenstein]

5. The Symbolism Is Not Lost Upon Us

"The firefighters' message could carry more weight than that of many far larger labor unions because its members carry a special stature since the Sept. 11 attacks, when 343 firefighters died at the World Trade Center."

Getting the support of police and firefighter unions will be a great counter to Bush's NYC convention shenanigans.

[blm]

8. Now the NH and Iowa firefighters have their man

to campaign for there. WOOHOOO!!!!!

[sandnsea]

6. This is great!

It's been a good week! Can't wait to see what next week brings!

[blm]

7. I think next week brings

the "official" IAFF endorsement.