Union Support: How Crucial?

[rucky]

How important is union support to the candidates these days? Which candidates are courting the unions? Do you think it'll make a difference in the primary? The general election? Does it make a difference to YOU?

I'm a union guy, and I see Dean, Gep & Kuch actively seeking union support. (any others?) It makes a big difference to me - not just because they're courting my vote, but it shows that labor issues are high on their list (jobs, working poor, healthcare). I'd like to put my views into perspective with other DUers.



COMING SOON: http://www.walmartdayofaction.com/

[NewYorkerfromMass]

1. It's important to all of them

It's a way of getting huge blocs of support from blue collars and "Reagan Democrats". Also the white color unions like AFSCME.
They are ALL trying to get whatever endorsements they can get.
What's interesting this time is how most of the big ones are hedging their bets and not officially endorsing anyone for as long as they can avoid it.
Kerry's International Association of Fire Fighters endorsement was a pretty good one which should payoff for him down the road.

[diamondsoul]

2. Union backing is damned helpful, no doubt, but

I don't know that it's vital to anyone. I have difficulty believing that Union members ALL vote according the whims of the Union leaders, ya know? I'm kind of disappointed that the AFL-CIO didn't even back one of their own members, though.

[Punkingal]

3. It's not just that they vote......

They do phone banks, they contribute funds, they GOTV. Dems can't do without the unions.

[DJcairo]

4. Kerry is the only one other than Gep to get labor union support

The IAFF (International Firefighters Union) endorsed Kerry two weeks ago and they are the only union to endorse anyone besides Gephardt. I'd say Kerry is actively seeking union support just as any Dem worth his salt is. The difference is that, other than Gep, he has been actually succesful at it.

[NewYorkerfromMass]

5. The union support is the true measure of a Democrat

If you want to see who's the traditional liberal and progressive then look no further than the union support.

[Feanorcurufinwe]

6. It's like asking how important millionaire support is for the Republicans

no offense intended lol