Edwards looks to lock up union support in California

[JohnLocke]

Edwards looks to lock up union support in California
By Garance Burke--Associated Press
Friday, March 2, 2007
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FRESNO, Calif.--Democratic presidential contender John Edwards told farmworkers and labor leaders Friday he would fight to allow undocumented immigrants to work their way toward citizenship.
Edwards spoke to citrus workers and officials from the United Farm Workers in the San Joaquin Valley during a tour of California that will also include campaign and fundraising stops in Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay area.
The former North Carolina senator stressed his support for organized labor.
"These workers are at the heart of why I want to be president of the United States," Edwards said, flanked by UFW President Arturo Rodriguez. "We need comprehensive immigration reform in this country, and that includes the ability of people to earn citizenship."
Edwards' rural roots might give him an edge in California's interior valley, a region his leading rivals for the Democratic nomination, New York Sen. Hillary Clinton and Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, have yet to visit, political analysts said.
(...)
Some 28,000 farmworkers were left unemployed by the freeze, and foodbanks are still running out of supplies, said UFW spokeswoman Alisha Rosas.
"He came to listen to us, the farmworkers," said Angelina Zabala, a mother of six from Porterville. "I didn't think the candidates were going to take what we have to say into account but I see he wants to help. I'm thinking about voting for him."
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[BayCityProgressive]

1. Good on Edwards

I have not decided who I am supporting yet because they all naturally have positives and negatives. The positives for Edwards are focus on the poor and unions. I also like that he opposes NAFTA.

[More Than A Feeling]

3. Don't forget public financing.

Edwards supports it.

[JohnLocke]

2. Kick (nt).

[1932]

4. Union support of Edwards would lock up my support for Edwards

[Clarkie1]

5. There is no such thing as "locking up" union support.

We are free-thinking individuals.

Sincerely,

Clarkie1, Californian and union rep.

[JNelson6563]

6. To get the official support

where you get to list the various union groups among those who endorse you, is a big thing. Unions can do a great deal for a campaign, as we all know. Individuals are of course free to do as they please but that doesn't prevent the group from sponsoring events, doing mailings, fundraising, phone-banking and all other manner of helpful things.

Labor in MI likes Edwards a lot. It doesn't hurt that Bonior is his campaign manager. ;-) Our state party's Jeff-Jack dinner in April has Edwards as the featured speaker. That says a lot.

With all of that said, there are many people here who are waiting on news from Gore before totally throwing in with anyone.

Julie