Presidential Hopefuls Travel to Nevada for AFSCME Support

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.afscme.org/13450.cfm

Presidential Hopefuls Travel to Nevada for AFSCME Support

February 22, 2007

From New Mexico to Iowa, Alaska to DC, eight Democratic presidential candidates traveled to Carson City, Nevada to woo support from public service employees nationwide. More than 800 AFSCME members and retirees greeted them amid national media coverage in a packed Carson City Community Center.

“With this forum, AFSCME begins our endorsement process. Once we endorse, that candidate will have the benefit of thousands of AFSCME members and every resource at our disposal,” AFSCME Pres. Gerald McEntee said. “That’s what we do -- we fight until we win.”


Photo credit: Jean Dixon

The AFSCME-hosted event was attended by candidates Sen. Joe Biden (DE), Sen. Hillary Clinton (NY), Sen. Chris Dodd (CT), former Sen. John Edwards (NC), former Sen. Mike Gravel (AK), Rep. Dennis Kucinich (OH), Gov. Bill Richardson (NM) and former Gov. Tom Vilsack (IA).

“I think it’s great that AFSCME helps members get more involved and lets us hear from the candidates,” said Local 830 (Council 36) member Joaquin Carrera, an agricultural inspector for the Los Angeles County Agricultural Dept.

Candidates fielded questions from AFSCME members and discussed a wide array of issues dear to working families including the need for universal healthcare, collective bargaining for public employees and education reform.

“I think this event is an opportunity to remind our members of the importance of voting and being part of this process,” said Neil Lake, president of the State of Nevada Employees Association/AFSCME Local 4041.

Visit this special section on AFSCME’s Web site for more national media coverage, a photo gallery and more. You can also read what major media outlets such as ABC News, Reuters, and CBS News had to say about this exciting event.

[tomreedtoon]

1. Was Obama not invited?

Or was he invited and declined? Anyone know?

[snowbear]

2. Steve, that was LAST month's forum....

Today's forum was sponsored by "The Center for American Progress Action Fund and the Service Employees International Union" and Senator Obama was there.

The AFSCME forum was over a month ago..

[Omaha Steve]

3. I never posted the old story

Obama had a previous commitment in Iowa. He did speak at out national convention in Chicago last year. So did Hillary. I was just bragging up AFSCME with the story and photo. :-)