Republicans Push for Union Support

Source: AP

BY STEVE PEOPLES

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The labor union members did not boo the Republicans.

Instead, hundreds of firefighters offered polite applause or silence to GOP White House prospects Tuesday at a union-backed presidential forum, a Washington event that highlighted organized labor's evolving role in national politics.

"Both parties want to work with firefighters," said former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, a likely Republican presidential candidate who addressed the crowded hotel ballroom in a brief video message. "People on both sides of the aisle understand the tremendous commitment our courageous firefighters make each day."

Bush was among a half dozen potential Republican White House candidates to address Tuesday's gathering of the International Association of Fire Fighters, an organization that has poured millions of dollars into recent elections - largely to benefit Democrats. Union leaders could not remember endorsing a Republican presidential candidate. Organized labor generally has worked aggressively against some of the GOP's more controversial leaders such as Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, who signed legislation to weaken union members in his state on Monday and did not appear at the firefighters' conference.



Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, is seen on a projection screen during his pre-recorded speech at the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Presidential Forum in Washington, Tuesday, March 10, 2015. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

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