Union Considers Withdrawing Dean Support [View All]

Howard Dean (news - web sites), his campaign in peril, struggled Saturday to prevent the defection of a powerful union that gave him an early boost in the presidential race, Democratic officials said.


These officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Gerald McEntee, who heads the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, is considering withdrawing support from the former Vermont governor.


Dean, the one-time front-runner who has yet to win a primary, has decided to make a last stand in the Feb. 17 Wisconsin primary. But the loss of ASFCME would be devastating, giving his candidacy the appearance of further unraveling even as he struggled to save it.


The officials said McEntee is worried about the impact of Dean's ailing campaign on the union. McEntee voiced his concerns in a meeting during the day with Roy Neel, Dean's campaign manager, these sources added.

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