50 Iowa Labor Leaders Pledge Support for John Kerry

Des Moines – IA. Fifty labor leaders from across Iowa today announced their support for the Presidential campaign of Senator John Kerry. The complete list of labor endorsers is attached.

Wayne Sawtelle, President of Firefighters Local 16 in Marshalltown, explained that he “wanted to be one of the first to endorse John Kerry because he has been there for workers. John Kerry has led on a national level so that we firefighters have updated technology, equipment and resources to keep communities safe. John understands that homeland security starts with first responders, and he has led the fight to make sure that the men and women who put their lives on the line everyday have a champion that understands that it takes resources, not just rhetoric to keep us safe."

John Kerry has earned the support of labor throughout Iowa because of his strong commitment to improving the lives of Iowa’s working families. He has a 90% lifetime voting record from the AFL-CIO. John Kerry is letting America’s workers know that a Kerry Administration will always champion their fight for better wages, striker protections, the right to organize, American jobs, and affordable and accessible health care. He supports overtime pay and has joined in the fight to defend the 40 hour work week by launching a petition on his website (www.johnkerry.com).

http://www.johnkerry.com/news/releases/pr_2003_0818.html

I'm expecting the National union to support Kerry as well. Post 9-11 makes the Firefighters support even MORE important than ever. The public will be reluctant ignore their voices.

:kick:

Unlike Gephardt or even Kucinich, Kerry doesn't really have a taken-as-read association with labor, so this is quite impressive.

if and when you meet him - he is warm and vibrant and intelligent and COMPASSIONATE.