AP: SEIU Won't Endorse Democratic Candidates

SEIU Won't Endorse Democratic Candidates
By JESSE J. HOLLAND

The Associated Press
Monday, October 8, 2007; 5:27 PM

WASHINGTON -- None of the Democratic presidential contenders will get the endorsement they've been fervently seeking for the primaries from the Service Employees International Union.

The union said Monday it won't pick a national candidate for the primary elections, underscoring divisions that had been apparent among SEIU supporters of Hillary Rodham Clinton, John Edwards and Barack Obama.

"Any one of these candidates would help create a new American dream for workers and their families," SEIU Secretary Treasurer Anna Burger said.

The international union will not make an endorsement for the primaries, instead allowing its locals make decisions state by state, officials said.

"Given the importance of this election, we are encouraging members and leaders to act on their passion for the candidates and get involved on a statewide basis," SEIU President Andy Stern said.