Political Activists Study What’s Needed for Success in 2002

October/November 2001 IBEW Journal

IBEW political activists were congratulated on the record-breaking 2000 effort, but cautioned about what future successes will require.

International Secretary-Treasurer Jerry O’Connor told the political conference that Senator Jim Jeffords’ party switch could not have brought about Democratic control without the outstanding election work that produced a 50-50 lineup. The conference was held in San Francisco on the Friday preceding the Monday, September 10, convention opening and the terrorist attack the next day.

"I would like right now to salute all of you from states who elected friendly new senators last year. You know who you are," O’Connor said, naming Michigan, Missouri, New York, Florida, Minnesota, Delaware, New Jersey, Nebraska and Washington.

International President Edwin D. Hill congratulated delegates on their efforts but cautioned that finishing the job of winning congressional control in 2002 will take another effort of historic magnitude. U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-California) told the conference that election successes in 2002 will require forcing Republicans to defend their economic performance.

IBEW Political/Legislative Department Director Rick Diegel reported that the final two months of the 2000 campaign saw IBEW PAC raise as much money as was raised the entire previous year. Contributions for 2000 totaled $7.5 million, up from a previous high of $4.1 million.

"Amidst the deserved congratulations, I must sound a warning note for 2002—5 to 6 million U.S. union members are still not registered to vote," President Hill said. He also cited the low return of IBEW presidential preference ballots in the fall of 1999 as proof that political work must be intense and continual.

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