IBEW Endorses John
Kerry for President
WASHINGTON, D.C.On behalf
of the 750,000 members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical
Workers, President Edwin D. Hill today announced the unions endorsement
of Senator John Kerry for President of the United States.
America needs a leader
who will address the pressing needs of working families, especially
jobs. John Kerrys long record as a military man and an elected
official shows that he has the courage and vision to lead this nation
in challenging times, President Hill said at a IBEW Construction
Conference attended by approximately one thousand local union leaders.
Rep. Richard Gephardt
(D-MO), representing the Kerry campaign, addressed the conference
to accept the IBEWs endorsement on behalf of the Massachusetts senator.
President Hill noted
that for the past three years, working families have suffered while
President Bush has cut taxes for the wealthy and rewarded corporations
for taking American jobs overseas.
Its time for those
who built this country to take it back, President Hill said.
A nation that doesnt work for all its citizens no longer deserves
to be called the land of opportunity. Working families need
the support of a President who values their contributions to American
society.
President Hill said the
IBEW is already mobilizing its members and resources to an unprecedented
degree in preparation for the November elections.
Our union had chosen
not to endorse a candidate earlier in the process. We believed
that our unity in November would be the most valuable support we could
provide the eventual nominee. Now is the time to stand together
to fight for job creation, address the issue of health care and promote
balanced economic policies, President Hill said. John
Kerry is the candidate who can lead our nation to a brighter future.
Founded
in 1891, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers is a
750,000-member union representing workers in utilities, construction,
telecommunications, manufacturing, broadcasting, railroads and government.