Army of Black and Gold Endorses Dean

DES MOINES - The International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) today became the first international union to endorse Howard Dean in the 2004 campaign. The Army of Black and Gold, as the 140,000 members are known, was named by the AFL-CIO as the most effective political organization in the labor movement in 2001. Their motto, “feet on the streets,” reflects how you will defeat George W. Bush in this election.

"I am thrilled to accept the endorsement,” Dean said. “"Over the course of this campaign we have put together the greatest grassroots organization of the modern era. It’s fitting that we’re now working with some of the greatest grassroots organizers in labor."

Under President James A. Williams' visionary leadership, IUPAT has transformed into a major political force. Their 140,000 members, 3,000 of whom live in Iowa, gained their nickname through their grassroots organizing and voter mobilization done in signature black and gold t-shirts. They will now join the 480,000 Americans already working on behalf of Governor Dean across the country.

"My commitment to the right to organize has deep roots," Dean said. "President Bush is the most anti-union President in modern history. As President I will vigorously enforce worker protections in federal law, reverse the policies of Enron Economics, and make job creation a top priority."

more...

http://blog.deanforamerica.com/archives/002014.html

Labor was Gebhardt's strength, particularly in Iowa. I kinda figured the unions would take a wait and see approach and possibly endorse nobody or maybe endorse Geb. That's a big win for Dean.

Woo hoo! I expect a few more to follow now.

Unions are Gephardt territory and this is a good thing to see Dean pick up.

> Unions are Gephardt territory and this is a good thing to see Dean pick up.

All of America (with the possible exception of Crawford, TX,
home of The Lyin' W Ranch) is Dean Territory, and we'll
start proving that to you no later than January 27th!

Atlant

Posted on Wed, Oct. 22, 2003
Painters to Be First Union to Back Dean
Associated Press
http://www.bayarea.com/mld/mercurynews/news/politics/7078882.htm