By Brian Tumulty, Gannett News Service
WASHINGTON — Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's position as a frontrunner in early polling among Democratic presidential candidates won't be enough to capture an early endorsement from either of the two umbrella organizations representing most labor unions, top labor officials agree.
That assessment underscores the wide-open nature of the race for the Democratic nomination among the three leading candidates — Clinton, former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards and Illinois Sen. Barack Obama.
In fact, organized labor officials interviewed by Gannett News Service say it may benefit them to delay an endorsement to maximize their ability to influence issues the candidates talk about.
"I think it's a time to keep your powder dry and see who emerges as the leader and let the issues develop," said James Hoffa, president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. "Right now we are basically watching and staying close."
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http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/2007-06-23-unionsprimary_N.htm