Another important Oregon union endorses Obama

Oregon AFSCME Endorses Obama
by Christopher HassSunday, March 16, 2008 at 08:35 PM
Yesterday the progressive blog Blue Oregon broke the news that <the Oregon AFSCME union workers had voted to endorse Barack Obama for President. According to Blue Oregon, "Oregon AFSCME's executive director, Ken Allen, described the vote as 'overwhelming.'"

In an official statement released last night, the Oregon AFSCME explained:

"The union took action prior to the upcoming Oregon primary because Obama has a history of standing up and fighting for working people," said Oregon AFSCME Executive Director Ken Allen. "In Illinois, Sen. Obama fought alongside AFSCME to keep vital public services open, including mental hospitals and prisons. He also worked to help organize thousands of workers at Resurrection Hospital, and supported card check recognition for other workers seeking to unionize in their workplace.

“He is a candidate organized labor can proudly stand behind and support.”

... “I believe Obama can unite Democrats, Republicans and independents alike, which is what our membership within Corrections looks like,” [Corrections Counselor Tina Turner-Morfitt] said. “This endorsement best reflects the thinking of our members and leaders.”

... With the Obama endorsement, Oregon AFSCME joins the other biggest unions in Oregon supporting Obama in the Oregon primary, including the Oregon Education Association, the Teamsters, Service Employees International Union, the United Food and Commercial Workers and others.

The Oregon AFSCME plans to send out mailings to its members, and to participate in get-out-the-vote activities for Barack during the lead-up to Oregon's May 20th primary.

Read the full Oregon AFSCME statement endorsing Barack.

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