Gephardt Notches IAM Endorsement
Nearly 700 elected IAM leaders of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers voted to endorse Missouri Rep. Richard Gephardt for president following his rousing address at the union’s national staff conference in Cincinnati, Ohio.

 “Dick Gephardt has earned our support,” said IAM International President Tom Buffenbarger. “In fight after fight, he’s been at our side. It’s time for us to stand together once again.”

“Since the start of the recession, the IAM has been anxious to partner with a candidate willing to fight for jobs in aerospace, air transport and manufacturing,” said Buffenbarger. “The tax cuts and dividend schemes of the current administration do absolutely nothing for the 90,000 IAM members laid off in the past two years. We simply cannot afford to wait any longer.”

The Machinists Union traditionally endorses presidential candidates closer to the general election. “Given the dismal state of our economy and the importance of the upcoming election, we believe early involvement is essential to give our members and this candidate the chance they both deserve,” said Buffenbarger.

The endorsement makes the IAM the first major labor union to express a preference among the 9 candidates hoping to win the Democratic nomination for president.