WASHINGTON, D.C. — Teamster Political and Legislative Coordinators from across the country are gathering in Washington this week to discuss strategy for the 2002 election cycle. The three-day conference will highlight the union’s political theme — “Building a Teamster Majority.”
“The Teamsters are committed to aggressively supporting candidates who champion our issues — regardless of party,” said Jim Hoffa, Teamsters General President. “This conference gives us a chance to meet with government officials in both parties and put some action behind our words.”
More than 150 Political and Legislative Coordinators attended the meetings that included an address at the White House from President Bush, a luncheon with Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY), and a question and answer session with Minority Leader Rep. Dick Gephardt (D-MO). Additionally, the participants also met with pollsters and political consultants and attended political action workshops. Individual meetings with lawmakers on Capitol Hill are also scheduled.
The Teamsters bipartisan approach has resulted in major endorsements of both Democrats and Republicans in the 2002 election cycle. The union has endorsed the reelection bid of Republican Gov. George Pataki in New York, as well as the reelection bid of Republican Gov. Robert Taft in Ohio. On the Democratic side, the Teamsters have endorsed Jennifer Granholm for Governor of Michigan.
“The Teamsters have made our point clear — we have no permanent allies, only permanent interests,” Hoffa added. “This bipartisan approach can only have positive benefits for our members.”
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents more than 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States and Canada.