IBEW Backs John Kerry for President

IBEW Endorses John Kerry for President
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To: National Desk

Contact: Jim Spellane of IBEW, 202-728-6014 (office) or 202-255-7630 (cell)

WASHINGTON, March 26 /U.S. Newswire/ -- On behalf of the 750,000
members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers,
President Edwin D. Hill today announced the union's endorsement of
Senator John Kerry for President of the United States.

"America needs a leader who will address the pressing needs of
working families, especially jobs. John Kerry's long record as a
military man and an elected official shows that he has the courage
and vision to lead this nation in challenging times," President Hill
said at a IBEW Construction Conference attended by approximately one
thousand local union leaders.

Rep. Richard Gephardt (D-Mo.), representing the Kerry campaign,
addressed the conference to accept the IBEW's endorsement on behalf
of the Massachusetts senator.

President Hill noted that for the past three years, working families
have suffered while President Bush has cut taxes for the wealthy and
rewarded corporations for taking American jobs overseas.

"It's time for those who built this country to take it back,"
President Hill said. "A nation that doesn't work for all its citizens
no longer deserves to be called the land of opportunity. Working
families need the support of a President who values their
contributions to American society."

President Hill said the IBEW is already mobilizing its members and
resources to an unprecedented degree in preparation for the November
elections.

"Our union had chosen not to endorse a candidate earlier in the
process. We believed that our unity in November would be the most
valuable support we could provide the eventual nominee. Now is the
time to stand together to fight for job creation, address the issue
of health care and promote balanced economic policies," President
Hill said. "John Kerry is the candidate who can lead our nation to a
brighter future."