SEIU announced yesterday that they have decided against backing one candidate, and will instead let chapters decide on a state-by-state basis who they want to endorse. While the majority of the board supports Edwards, the union first delayed the decision, and has now come to the conclusion that the organization's efforts would best be spent with individual states putting their weight behind the candidates they're most passionate about.
Said SEIU President Andy Stern in a statement:
The outcome of this election will decide whether we finally achieve comprehensive, affordable healthcare for everyone, whether we bring economic security and fairness to working people, whether we bring our sons and daughters home from a civil war in Iraq, and whether working people in America finally have the freedom to form unions without intimidation. Given the importance of this election, we are encouraging members and leaders to act on their passion for the candidates and get involved on a statewide basis.
It's a blow to Edwards of course, whose campaign was banking on the national endorsement, but it will be interesting to see how the states sift out, especially those with key primaries.
--Kate Sheppard
