Ask AFSCME
How will AFSCME decide which candidate to endorse in the 2008 Presidential election?
Shannye W. Carroll
Program Assistant for Workforce Development and Continuing Education. Montgomery College, Local 2380 (Maryland Council 67)
As public service workers we elect our bosses — the politicians who impact our pay, benefits and working conditions. The year 2008 offers the most talented and diverse field of candidates in years, giving us an historic opportunity to elect a candidate who will fight for working families.
To determine who merits our support, AFSCME has an exhaustive review process to find out: Which candidate has the best record of fighting for America’s working families? Who has stood with our union in contract battles and organizing campaigns? Who will support public services, oppose privatization, fight for universal health care and real retirement security? And who is best positioned to win?
READY FOR '08 | Members at the AFSCME Presidential Candidate Forum in Carson City, Nev. witnessed on Feb. 21 the start of our union's endorsement process to take back the White House for working families.
Photo Credit: Jean Dixon
As AFSCME Pres. Gerald W. McEntee has said, “The decision will hinge on the candidate’s record, position on the issues, the viability of their campaign, and their ability to inspire and motivate our members.”
We took the first step in the review/endorsement process on Feb. 21, by hosting the nation’s first Presidential Candidates Forum in Carson City, Nev., providing members with a first-hand look at candidates’ views on the issues. You can watch the forum on afscme.org.
A Bottom-Up Process
Member participation will be key, with opinions being collected via local union meetings, polling and the Internet. A special 2008 election website will debut this summer.
In June, candidates will address more than 2,000 leaders and activists as they meet in Washington, D.C., for AFSCME’s National Leadership Conference and fine tune plans to build a volunteer member army to take back the White House.
The entire process will be guided by a Presidential Search Committee made up of AFSCME leaders who will meet individually with Republican and Democratic candidates and review their records and positions on the issues. The committee will also suggest next steps, which could include an endorsement recommendation to the International Executive Board.
