Like Father, Like Candidate

Harold Ford Jr. runs for his father's seat in the House of Representatives-at age 26.

"Leading the Fight" for social justice is what pushed Harold Ford Jr. to follow in his father's footsteps. He urged the union movement to do the same.

"I, as a son of the South and a son of the New South, have a vision for the young people of this union," said Ford in his address to the Convention.

He is now the Democratic candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in Tennessee's Ninth District. It is the same seat held by his father, who is retiring after 20 years.

"I am with you-AFSCME-and the entire labor movement's quest for social justice," said the candidate. He is only 26 years old, but managed his father's last two campaigns and worked on Pres. Bill Clinton's campaign in Shelby County, Tenn.

Ford mentioned others who have done great things for social justice at a very young age.

"In their youth, the late greats- A. Philip Randolph, Martin Luther King Jr.-helped make up the political and social fabric of today. I call upon the young workers of this union to work harder than ever before to also make a difference."