Gephardt Leans on Unions for Support
43 minutes ago
By AMY LORENTZEN, Associated Press Writer
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - Democratic presidential hopeful Dick Gephardt (news - web sites) stopped Saturday at a handful of union halls to rally with one of his largest groups of supporters before Monday's Iowa caucuses.
AP Photo
AP Photo
Slideshow: Richard Gephardt
Although the Missouri congressman said his stand on the issues appeals to a wide variety of voters, he relies on the support of 21 unions, which account for about 95,000 Iowans. They lend the manpower to go door-to-door, encouraging others to attend precinct caucuses.
"They are bringing new people to the caucuses that have never attended," Gephardt said at a United Auto Workers (news - web sites) hall. "If you bring new people ... it's a huge asset."
Hundreds of union volunteers came from as far away as Delaware and Texas to help canvass in Linn County.
A group of machinists brought a truck with a sign on it claiming it as "George Bush's Wall of Shame." Iowans who had lost their jobs could sign a brick on the wall, helping illustrate job loss during the Bush administration. David Edwards, 47, of Powder Springs, Ga., said about 1,000 unemployed Iowans had already signed the wall.
At smaller Gephardt events around Iowa, many in the crowd were probably old enough to vote when Gephardt was a child. However, Gephardt said he's not relying only on the older generation's vote and that of the labor unions. He said he'll also attract young people and maybe even a few Republicans.
"We attract a wide array of voters, we've got lots of issues that attract lots of attention among all age groups — energy, education, environment, trade," Gephardt said.
Linda Berry, 51, of Hampton, said she switched parties because of Gephardt's stand on health care and agriculture.
"I'm a Republican, but I've now changed to Democrat. I think he's great," Berry said.
Gephardt planned an 18-county tour before Monday's caucuses. |
