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First Read is an analysis of the day's political news, from the NBC News political unit. First Read is updated throughout the day, so check back often.

Chuck Todd, NBC Political Director

Mark Murray, NBC Deputy Political Director

Domenico Montanaro, NBC News Political Reporter



'Contentious' NH SEIU vote

Posted: Wednesday, October 31, 2007 1:55 PM by Domenico Montanaro

From NBC’s Domenico Montanaro
The Atlantic’s Marc Ambinder reports that the New Hampshire SEIU voted 9-8 to endorse Edwards over Obama, “meaning the vote was very contentious and there [are] many angry folks.”

*** UPDATE *** From NBC/NJ's Mike Memoli
An Obama supporter and SEIU member, who learned of the Obama vote, claims Obama won a vote to endorse him on Oct 22. Board members claim that vote was not an endorsement vote and a later vote of the board of directors went to Edwards.

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Did they go WWE on each other?
No doubt there is a lot of anger.  This whole vote thing kept the members away from their maple syrup processing.
Well, to the victor go the spoils I guess.  Thank you FirstRead for posting this, it's interesting to see how the unions choose who to endorse.  Obama almost had it.
The Atlantic’s Marc Ambinder reports that the New Hampshire SEIU voted 9-8 to endorse Edwards over Obama, “meaning the vote was very contentious and there [are] many angry folks.”

 and there are also many happy folks
AFSME President Gerald McEntee  on the endorsement process, last nights debate, and Hillary;

My favorite quote, "This is one STRONG woman". This Jerry KNOWS what he's talking about!

"We took 10 months. We looked closely at the candidates, and we drilled down deep into the union to see who was inspiring our members, who would fight the hardest for working families and who has the greatest ability to win.

"We held forums. We reviewed the candidates' records and positions on the issues. We met with each of them individually. We talked with our members. Surveyed our members. Polled our members.
No matter how you look at it, Hillary Clinton stands out. She stands tall. And she stands with us."

McEntee also plans to refer to Tuesday's contentious Democratic presidential debate, when her leading rivals had some sharp words for Clinton:

"Some of you may have seen last night's debate.

"Six guys against Hillary. I'd call that a fair fight.

"This is one strong woman."

The endorsement means Clinton wins the logistical and financial support of the 1.4 million-member union. AFSCME says it plans to "spend more than $60 million on the 2008 campaign, and will mobilize a 40,000-member army of volunteers to elect Sen. Clinton."

http://blogs.usatoday.com/onpolitics/2007/10/its-official-af.html


Van
I guess the people won't be organizing for Edward whole heartedly.
I guess if we have a maple syrup shortage this winter, we can blame the democrats for that too.
Go Edwards.  The tide is turning RIGHT NOW.  John is getting momentum!
The Board of Directors has partnered with lobbyists to silence the voice of majority of new hampshire SEIU members who voted to endorse Obama.

They should forget about getting any support from members.
After watching Clinton's and Obama's performances on the debate last night, I did something I never do, I opened my wallet and gave a contribution to a political candidate, the only one I think can beat the Republicans and turn this country around: John Edwards.
One of my friends and his wife are a part of AFSCME and they are livid.  They say this endorsement in no way represents their union's members.  Clinton may get some of this union's money before she loses in the Democratic primaries, but in no way will this endorsement earn her more respect from the unions members.
This is so typical of SEIU -- take it from someone who knows their inner workings firsthand.  Put on a big dog and pony show about decisions being made by the members -- when every decision is made at the International level and then shoved down the members' throats.
No union I know of paternalistically exploits its dues paying members like SEIU.


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