Our Presidential Endorsement

Yesterday, our union announced its support of Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) for President of the United States.

AFSCME's International Executive Board overwhelmingly voted to endorse Senator Clinton following an extensive 10-month, member-driven endorsement process—including candidate appearances, interviews and membership polls. These polls showed that Senator Clinton enjoys deeps support among AFSCME's members. We looked for the candidate who will fight the hardest for working families and who has the greatest ability to win -- and the candidate who will motivate our members to make more calls, knock on more doors and talk to their co-workers like never before. We believe Hillary Clinton is the best candidate for our members and for America.

We had the most talented and diverse field of Presidential candidates we've seen in years. But when all was said and done, among our members Hillary Clinton clearly emerged as the best candidate to take back the White House for America's working families.

When Senator Clinton accepted our endorsement yesterday, she made it profoundly clear that she understands the importance of the work AFSCME members do day in and day out and committed to stopping the attacks on public services that our entire nation has suffered from under the Bush administration. This is what she said:

"I'm going to start reversing the outsourcing of our government...There are now more private contractors being paid with our tax dollars than there are civilian and military employees combined...We’re going to begin to take our government back and put it back in the hands of the American people for a change."

No matter how you look at it, Hillary Clinton stands out. She stands tall. And she stands with us. As our President, Hillary Clinton will help rebuild America's middle class and make sure that everyone shares in our country's prosperity. Now it's up to us to help make that happen.

AFSCME takes pride in being the most effective political force in the American labor movement. AFSCME members are more than just voters. You are messengers and activists, comprising a powerful grassroots network of volunteers and opinion leaders. When inspired by candidates who stand strongly for working families, AFSCME members can make the difference in close elections.

In 2008, it is our goal to double our volunteer army. Together, we will elect Sen. Clinton, increase the Democratic majorities in the U.S. Senate and House, and influence key gubernatorial contests, state legislative races and ballot initiatives. I hope that each and every one of you will be a part of this historic effort.

You can take the first step by signing up to volunteer. Just go to our special volunteer sign up form and someone from our Political Action department will be in touch with you. Click here to volunteer.