As endorsements go, Hillary Rodham Clinton has hit a trifecta in New York, getting an edge before the Feb. 5 primary by winning the backing of the state?s three most powerful unions. But in a trend that could hurt Mrs. Clinton and embarrass union officials, many of the rank and file do not seem inclined to play follow the leader. Outside the headquarters of the city?s Administration of Children?s Services last Thursday, one union member after another ? even those who backed Mrs. Clinton ? said they would not reflexively follow what their union leaders were telling them. ?I do my own thinking,? said Heidi Seifert, a child welfare worker, as she was leaving work.
See "Endorsement From Unions Offers Boost, but How Big?", Steven Greenhouse, The New York Times, January 27, 2008