The Service Employees International Union and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees have both chosen to endorse presidential candidate Howard Dean in the 2004 election. Although Dean does not have a strong history of supporting labor, as does candidate Richard Gephardt, the unions felt that Dean had a better chance than Gephardt of winning the Democratic nomination. The unions' support is very important for Dean in helping him raise money to wage his campaign and broadening his appeal to a more diverse group of people.
See "2 labor unions endorse Dean", Michael Tackett and Jeff Zeleny, Chicago Tribune, November 12, 2003