Union leaders say they are so happy with the Democratic presidential aspirants, though unsure of whom to support, that they are unlikely to endorse any of them before the primaries next year. Many unions are hesitating to endorse a candidate because of their overall happiness with the eight hopefuls. Several back universal health coverage, a major union goal. All have endorsed labor?s main legislative priority, a bill that would make it easier to unionize workers. The AFL-CIO endorsement is prized because it opens the door to major union contributions and to support from the federation?s political program, which contacted 13 million members of unions and union households in the 2006 campaign.
See "Democrats? Field Creates Pleasant Predicament for Unions", Steven Greenhouse, The New York Times, July 30, 2007