Although half of the 348,000 votes cast in the election for the next president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters remain to be counted, incumbent James P. Hoffa claimed victory yesterday based on his two to one margin in the counted ballots. Members of challenger Tom Leedham's campaign attribute Hoffa's success to recognition, money, and political influence stemming from his incumbency. Hoffa plans to focus on increasing the union's political clout, negotiating a solid contract with the United Parcel Service, and mending the split between the Carey and Hoffa camps that have battled for control of the union over the past decade.
See "Hoffa Claims Victory in Bid to Stay Head of Teamsters", Steven Greenhouse, The New York Times, November 15, 2001