The SEIU will not be backing any presidential candidate, after being unable to choose one among their top three contenders, Gov. Howard Dean, Representative Richard A. Gephardt, and Senator John Edwards. Mr. Gephardt has aggressively lobbied for labor support, winning endorsements from 12 unions. Howard Dean also managed to capture the support of many union members.
See "Huge Union Decides to Endorse No One Now", Rachel L. Swarns, The New York Times, September 10, 2003