Continuing a string of surprise union endorsements for incumbent New York State Governor George Pataki, the delegate assembly of New York City?s United Federation of Teachers yesterday voted to support Mr. Pataki in the upcoming elections. The announcement is the latest major blow to State Comptroller, Democratic gubernatorial candidate and longtime friend of labor Carl McCall, who can ill afford the loss of union phone banks and other election assistance, given the severe fundraising disadvantage he faces. Like many NYS unions (see WIT?s for Oct. 1, May 22, March 20 and Feb. 19, 2002), the UFT was almost certainly swayed in its decision by Pataki?s recent attempts to win union support (see WIT?s for June 27 and Jan. 24, 2002).
See "Labor Leaders Leave Their Old Pal in the Dust", RICHARD STEIER, Newsday, October 9, 2002