Union officials are noticing a marked decrease in labor's presence as a factor in the upcoming Iowa presidential caucuses. Veteran members have noted many reasons for the decline, including concerns over spending too much money during the primary season, and endorsing candidates too early in the primary season before their viability as nominees can be truly known. Among the major national unions sitting out the primaries so far are the SEIU, Teamsters, and the Ironworkers union. Candidates have received some endorsements from local unions, such as the Iowa SEIU's backing of John Edwards.
See "Unions' armies sparser as polls loom", John Chase, Chicago Tribune, December 16, 2007