Three unions endorse Gregoire's bid for governor

By Jim Brunner
Seattle Times staff reporter

	Christine Gregoire
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Three of the state's largest and most politically influential unions yesterday threw their weight behind Attorney General Christine Gregoire's gubernatorial campaign, further solidifying her status as the front-runner for the Democratic nomination.

The unusual early endorsement was issued by the Machinists union representing Boeing workers, the Washington Federation of State Employees and the Service Employees International Union. Together, they represent 144,000 workers and wield considerable political clout, especially for Democrats.

Union leaders praised Gregoire's handling of the multibillion-dollar settlement with tobacco companies and her pledges to make health care a top priority. They also suggested that Democrats should settle on their candidate early and look ahead to November and defeating Republican candidate Dino Rossi.

"We need to back one candidate now because the stakes are too high to wait several months," said Greg Devereux, executive director of the state employees union.

The endorsements represent a setback to Gregoire's Democratic rivals, King County Executive Ron Sims and former State Supreme Court Justice Phil Talmadge.

Sims, who is second to Gregoire in fund raising, had hoped to win some union backing to slow her momentum.

"It will be a big blow for Ron. ... He has been counting on some major support out of these unions," said Paul Berendt, chairman of the state Democratic Party.

Linda Lanham, state political director for the Machinists union, described both Sims and Gregoire as "good friends" to organized labor. The Gregoire endorsement, she said, was influenced by her status as the front-runner.

"It's the endorsements and the money she's raised," Lanham said.

Sims issued a statement acknowledging his disappointment but cautioned that it's far too early to write him off.
 
"There is a long way to go in this campaign and it would be a mistake for people to assess candidates based on endorsements — just ask Howard Dean," Sims said.

Dean, the former Vermont governor who quickly plummeted from presumed front-runner to also-ran in the Democratic primary campaign, had been endorsed by major unions, including the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, of which the Washington state employees union is a part. After Dean faltered, AFSCME abruptly yanked its endorsement.

Gregoire hailed the endorsements in a press conference at a SeaTac hotel.

"Campaigns are all about momentum, and today is a great day for our campaign," she said.

Gregoire pledged to fight for affordable health insurance, and suggested the state should crack down on employers that fail to provide adequate health coverage, naming Wal-Mart in particular.

Talmadge criticized Gregoire for promising unions pay increases and better health care without specifying a way to pay for it. He noted she has opposed tax increases and despite talking about repealing corporate tax loopholes, she supported recent tax breaks for Boeing and other companies.

"She's running as an incumbent officeholder who has raised a lot of money and says she can be everything to everybody," he said.

With the backing of the three unions yesterday, State Labor Council President Rick Bender said Gregoire has a major edge in seeking the endorsement of the state Labor Council when it meets to pick a candidate in May.

Jim Brunner: 206-515-5628 or jbrunner@seattletimes.com

Seattle Times staff reporter Ralph Thomas contributed to this report.

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