Senate Hopefuls Pledge Labor Support

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)

Both U.S. Rep. Ben Cardin (D-MD 3) and former Congressman and former NAACP head Kweisi Mfume committed to working for the Employee Free Choice Act during February 15 interviews of U. S. Senate candidates conducted by the Maryland State & DC AFL-CIO in Annapolis. Both candidates condemned the war in Iraq and promised to take measures to protect and expand workers pensions.  Mfume supported a universal health care system while Cardin called for earlier access to Medicare. "We've never had a better crop of candidates to choose from," said Metro Washington Council President Jos Williams. Also participating in the questionnaire and interview process were Josh Rales, Lisa Van Sustern, Alan Lichtman, Kevin Zeese and Dennis Rasmussen.  Lt. Gov. Michael Steele did not return a questionnaire or respond to telephone requests inviting him to an interview. The Maryland State & DC AFL-CIO will hold a COPE committee to consider endorsements for the U.S. Senate and Md. Governor's race on February 28.

- reported by Craig Simpson