Dean set to get major union endorsement
WASHINGTON (AP) ? Howard Dean is getting a prized presidential endorsement from the AFL-CIO's largest union, top officials from the Service Employees International Union told at least three Democratic campaigns Wednesday night.
The endorsement, to be announced Thursday, is raising hopes in Dean circles that the former Vermont governor and Democratic front-runner also can win backing from another politically powerful union that so far has remained neutral, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.
The SEIU endorsement will be announced after the union's 63-member executive board meets with Dean on Thursday, campaign sources said, insisting on anonymity.
SEIU spokeswoman Sara Howard said Dean is the only candidate being considered, but the board could decide not to endorse anyone.
"Tomorrow, the local leaders who comprise SEIU's executive board will come together to decide whether the union should endorse," she said. "Until they vote on that question, any speculation as to the result of that vote is just that ? speculation."
But other officials said it was a done deal.