IAM leaders met with Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack and a pair of leading gubernatorial candidates at the AFL-CIO Executive Council meeting in Chicago this week. The event is part of an IAM campaign to raise awareness among union members about the high stakes in 36 upcoming gubernatorial contests.
“More than almost any other office holders, governors can directly affect issues that matter most to our members,” said IP Tom Buffenbarger introducing Ohio gubernatorial candidate Ted Strickland and Iowa democratic candidate Chet Culver. “From controlling utility rates and spending on job creation efforts to authorizing collective bargaining rights for public employees, the right governor can make a night or day difference in the lives of working Americans.”
Rep. Strickland (D-OH) is seeking to fill the seat being vacated by current Republican Gov. Robert Taft, who is term-limited from seeking re-election. Iowa Secretary of State Chet Culver is hoping to build on the labor friendly record of current Gov. Tom Vilsack.
“We plan to do everything possible to make sure these candidates and these contests get the attention, the support and the resources they deserve,” said Buffenbarger.