Edwards Cheered at IAM Convention

Cincinnati, OH, September 20, 2004 - Vice presidential candidate John Edwards got a hero’s welcome today at the Cincinnati Convention Center by nearly 2,000 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM).

Edwards wasted no time getting to the issues that matter most to Machinists: Jobs, health care and the failure of the Bush-Cheney administration to address the widespread destruction of good jobs in this country.

“The truth of the matter is that a job is about more than just a paycheck. It’s about dignity and it’s about self respect,’ declared Edwards, who called for tax breaks for companies that keep good jobs here in America rather than tax incentive to move jobs overseas. “This is not just an economic issue,” said Edwards. “This is this is a moral issue.”

IAM International President Tom Buffenbarger agreed. “The loss of so many jobs here in Ohio and across the country deserves to be the most important issue in this election,” said Buffenbarger, a Cincinnati native. “John Edwards knows the value of a decent paycheck, affordable health insurance and pensions. He knows more about people like us than Dick Cheney could ever hope to. The IAM is ready do what it takes to carry Ohio for the Kerry-Edwards ticket”

Edwards called on the delegates to judge President Bush on his record. “During the time George Bush has been president, 5 million American lost their health care, 4 million Americans have fallen into poverty and 1.6 million private sector jobs have been lost,” said Edwards.”

If you have any questions, please call or email Frank Larkin: 202-285-3831