By Antonio D. French
Filed Friday, February 23, 2007 at 5:52 PM
The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) has endorsed Aldermanic President Jim Shrewsbury for re-election. Labels: BOA_President_Race
"SEIU members run the gamut from healthcare to the public sector and building services. This is the kind of support from hardworking men and woman that any politician would be proud to have,” said Shrewsbury in a press release.
Shrewsbury is in the last 11 days of a close campaign with 6th Ward Alderman Lewis Reed to be decided in the March 6 primary election.
*Reed is a client of A.D. French & Associates
10 Comments:
This may be the most important endorsement yet for either candidate.
2/23/2007 7:55 PM
The most important endorsement in this race came when Lewis Reed got the majority (and growing) of the Board of Aldermen.
2/23/2007 8:38 PM
OK you two.
I have yet to decide on which one to endorse. (known as the kiss of death) I think that is the most important endorsement.
2/23/2007 9:05 PM
I dont think Antonio French should give an opinion on an issue related to the President's race, as he might not be objective if he's representing one of the people; others seem to think so also; but I enjoy his blog. Jennifer
2/23/2007 9:23 PM
excellent point, Jennifer. And there is a reason that the aldermanic president is a city wide elected position rather than something like a speaker of the house position which is elected by the body governed. This isn't a popularity contest amongst the aldermen.
2/23/2007 9:29 PM
Before Antonio has to say it: he can have any opinion he wants. It's his blog. He doesn't have to be objective.
2/23/2007 9:55 PM
I agree that Antonio can do whatever he wants on his blog! He can respond to any posting at any time.
The point here is that more people in SEIU, Carpenters, The Labor Council etc will listen to their direct leaders before they will listen to their Aldermen. Ward organizations aren't what they used to be. Unions are generally not as strong either but that is for different reasons. Our working people are not getting the BIG paying union jobs as society is becoming different. The many manufacturing jobs are going overseas or to Mexico. There are more jobs in the area of the internet that generally don't need union representation.
Those that still have the BIG union jobs or are in jobs that require representation to put the members on a higher SES than without, such as the SEIU, listen to their leadership. The union leaders know what is best for the City and that is re-electing President Shrewsbury. This message carries down to the membership and is listened to no matter what their Aldermen say.
He may have opposed a big building project in Forest Park but he still represents what the union members stand for and that is just one reason he will win and do it with the support of all levels of St. Louisans. BNB
2/23/2007 10:28 PM
It's not only true that most voters don't listen to their own Aldermen, but only the Aldermen who aren't currently facing challengers are working hard on Reed's campaign. When you compound this with the fact that some barely won their own wards and/or have been subject to recalls, their endorsement value is questionable.
The facts are that these wards turnouts are also low. The largest voting wards in north St. Louis is the 1st and 21st, neither of which has a candidate running for office. Therefore, the GOTV efforts haven't been great. The only literature from the Reed camp sent out in North St. Louis have been those horrible postcards and no one north knows who Reed is.
Reed's biggest problem is recognition, good or bad. Prior to entering this race, Reed has never been involved in any high profile discussions regarding education, development, police civilian board, etc. in a leadership capacity. He hasn't been seen on the floor of the Board articulating on any subject. He has maintained a low profile, which isn't helpful when you decide to run beyond your ward boundaries. It's also hard to work against your mentor, since Reed entered politics working on Shrewsbury's first campaign against Virvus Jones. I still remember the things he said about Virvus at the time, funny how time changes things.
2/24/2007 10:36 AM
Antonio is responsible in disclosing up front his financial connection to campaigns that hire him. Once stated, he is ethically free to post whatever he wants, and readers can assess his statements while weighing the impact of any potential bias. Having an interest in the contest's outcome doesn't necessarily negate the truth of what was said.
2/24/2007 5:43 PM
Atleast Antonio dosent post anonymously like me!
2/24/2007 5:49 PM
Post a Comment
<< Home