PEP, October 2008: Members speak out on the election

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Public Employee Press

Political Action 2008
Members speak out on the election

Less than seven weeks before the election, PEP interviewed a random selection of union members at DC 37 headquarters during the week of Sept. 15 and asked them who they will be voting for on Nov. 4 — and why.

DC 37 and its 56 locals have unanimously endorsed Sen. Barack Obama, the Democratic nominee for president of the United States, and the members interviewed overwhelmingly support him. Here are their views:

I am definitely voting for Barak Obama because I want my daughter to have a future, an education and a home.

—Sam Richardson-Daniel,
Local 375

Obama is a breath of fresh air. He speaks to us as working people and stands with us. We can count on him to support labor unions. He has the respect of international leaders, and that means a lot.

—Helena Lampropoulos,
Local 420

I’m voting for Obama. He supports the things that we believe in. Right now we’re struggling with funding for our drug prevention program, that’s always a problem. And now everyone is concerned about their pensions and their benefits.

—Milagros Rodriguez,
Local 372

I have lived under Reagan and George W. Bush, Republicans who wasted taxpayers’ money. We prospered under Clinton — he built a reserve and Bush wasted it. We are working longer and harder and not getting anywhere. Obama knows our pain and identifies with us.

—Bolanle Toru,
Local 2627

I am a Republican and I like Obama, but I am leaning toward McCain. I fear Obama will raise my taxes. Americans were a nation of savers, but taxes make it hard to keep up with the cost of living and provide no incentive to save.

—Thomas Orawiec,
Local 154

I am voting for change. What we have is not working. McCain will continue Bush’s policies. I am giving all my hopes and energy to Obama. I believe he will do right by us.

—Maria Figueroa,
Local 1113

As a Latino, I'm concerned about immigration issues. I think that with Obama’s background he can relate to that issue. And of course, I am concerned about the economy. So I'm supporting Obama.

—Felix Camero,
Local 1549

I’m supporting Obama, because I feel he is our best hope. McCain and Palin would be a continuation of the present administration that left this country in a mess and pumped billions into a war with no end. We can’t afford it.

—Steve Schwartz,
Local 1070

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