US: Two major US labour unions declared their support yesterday for Democratic front-runner Howard Dean. They give the former Vermont governor an army of supporters and extra cash in his bid for the party's nomination, writes Conor O'Clery, North America Editor
The decision was a blow to the candidacy of Dick Gephardt who has fought for union issues in Congress, and leaves Mr Dean well in front of the nine-strong field of Democratic candidates.
Both unions, the 1.5 million-member American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees and the 1.6 million-member Service Employees International Union, are racially diverse.
This will allow Mr Dean to respond to the charge he was not able to attract minorities to his campaign.
"We believe he is electable," said Mr Gerald McEntee, AFSCM president.