Organizing for America | Sam Graham-Felsen's Blog: International Brotherhood of Boilermakers Endorses Barack Obama

International Brotherhood of Boilermakers Endorses Barack Obama

By Sam Graham-Felsen - Feb 20th, 2008 at 12:18 pm EST

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COLUMBUS, OH—The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers announced today endorsed Barack Obama for president, citing his opposition to unfair trade agreements and his record of fighting for working families and protecting American jobs.

“Barack Obama is bringing together a diverse coalition and inspiring people to action like no other candidate has in decades,” said International Brotherhood of Boilermakers President N.B. Jones. “Barack Obama has shown the energy and vision to unite Americans, jumpstart our economy, and put working people first again. Our members are grateful for his efforts opposing unfair trade deals, and his proposal to reward employers who retain and create good jobs here at home. That’s the kind of leadership we need right now.”

“Barack Obama understands the needs and wants of American workers, and he’s deeply committed to the issues that will make a difference in our lives,” said John Clark, Retired Boilermaker member from Local 744 in Cleveland. “Here in Ohio, we know we can’t afford more of the same politics in Washington. As President, Obama will continue to stand up to the special interests and bring people together around common-sense solutions. I’m supporting Obama because this year, we need more than just campaign talk—we need results.”

“I started my career helping workers and their families recover from plant closings, and I’m proud to have been on the front lines of that fight ever since,” Senator Obama said. “I’m thrilled to have the support of the Boilermakers because they understand that if we come together—and work together—we can finally bring about the change that working Americans are so hungry for: lowering costs to make quality health care available to everyone, ending our dangerous dependence on foreign oil, and ending tax breaks for companies that outsource jobs, and putting those tax breaks in the pockets of working people.”

The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers represents more than 65,000 workers throughout the United States and Canada, including more than 3,500 members in Ohio. Members work in power generation, refinery and paper industry construction, maintenance and repair, shipbuilding, cement, lime and gypsum production, industrial manufacturing, and other industries.

Senator Obama has made several key proposals to help working Americans thrive in a prosperous and secure nation. As President, he will make quality health care affordable for everyone, and he will expand the earned income tax credit so that workers can keep more of what they earn. Obama has proposed a bold energy policy to put us on the path to independence from foreign oil. And he’s proposed legislation to end tax breaks for companies that ship jobs overseas and reward those who invest in good jobs here in America.

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