Democrats who seek presidency woo labor

Four members of the growing field of candidates make their pitch in South Florida.

©Associated Press
February 25, 2003

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. -- Four people vying for the 2004 Democratic presidential nomination converged Monday on Florida to make their pitch to labor leaders.

Sens. John Edwards of North Carolina and Joe Lieberman of Connecticut, Rep. Richard Gephardt of Missouri and former Sen. Carol Moseley-Braun of Illinois met privately with leaders of the AFL-CIO during the start of the labor union's executive council meetings at the Diplomat Hotel.

"I think they're looking for somebody who sees things through their eyes and will fight for working families," Edwards said.

The meeting represented the year's first extensive showcase in Florida for a crowded field hoping to defeat President Bush next year.

Florida remains a focal point after the 2000 presidential recount and now holds 27 electoral votes, or 10 percent of the number needed to capture the White House.

Soon to be added to the mix is U.S. Sen. Bob Graham, who plans to file papers this week opening a campaign committee for president. He is recovering from heart surgery in late January.

Some activists have said Graham's presence could deter some state Democrats from supporting other candidates out of loyalty to the former governor and three-term senator.

But Lieberman, who built an extensive network of support in South Florida as the party's 2000 vice presidential nominee, arrived late Saturday and was holding fundraisers in North Miami, Boca Raton and Palm Beach.

Lieberman said he had "the highest regard" for Graham and considered him a "friend in addition to a respected colleague.

"I'm in this. I'm running because I think I'm the best person to revive our economy and protect our security and win the election," Lieberman said.

Edwards said Graham would be "the obvious clear favorite in the primary in Florida." But Edwards said he plans to "compete everywhere I know how."

Moseley-Braun touted her experience in government and abroad as U.S. ambassador to New Zealand.

"My message is one ... restoring hope to the people and giving people the notion that we really can turn this economy around and put this country on the right track," Moseley-Braun said.

Peggy Olstein-Wiedman of the Transport Workers Union of America said unity would be key for the large field of Democrats trying to distinguish themselves.

"I just hope it's not going to be a blood bath at the convention, that we all come out united with so many Democratic candidates running," she said.

Gephardt was holding private gatherings at the hotel and planned to meet with reporters todayafter his address to the union's executive council.

Former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean also planned to meet with labor leaders today.

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