Cohen Pledges Super Delegate Vote to Barack Obama

CWA President Larry Cohen, a super delegate and member of the Democratic National Committee, today announced his commitment to support Senator Barack Obama as the Democratic presidential nominee.

Cohen said in his statement that this is his personal endorsement, and that CWA will put the issue of an official union endorsement to CWA convention delegates next month.  He noted that in CWA's online political poll last fall, members recommended that CWA refrain from making a national endorsement and that the poll showed their support was split among various candidates. 

"We continue to encourage member activism in the remaining states and Puerto Rico," Cohen said. "With the primary process nearly at an end, it's important for super delegates to decide and announce their commitments so that we all can focus on the November election and on the record of Senator John McCain, the Republican presumptive nominee.  

"I'm convinced that Senator Obama's message of hope and 'change we can believe in' has resonated across our country. He is building a broad base of support, inspiring new voters to join in the political process and demonstrating great appeal to all those who are looking for positive leadership to move us beyond politics-as-usual in Washington."

He continued:  "CWA is focused on four key issues to restore our nation's middle class – real health care reform, jobs and fair trade, retirement security and the restoration of real workers' rights through the Employee Free Choice Act. On these and more, Senator Obama has a solid program to move our nation forward and bring about the positive change and economic justice that American families need, now more than ever."

Cohen commended Senator Hillary Clinton, "who is an excellent candidate and a staunch friend and advocate for American working men and women."  CWA Secretary-Treasurer Barbara Easterling, who is also a DNC member and super delegate, earlier had pledged her support to Clinton.