COBA Endorses Obama, Calling Him a Healer

By REUVEN BLAU

The Correction Officers Benevolent Association Sept. 24 endorsed Illinois Sen. Barack Obama's bid for President, becoming the first group of city employees to back a candidate in the 2008 race.

The Chief-Leader/Michel Friang AN 'EXTRAORDINARY' ENDORSEMENT: U.S. Sen. Barack Obama thanks city Correction Officers for endorsing him, promising that if elected he will provide 'a government that's looking out for them.'

COBA President Norman Seabrook cited Senator Obama's pro-labor views, leadership skills, and ability to bring conflict-ridden groups together.

'Can End Divisiveness'

"I believe that Senator Barack Obama is best qualified to lead the country into the 21st century," he said shortly after the announcement at the Omni Berkshire Place hotel in midtown Manhattan. "I think that he will be a President that will eliminate the divisiveness that continues to plague our country."

COBA, one of the largest municipal jail unions in the nation, represents approximately 8,300 Correction Officers at Rikers Island and other jail facilities. The union endorsed George W. Bush in the 2000 race, but stayed out of the last presidential election, despite Mr. Seabrook being named by Mr. Bush to a Federal Postal Commission in January 2003.

Mr. Obama welcomed COBA's backing. "To have the support of these fine Correction Officers is extraordinary," he told reporters. "I'm truly grateful. These are men and women who go to work each and every day for ... little recognition. But they are public servants, who put themselves at risk to serve on the front lines of the nation's criminal justice system."

Likes Him on Issues

In explaining the endorsement, Mr. Seabrook said that he believed Senator Obama was the candidate with the strongest foreign policy stance and understanding of education and affordable housing. Mr. Seabrook met with Mr. Obama on June 23 at a rally in Hartford, Connecticut and indicated then that he was looking to personally support him. "He understands blue collars and our plight," the union president said after the official endorsement. "He understands the importance of the work that we do 24/7."

The junior Senator from Illinois noted that Mr. Seabrook has persuaded lawmakers to enact progressive measures for his members. "That's a real accomplishment and something to be proud of," Mr. Obama remarked. "But many of the things that COBA has been fighting for are the same things that millions of Americans have been fighting for - a decent wage, health care when you get sick, good disability when you get injured on the job."

'Looking Out for You'

Standing in front of a group of COBA officers, he continued, "It's really not a lot. At the end of the day what COBA wants and what most Americans want is a government that's looking out for them. And that's what this endorsement is going to help bring about."

Senator Obama supports tying the minimum wage to inflation. He has also decried the Bush Administration's anti-labor policies. "We are facing a Washington that has thrown open its door to the most anti-union, anti-worker forces we've seen in generations," he has said.

Mr. Obama is the only African-American presently serving in the U.S. Senate. But Mr. Seabrook said race did not play a role in the endorsement by the overwhelmingly minority union, noting that COBA supported Governor Pataki in 2002 against Carl McCall, who was seeking to become the state's first African-American Governor.

"I will not be forced to support someone simply because they come from where I come from and they look like I do," the union president said. "I look at whether or not the person is qualified to do the job and whether the men and women of this organization will benefit from that person leading the country."

No 'Poke' At Hillary

Mr. Seabrook maintained that Senator Obama was the best candidate for the position and denied his endorsement was "a poke in the eye" to hometown U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton, as one reporter stated.

COBA was one of the few unions to support Rick Lazio for Senator against Ms. Clinton in 2000 and was the only large labor group to back Michael Bloomberg for Mayor in 2001.

Ms. Clinton has ensconced herself as a solid favorite to win the Democratic nomination based on current polls and the strength of her campaign organization.

Most of the other local unions have yet to weigh in on the presidential election. On Sept. 6, Transport Workers Union Local 100 President Roger Toussaint joined his international union in endorsing former U.S. Sen. John Edwards for President, calling him the candidate who gave labor "its best shot."

In addition, Mr. Edwards has the support of the United Steelworkers of America, the United Mine Workers of America and the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, which among them represent two million members nationwide.

Several of Senator Obama's competitors have also picked up national union endorsements. Senator Clinton won the support of the United Transportation Union. The International Association of Fire Fighters endorsed U.S. Sen. Christopher Dodd in August.