SBA, CEA Leaders Buck Labor Trend And Back McCain

Even as most of the labor movement both locally and nationally backs Barack Obama for President, Sergeants Benevolent Association President Edward Mullins and Captains Endowment Association President Roy T. Richter are walking a different beat with their support for John McCain.

EDWARD MULLINS: McCain 'a friend I believe in.'

Each of them said last week that they don't care that colleagues haven't followed suit.

"I don't really look at what other people do," said Sergeant Mullins. "Last time people weren't supporting President Bush and I did." He added, "I don't see a lot of endorsements for either candidate. It's irrelevant from where we stand."

Most Uniformed Unions Neutral

Most of the city's uniformed unions have not taken a position in the presidential race, with the Correction Officers Benevolent Association, an early supporter of Senator Obama, a conspicuous exception.

"People tend to sit on the sidelines," Mr. Mullins said. "They should be involved. This is a pivotal point in history." While it is not always easy to support the candidate trailing in the polls, he added, "When you wake up in the morning and you support who you believe in, you can look at yourself in the mirror. McCain is a friend and I believe in him."

ROY T. RICHTER: 'We know who he is.'

Mr. Richter said he was equally unconcerned about other union endorsements. "We still support him," he said, adding that the CEA endorsement was granted during the Republican primaries when Mr. McCain was trailing. "Maybe there is a thought that Federal issues have a limited impact on local issues."

Municipal unions representing civilian employees have overwhelmingly supported Senator Obama, led by the four largest: the United Federation of Teachers, District Council 37, Transport Workers Union Local 100 and Teamsters Local 237. The Illinois Senator also has the strong support of the AFL-CIO and numerous international unions under its banner, as well as those in the Change to Win Coalition, all of which believe he is far more sympathetic to labor interests than Senator McCain.

Cite Character and Patriotism

Mr. Mullins said his endorsement of Mr. McCain, which he gave last year, was based on the Arizona Senator's character, not necessarily his policies. "The history really goes for him being an advocate for law-enforcement and my members," he said. "He's always been a popular Senator with us."

Mr. Richter said, "We just feel that John McCain is best-suited to lead. He's a pretty sincere man. We know who he is. His whole life has been dedicated to this country."

Mr. Mullins said he agrees with Senator McCain on the war and on health care, but on some other issues he disagrees. "I think any candidate that comes out with their own plan is subject to flaws," he said. "It really has to do with the character of the man."

The union leader harkened to an old lesson he learned from his mother — show me your friends and I will tell you who you are. "Take a look at Obama's friends," he said.

Mr. Richter said his sister, who lives in Alaska, is familiar with Senator McCain's running mate, Gov. Sarah Palin, and spoke highly of her. "She does seem very competent to me, but I focus my attention on John McCain," he said.