With Edwards Out, TWU On Obama's Bus

By ARI PAUL

The Transport Workers Union of America endorsed U.S. Sen. Barack Obama for President Feb. 1, and vowed to mobilize members in New York, New Jersey, California, and Oklahoma, where it is the largest union in the state.

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The union and its affiliates originally endorsed former U.S. Sen. John Edwards in September. Senator Edwards, who trailed Senator Obama and U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton, dropped out of the race Jan. 30.

"We surveyed our members and had meetings with activists before we made an endorsement last fall," TWU of America President James C. Little said in a statement. "It was a hard choice. Our members clearly saw both Senator Edwards and Senator Obama as two leaders who could bring the necessary changes that our nation and its working families require. With Senator Edwards out of the race, our officers found it an easy decision to lend our support to the Obama campaign."

Unlike for some unions, the international's endorsement also means that all TWU locals have endorsed Senator Obama as well. New York-based TWU and its largest affiliate, Local 100, once again chose not to support the home-state candidate, Senator Clinton.

A spokesman for Local 100 President Roger Toussaint declined to comment.

"We agree with [U.S. Sen. Ted] Kennedy's observation that Barack Obama has extraordinary gifts of leadership and character," said Mr. Little. "We in the TWU are excited to be a part of this movement for change."