Chris Dodd: New Hampshire Fire Fighters Endorse Dodd For President

MANCHESTER, NH - Presidential Candidate Chris Dodd today received the endorsement of the New Hampshire Professional Fire Fighters at an event in Manchester. Earlier this week, Dodd was endorsed by the Fire Fighters at a meeting of IAFF leadership in Washington, DC. Dodd and IAFF President Harold Schaitberger continued their multistate tour in New Hampshire, where New Hampshire IAFF President Dave Lang joined International IAFF President Schaitberger in supporting Senator Dodd.

President Schaitberger reiterated his support for Senator Dodd, citing his proven leadership and bold vision for the future.

"There are many capable candidates this year, some of whom may have more celebrity, but for fire fighters it came down to the more substantive question of who we trust to keep America safe when the unexpected occurs and who we trust to fight for our families," said Schaitberger. "Chris Dodd offers proven leadership in protecting our homeland and in fighting for issues that matter to America's middle class.

"After six years of failed leadership, having experienced, bold leadership in the White House matters."

"As we mark the anniversaries of Hurricane Katrina and the horrifying attacks of September 11th, we are reminded that the nation must always be ready," said Dodd. "I am honored that America's fire fighters have put their trust in my leadership to keep America at the ready and to keep their families secure."

The IAFF is credited by many with helping John Kerry win the 2004 New Hampshire primary, and eventually the Democratic nomination. As author Philip Dine notes in his forthcoming book, State of Unions, former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack said the IAFF played a key role in Kerry's victory:

"Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack, who remained judiciously neutral during this state's caucus season even though his wife endorsed Kerry, attributed the senator's success in the first instance to the personal attributes and unanticipated level of organization of the firefighters. They 'willed it,' he says - which is a sentiment shared by key operatives for the 2004 campaigns of Dean and Gephardt, including union officials who backed the two candidates." [Dine, Philip M., State of the Unions; How Labor Can Strengthen the Middle Class, Improve Our Economy, and Regain Political Influence, McGraw-Hill, Expected Release October 2007, p.14]

Former Congressman David Bonior, current manager of John Edwards' Presidential campaign, said, "[Firefighters] have become a very important player in the political system." [Newsday, 3/26/04]

Dodd and President Schaitberger campaigned in Iowa yesterday and will continue to campaign in New Hampshire today, before heading to Nevada on Saturday. Dodd returns to New Hampshire on Sunday and Monday.

Source: Chris Dodd campaign

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