WASHINGTON WIRE Labor's Enthusiasm For Republicans Fades By JOHN HARWOOD
LABOR CURBS outreach to Republicans as Democratic prospects brighten.
Teamsters and FireFighters, among others, had vowed to ramp up Republican support to increase their clout while Bush's party held power. But enthusiasm has faded, a Teamsters official explains, because "Republicans went too far. We need a leadership change."
Some local unions continue offering volunteer support and endorsements to labor-friendly Republicans. New York Republican Rep. Sue Kelly gets help from construction unions, operating engineers and transport workers. Her singer-songwriter opponent John Hall "won't have monolithic union support," says Kelly spokesman Jay Townsend.