The results are in
The results are in from the first on-line membership poll ever
conducted by a major labor union. The preference expressed by CWA
members against an early endorsement, as well as the close margin among
the top vote-getters, means that the Communications Workers of America
won't make an early endorsement but instead will release local unions
and councils to make their own endorsements.
CWA President Larry Cohen, in
announcing the outcome of the e-poll, said the results showed that CWA
members were energized for the coming political season and already were
working to elect leaders to take on the tough issues of restoring
quality jobs, health care reform, and real bargaining and organizing
rights.
"Voters made clear that they preferred no endorsement
by the national union at this time. Therefore, our union's executive
board is refraining from making an early endorsement but voted to
release locals and CWA councils to make their own endorsements," he
said.
"CWA is a member driven union and we will be guided by our members' decision on this issue and all others," Cohen said.
Votes
were split primarily among three top Democratic candidates. About 20
percent of votes were cast for a Republican contender.
More
than 30,000 votes for presidential choice were cast in the electronic
poll. On the question of whether to make an early endorsement, a slight
majority of voters made the call for no endorsement.
On the
choice of candidates, the three top vote-getters received close margins
of support from CWA members. Hillary Clinton, John Edwards, and Barack
Obama were the top vote getters; the difference between the top two
candidates was 206 votes.
"Our union is built on grassroots
action and member voice. In communities across the country, CWA members
will be raising these critical issues for working families over the
coming months, with the goal of electing a president and other leaders
who will put in place the policies our nation needs to restore the
middle class," Cohen said.
