All Against One

[reprehensor]

http://www.inthesetimes.com/comments.php?id=654_0_1_0_C

For Dan Radford, head of the Cincinnati Central Labor Council, the presidential campaign started last fall, long before Democrats had a nominee. And it will continue unabated throughout the year with more resources, more determination, more unity and a greater variety of tactics than ever before.

Reflecting the national labor movement’s strategy and resolve, Radford’s work in his crucial battleground state is based in a profound fear of Bush’s re-election—a fear that already is producing glimmers of hope.

“Working families are frightened of this administration for several reasons,” said Radford. “You take the issue of overtime . They see their safety net being eroded. And they’re more attuned to foreign policy. They’re frightened about what’s happening in Iraq.”

Although Bush will try to win conservative areas of Ohio, like Cincinnati, with social wedge issues, labor there is keeping workers focused on kitchen-table issues, such as the loss of jobs, the shift of manufacturing and white-collar jobs overseas, and the growing healthcare crisis. But Radford’s local labor movement also is strongly backing an initiative to overturn Cincinnati’s unique ban on laws protecting gay rights.

more at link.