Kerry courts Salem firefighters' votes

[Nicholas_J]

SALEM -

Fire Capt. Joe Kamal observes Sept. 11 in two distinct but not altogether different ways.

It's the anniversary of the day he became a firefighter in 1983. The date, he said, is also a constant reminder of what is at stake for a firefighter who may be the first to respond to an act of terrorism.

Kamal told Democratic presidential hopeful John Kerry last night the risk is magnified because the Salem fire and rescue squad is constantly fighting staffing problems.

"In the first hours of any response, we're going to take care of it," Kamal said, adding that the solution to inadequate staffing is more money from the federal government.

Kerry -- who joined firefighters for a lasagna supper last night as part of a campaign swing through Southern New Hampshire -- said he backs a plan to boost funding for first responders and establish another 100,000 firefighter positions.

The Massachusetts senator has blamed President Bush for underfunding first responders, and he appears to be the leading contender for the endorsement of the Professional Firefighters of New Hampshire. The union has yet to endorse a candidate, but its close ties to Kerry contrasts with firefighters' lukewarm or cool response to fellow Democratic front-runner Howard Dean.

Firefighters question Dean's support when he was governor of Vermont. The union's summer newsletter features a letter from Steven Locke, president of the Vermont firefighters' union, which raps Dean.

http://www.johnkerry.com/news/clips/news_2003_0809.html

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

1. johnkerry.com

Who'd a thunk you'd get a Dean slam there?

[blm]

4. So, news articles from NH don't count

if they are listed on Kerry's site? Interesting take, RIF.

Kerry courts Salem firefighters' votes


August  09,  2003
Eagle Tribune
By Dan Tuohy
SALEM -
Fire Capt. Joe Kamal observes Sept. 11 in two distinct but not altogether different ways.
It's the anniversary of the day he became a firefighter in 1983. The date, he said, is also a constant reminder of what is at stake for a firefighter who may be the first to respond to an act of terrorism.
Kamal told Democratic presidential hopeful John Kerry last night the risk is magnified because the Salem fire and rescue squad is constantly fighting staffing problems.
>>>>

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

5. No. It counts. Good for him.

Union support is a good thing.

Just trying to be humorous with flamebait.

[blm]

6. I knowzit...

;)

I'm a two way streetfighter, myself.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

7. Don't I know it!

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

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[RUMMYisFROSTED]

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