Powerful Nev. union plans endorsement after New Hampshire primary

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/politics/20080105-1438-nv-nevadaunion-endorsement.html

ASSOCIATED PRESS

2:38 p.m. January 5, 2008

LAS VEGAS – A powerful Nevada union says it won't endorse a Democratic presidential candidate until after Tuesday's New Hampshire primary.

The 60,000-member Culinary Workers Union, Local 226 plans to announce its endorsement, along with parent union UNITE HERE, at a Wednesday morning press conference at its Las Vegas headquarters, political director Pilar Weiss said Saturday.

The union represents hotel, restaurant and laundry workers in Nevada. Its ranks and political influence have swelled along with the growth of megaresorts on the Las Vegas Strip.

Democrats vying for the White House also have vied for the culinary's support. The union is expected to lend key organizing muscle to the candidate of its choice ahead of the Nevada caucuses on Jan. 19.

The union has delayed its endorsement as it watches closely the results out of New Hampshire.