MIAMI GARDENS, FLA. - Kendrick Meek received the full endorsement of the Florida AFL-CIO yesterday, even after Governor Crist told the group on Friday, "I want your help. I want your vote. I want your support. I want your endorsement. I am asking for it." Pundits across the country wrote that AFL-CIO endorsement was a win for Kendrick and a rebuke to Governor Crist:
The Atlantic's Marc Ambinder said the endorsement was a predictable failure for the governor:
"Charlie Crist is running into a bit of trouble. Predictable trouble... Now, reborn as an independent, he sought the support of the Democratic establishment, trying in vain to get the AFL-CIO's endorsement in Florida over the weekend. He failed, despite having cuddled up to the teachers' union and opened the door to supporting card check. If Crist doesn't get the monetary and organizational support he was counting on, his independent campaign for Senate will be tougher."
The Hill called the announcement "a big win for Meek."
Washington Post's Chris Cillizza explained why the decision was so important for the race:
"For Crist to win, he needs considerable organization help as he will have no official turnout operation of his own because of his decision to run without party affiliation in the fall. The Florida Democratic Party touted Meek's endorsement by the union, which has 500,000 members statewide, as 'a huge blow to lifelong Republican Charlie Crist's opportunistic attempts to transform himself once again.'"
AFL-CIO President Mike Williams told the Palm Beach Post that the AFL-CIO will play a large role in helping Kendrick win in November. "We're going to do everything we can to make sure Kendrick Meek wins."
The St. Petersburg Times announced the AFL-CIO's endorsement with the headline, "Sorry Charlie, AFL-CIO throws weight behind Meek."
Posted By: Kendrick Meek
Monday, May 24th 2010 at 4:33PM
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