(Detroit, MI) - International Brotherhood of Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa today announced the union’s endorsement of Richard Gephardt (D-MO) in the Democratic Presidential Primary at a Detroit rally attended by more than 1,000 rank-and-file members.

“Dick Gephardt has proven by word and deed that he is by far the best candidate to represent the interests of America’s working families,” Hoffa told the cheering crowd. “In his 27 years in Congress he has always lead the fight on our behalf. We are proud to join him in this fight.”
Immediately following the announcement in Detroit, Hoffa and Gephardt attended rallies with Teamsters members in Des Moines, Iowa and Manchester, New Hampshire.

The endorsement follows extensive conversations with and a poll of Teamsters members. In addition, questionnaires were sent to all Democratic candidates that asked their position on a variety of Teamsters issues. The results of the questionnaires were sent to each local union and resulted in more than 90 percent of the 500 Teamsters local unions choosing to support Gephardt. The union’s decision-making body, the 24-member General Executive, unanimously voted to endorse Gephardt.

Teamsters support will strengthen a surging Gephardt campaign. Union field operatives will be sent into the early primary states of New Hampshire, Iowa, Michigan and South Carolina to turn out union voters. In addition, the Teamsters are making an unprecedented fundraising effort among its rank-and-file members on behalf of Gephardt to counter corporate fundraising for other candidates.

”We have an opportunity to elect a true friend of working families,” Hoffa added. “By staying united with Dick Gephardt we will win. I urge our brothers and sisters in the labor movement to join our cause."

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters is celebrating its 100-year anniversary as a representative and advocate for working families.