Obama endorsed by a top union for second term

WASHINGTON, Thursday

Embattled President Barack Obama’s re-election bid, weighed down by the sour economy, got a shot in the arm on Thursday as a powerful US labour union announced it was endorsing him.

The Service Employees International Union (SEIU), which boasts 2.1 million members, backed Mr Obama’s bid for a new term in the November 2012 elections in a move that could stiffen the spine of disaffected or demoralised Democrats.

SEIU, which contributes millions of dollars and a robust get-out-the-vote effort to Democratic causes, had endorsed Mr Obama’s historic first White House run in February 2008 and had been expected to do so again in this race.

“This early endorsement is to make crystal clear what kind of country we want,” said SEIU International President Mary Kay Henry, citing the need to create jobs, safeguard the social safety net, and overhaul US immigration.

“We think President Barack Obama is the leader who is going to help make that vision a reality,” she said.

The fast-growing union’s endorsement came amid worry among some Democrats that the coalition that powered Mr Obama’s 2008 White House win has fractured, lengthening his odds of holding the White House for four more years.

Meanwhile, President Obama signalled a pivotal US shift to Asia on Thursday, pledging not to let Washington’s budget crunch compromise his expansive vision and military presence in the region.

(AFP)