With the announcement Wednesday that the Teamsters union will delay endorsing anyone for president, rumors are now circulating the union is looking at Republican Donald Trump.
The news of a delay comes as a particularly harsh blow to Hillary Clinton. As the Democratic frontrunner, she is the most likely to pick up support from the labor movement. With her hesitance to take a firm stance against President Barack Obama on trade and her more recent opposition to the Keystone Pipeline, she has found herself at odds with unions. According to Fox News correspondent James Rosen, leadership within the Teamsters wants to meet with Donald Trump before endorsing any candidate.
“Union sources say the decision was driven by three motivations,” Rosen said. “First as an intention snub to Democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton who last week opposed construction of the keystone pipeline. Second the Teamsters want to know if Vice President Biden will jump into the race. Then the union executive told me they want to sit down with Republicans candidates. Most notably frontrunner Donald Trump.”
Despite the reports, Teamsters Spokesman Galen Munroe said the union has no meetings with any candidates currently planned. He could not confirm whether the union is trying to setup a meeting with Trump or any other candidate.
“We do not have any meetings planned with any candidates at this juncture,” Munroe told The Daily Caller News Foundation. “I don’t have any information on any planned or requested meetings with candidates.”
Nevertheless, Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa did says the union is looking at any candidate regardless of party.
“It’s long past time for Republicans and Democrats to put aside their differences and work together for the good of our country,” Hoffa said in a statement. “The Teamsters will work with and support any candidate who puts the needs of America’s working families above the deep pockets of their corporate donors.”
The Teamsters isn’t the first union this election cycle to hold off its endorsement. On Sept. 22 reports surfaced that the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) decided to delay too. Back in July, the AFL-CIO also held off its endorsement.
Though some major unions are looking at Biden, Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders has been able to pick up significant support from local unions. Labor for Bernie argues the Vermont socialist is the best candidate for working Americans. The group has held rallies across the country and signed on a few national unions and many smaller locals.
The lack of support could have significant repercussions for Hillary. Unions have a considerable amount of political influence. They also tend to contribute significantly to Democratic campaigns. Beyond just money, unions are able to rally people.
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