National SEIU Endorses Obama

SEIU has endorsed Barack Obama for President, and will throw their weight behind him in upcoming primaries. From the press release:

SEIU members are supporting Obama with an aggressive political effort. With more than 150,000 members in the upcoming primary states, including Wisconsin, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Texas, SEIU will mobilize thousands to go door-to-door, work the phones, and will send mail about their support for Obama. SEIU also will have a substantial presence on television and radio in every critical state.

Media reports indicate the decision was made by the SEIU Executive Board last night via conference call. Last fall, the national SEIU stated they would not make an endorsement, but would instead allow state councils to make their own endorsements. California's state council endorsed Edwards, then switched to Obama after Edwards withdrew from the race.

CSUEU is SEIU Local 2579; CSUEU members are members of SEIU as well.

Links:

• SEIU members endorse Sen. Barack Obama (SEIU press release)
• SEIU State Council Backs Obama Now (Unit 9 News)
• Citing strength of presidential field, SEIU locals to decide on endorsement of presidential candidates by state (SEIU press release October 2007)
• SEIU to Consider Obama Endorsement (Washington Post)