It’s officially election season, and will be for some time to come. Some surprises have thrown the traditional players for a loop, including the rising support for Bernie Sanders. Drawing huge crowds at rallies across the country, and even a bit of controversy along the way, Sanders has galvanized his progressive base. And, as of Monday, he has also secured his first national trade union endorsement from the National Nurses union.
From CNN:
“Bernie Sanders has a proven track record of uncompromised activism and advocacy for working people, and a message that resonates with nurses, and, as we have all seen, tens of thousands of people across the country,” NNU Executive Director RoseAnn DeMoro said in a press release announcing the endorsement. “He can talk about our issues as well as we can talk about our issues. We are proud to stand with him in his candidacy for President today.”
The nurses organization officially announced their support at an event with Sanders in Oakland, California. The group, which is 90% women, called the meeting a “Brunch with Bernie.”
“Bernie’s issues align with nurses from top to bottom,” DeMoro said, noting that Sanders earned the groups support because of his positions on trade, minimum wage and expanding Social Security and Medicare.”
Earlier this year, the group conducted an internal poll to decide who to endorse. Charles Idelson, the group’s spokesman, said the Vermont senator won “overwhelming support,” but no percentage was given.
Previously, the American Federation of Teachers endorsed Hillary Clinton. Meanwhile, Sanders has received support, if not outright endorsement — though neither is permitted according to AFL-CIO rules — from a number of union locals.
