IAFF: If You Like George W. Bush, You'll Love Chuck Hagel!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 7, 2007
Contact: Eric Fought
(402) 434-2184
eric@nebraskademocrats.org
International Association of Fire Fighters: If You Like George W. Bush – You’ll Love Chuck Hagel!
LINCOLN, Neb. – With the news of today’s Omaha World Herald report that Senator Chuck Hagel will be speaking at the International Association of Fire Fighters national meeting, inquiring minds want to know why Senator Hagel is interested in talking with organized labor.
According to Congressional Quarterly, Senator Hagel received the following rating from the AFL-CIO for his votes in the Senate:
2005 – 21% 2004 – 9% 2003 – 8% 2002 – 23% 2001 – 25% 2000 – 0% 1999 – 0% 1998 – 0%[http://www.cq.com]
“Senator Hagel has consistently voted against the working men and women that the International Association of Fire Fighters represent,” said Steve Achelpohl, Nebraska Democratic Party Chair. “Next thing you know, Senator Hagel will be going to speak at the Sierra Club’s national meeting to talk about his votes to open up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.”
Senator Hagel has been mentioned as a possible Republican Presidential candidate, and when questioned about his loyalty to George W. Bush on Meet the Press with Tim Russert, touted his 96% voting record with the President. The International Association of Fire Fighters were the first major organization to endorse President Bush’s 2004 opponent, Senator John Kerry, and were one of the most vocal opponents of President Bush’s 2004 re-election campaign.
“With the way Chuck Hagel votes during the week and talks on Sunday morning, this obvious pander to a constituency he’s worked against for over 10 years doesn’t surprise us,” said Achelpohl.