The International Association of Fire Fighters' endorsement gives a boost to Kerry's struggling campaign, which has been overshadowed by front-runner Howard Dean and now Wesley Clark.
Firefighters have become almost a symbol of American patriotism, immortalized first in a tragic photo after the Oklahoma City bombing, and then later in descriptions of their heroic efforts after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
``Every American understands what you do for our country,'' Kerry said at Wednesday's announcement. ``Every American is grateful to you for the sacrifices you make and the ways in which you make us stronger. And today, you have made me stronger _ not politically but personally.''
But politically, the endorsement does help the Massachusetts senator. Aside from the public affection for firefighters, the union is one of the more conservative in the AFL-CIO, and its backing could help negate the Northeastern liberal label often attached to Kerry.
About 44 percent of the 240,000 U.S. members the union claims are registered Republicans, 37 percent are Democrats and the rest are independents, union President Harold Schaitberger said.
The affirmation also takes a bit of steam from Gephardt, who accepted his 14th national union endorsement Wednesday, from the Laborers' International Union of North America. Gephardt is seeking a laborwide endorsement from the AFL-CIO.
The firefighters' union president said the labor group likes Kerry's record as a decorated Vietnam War veteran; his political, legal and legislative experience; his sense of humor; and his personal interests in athletics and Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
The union also wanted to support a candidate who can beat President Bush next year.
``Our view is that Dick Gephardt is not the candidate who has that best chance,'' Schaitberger said.
After a disappointing showing in fund raising, Gephardt's third-quarter results, out Sept. 30, will be an indication of whether he can secure the coveted AFL-CIO endorsement.
Gephardt's campaign says his labor support goes beyond the horse race for endorsements, translating into about 35,000 foot soldiers in Iowa, an early primary test. Gephardt must fare well in the Jan. 19 caucuses to remain in the race. About 11 percent of Iowa's work force belongs to a union, yet labor is a powerhouse in turning out Democrats to the caucuses, representing almost a third of all participants.
The Fire Fighters have about 1,500 active members in Iowa, the union said.
