The International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) canceled the ticket with Harris-Waltz as a non-endorsement. The news was announced after Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) spoke at an event in August.
IAFF President Edward Kelly made the announcement Thursday after a board meeting where the decision was made.
“Today, the IAFF Board of Directors voted by a margin of 1.2 percentage points not to endorse any candidate in the 2024 presidential election,” he announced, adding that the IAFF “is conducting an unprecedented Over the past year, they have looked at the “issues that matter most to them” and have taken no action.
“As we have in our 106-year history, IAFF will continue to work to improve the lives of firefighters and their families,” Kelly continued, adding that the board will “better advocate for our members and improve the work of our firefighters.” “We can do better,” he said. If we work together as a union, we will move forward on the issues that matter to them. ”
“This decision, which we took very seriously, is the best way to preserve and strengthen our unity,” he continued, urging members of Congress to go out and “make our voices heard in the next election.” ” he encouraged them.
This non-endorsement is a major blow to Harris Waltz's ticket. The union endorsed President Biden before the 2020 presidential election.
It also follows Vance's speech at the union in August, which received a mix of boos and applause.
“Semperfi, guys. It seems like there are fans and haters,” Vance said at the time, ultimately telling the group, “It's an honor to be here with all of America's great firefighters.”
“God bless you all and thank you for all you do,” Vance said during his speech, announcing that the New York City Fire Marshals Benevolent Association had endorsed the Trump-Vance ticket. .
“Of course, I want to thank them for their support and humbly ask you to join me. I want to explain why now,” he said, expressing how grateful the American people are. The work of these men and women.
“Firefighters risk your lives every day to save homes, businesses, and the precious lives of your fellow citizens. Now you too can be incredibly kind and patient,” he said. continued.
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Despite mixed reactions, Vance spoke proudly declared In his speech, he said the Trump-Vance ticket is “proud to be the most pro-worker Republican ticket in history.”
The IAFF's non-endorsement is another devastating blow to Harris, especially since the Teamsters, which represents more than 1 million union members, also refuses to endorse. This disapproval came at the same time as a poll of Teamsters members, which found that nearly 60% support Trump, compared to 34% who support Harris.
“It's no wonder that rank-and-file Teamsters support President Trump. They support crippling inflation, high gas and electricity prices, millions of illegal immigrants entering the country, and job losses for American workers. It simply rejects Kamala Harris' policy of attrition,” William Martin said. a spokesperson for Vance told Breitbart News in a statement in September.
“When President Trump was in office, American workers were safer and wealthier. Rank-and-file workers know it. That's why they ignored their union bosses and voted for Trump v. Vance on November 5th. “I will vote on that vote,” he added. .
The IAFF's disapproval follows Vance's successful debate with Harris' running mate, Gov. Tim Walz, which earned him grudging praise from establishment media.
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