July 29, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Erik Smith / Kim Molstre
 

IATSE Endorses Gephardt for President
Becomes seventh international union to endorse Gephardt

New York, NY — The General Executive Board of The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employes (IATSE) voted
unanimously to support US Representative Richard Gephardt as their candidate for President in 2004.  It was announced by
Thomas C. Short, IATSE International President.  The resolution to endorse the Missouri Democrat was introduced at the
summer, 2003 IATSE Board meeting held in New York City.

International President Short stated, "Representative Gephardt has demonstrated through his words and, most importantly, his actions that he supports working families. He has fought to protect the rights of unions to organize, bargain and represent their members.  He is working against the privatization of Social Security and working toward maintaining fair wages and safe working conditions.  His proposed national health care plan shows vision and a real understanding of the need to stimulate the economy and create jobs."  Short continued, "We will expend all of our political resources and energy to elect Dick Gephardt as President of the United States."

"I am extremely honored and proud to receive the support of Tom Short and members of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees," said Gephardt. "I am looking forward to working with IATSE to bring quality health care coverage to all Americans and get our economy moving again."

The IATSE is the largest entertainment union in the world, representing over104,000 members employed in the stagecraft, motion picture and television production, and trade show industries throughout the United States, its territories and Canada.