WHEREAS, the General Executive Council has thoroughly considered the candidacies of the current candidates for President of the United States in the Democratic Party;  and

WHEREAS, a review of the records of those candidates clearly shows the excellent stands taken over an extended civic career by Representative Richard A. Gephardt of Missouri;  and

WHEREAS, on a wide variety of issues important to working families, Representative Gephardt has consistently and effectively represented the interests of working families while in Congress as a member and leader in the U.S. House of Representatives;  and

WHEREAS, Representative Gephardt has the knowledge and experience necessary to effectively lead the country in these very difficult times; and

WHEREAS, the beliefs and ideals for which Representative Gephardt has consistently fought throughout his long career are supported by and benefit working families in general and members of the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers and their families in particular.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that after thorough consideration of the comparative records of Representative Richard A. Gephardt and all other candidates for the Democratic nomination for the President of the United States that the General Executive Council hereby endorses Representative Richard A. Gephardt for nomination as the Democratic Party nominee for President of the United States; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the General Executive Council hereby directs, requests, and instructs all Local Unions and District Councils to utilize their best efforts to ensure the successful campaign of Representative Richard A. Gephardt in pursuit of his nomination as the Democratic nominee for the office of the President of the United States.

DATED this 17th day of March 2003 at the meeting of the General Executive Council of the International Association.