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Unprecedented USW Voter Turnout Effort Highlighted Trade and Economy

For Immediate Release                                        November 8, 2006

Pittsburgh - The United Steelworkers pulled off an unprecedented get out the vote effort in Tuesday’s mid-term election, based on issues of concern to working families.

While the continuing war in Iraq was clearly an issue, many voters cast their ballots based on serious concerns about the direction of the economy, including the Bush administration’s wrong-headed free trade agenda.

A CNN exit poll estimated that 39 percent of voters keyed in on the economy. Another poll cited by The Associated Press said 8 in 10 voters called the economy very important to their House vote.

“This election proved that populism is alive and well,” USW President Leo W. Gerard said.

“Voters showed they’re fed up with flat and declining wages while executive compensation is out of sight,” Gerard added.  “And they’re deeply troubled by an Administration that is at the beck and call of drug and insurance companies when health care costs are totally out of control.’’

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