|
|
 |
 |
Union endorses president in rare trip to Queens, sparking debate as other fire unions back Kerry
By ANNE Q. HOY
WASHINGTON BUREAU
President George W. Bush arrived here last night and surrounded himself with the towering heroes of Sept. 11, trumpeting his actions in the tragic days that followed the 2001 terrorist attacks.
Fresh from campaigning in the battleground state of Ohio, Bush flew to New York and made straight for an Elmhurst clubhouse where about 120 firefighters presented him with the endorsement of a union representing New York's 8,600 firefighters.
Bush and first lady Laura Bush entered the packed hall at the Italian Charities of America on Queens Boulevard to raucous chants of "four more years."
Stephen Cassidy, president of the Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York, then gave a misty-eyed Bush a black fire helmet emblazoned with the words "Commander in Chief" in gold lettering. The carefully choreographed image was shown to cheering delegates at Madison Square Garden for the third night of the Republican National Convention.
Bush thanked the group for support and said firefighters after Sept. 11 gave him deep inspiration. "To see the courage and compassion and decency of our fellow Americans during an incredible time of stress has shaped my thinking about the future of this country," he added.
The scene was meant to advance Bush's claim as the best candidate to protect the nation against terrorism and remind voters of the defining moment of his presidency - the picture of Bush standing atop the smoldering rubble of Sept. 11, a firefighter at his side and a bullhorn in his hand.
The Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York sent a letter of support to the president Tuesday.
Cassidy, momentarily losing his composure, praised Bush and said the nation needed him to win the war against terror.
Bush picked out Bob Beckwith, the firefighter Bush stood by at Ground Zero three days after the attacks, for recognition. Bush was joined by National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice, Gov. George Pataki and Reps. Peter King (R-Seaford) and Vito Fossella (R-Staten Island). King said that Karl Rove, Bush's top political adviser, worked for months to secure the coveted endorsement.
The support sparked protests and a political firefight.
Outside the hall, dozens of protesters chanted "Bush go home" and one banner said "Impeach Bush-Cheney."
The New York State Professional Firefighters Association, which represents firefighters statewide, issued a statement noting that it and another union of the city's 2,900 fire lieutenants, captains and top officers have endorsed Sen. John Kerry.
During the race for the Democratic presidential nomination, Kerry courted the support of firefighters in New Hampshire. Last September, the International Association of Fire Fighters unanimously endorsed Kerry, and its members have since often campaigned with him.
"Firefighters' support of Kerry is based on the records of the two candidates, which couldn't be more different when it comes to delivering for firefighters in New York and across the country," said Charles Morello, president of New York State Professional Fire Fighters Association.
With the third anniversary of Sept. 11 approaching, firefighters said they were not surprised that Bush would focus on the attacks.
"It's not like this refreshes our memory," said Capt. John Byrnes of Monroe, N.Y. "We're never going to forget."
Staff writers Deborah Barfield Berry, Luis Perez and Pete Bowles contributed to this story.
Copyright © 2004, Newsday, Inc
 |
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
