Clinton Gets Endorsements From Rockefeller, Union

The presidential candidacy of Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton was endorsed Friday by Sen. John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, (D-W.Va.), who himself considered seeking the Democratic nomination, and the million-member Service Employees International Union.

The service employees union--which represents public employees, health care workers, janitors and office workers--joins the American Federation of Teachers and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees as large labor groups backing Clinton.

The union also said it would urge a full AFL-CIO endorsement when the labor federation’s political arm meets Monday. But AFL-CIO officials have indicated the group might wait until the Democratic National Convention in July.

Rockefeller predicted that Clinton, in the wake of his victories in the New York, Kansas, Wisconsin and Minnesota primaries Tuesday, soon will win more endorsements from Senate Democrats, including some who had questioned his viability against President Bush in the November general election.

“It’s time for Democrats to put the bloody fights, the charges and attacks behind us and close ranks,” Rockefeller said. “We cannot wait until (the convention), when we already know who has earned the right to be our nominee and who will be our nominee.

“I have known Bill Clinton for almost 15 years. I know that he is committed to making America a great engine of progress and opportunity for everyone--not just those lucky enough to be born Rockefellers or Bushes.”

Rockefeller said he was “not even thinking about” the possibility that Clinton might pick him as a running mate. “That’s the last thing on my mind. It’s the only downside of having this kind of press conference.”