In Surprise Move, Union Endorses Pataki

A major health care workers’ union that normally backs Democrats swung its endorsement Tuesday to Republican Gov. George Pataki’s expected bid for a third term.

The endorsement by Local 1199 of the Service Employees’ International Union was a blow to the two major Democrats seeking to unseat Pataki: former federal Housing Secretary Andrew Cuomo and state Comptroller H. Carl McCall.

The union represents more than 210,000 workers, mostly in the New York City area.

In a statement, local President Dennis Rivera said Pataki has shown “an unwavering commitment to the delivery of quality health care.”

Pataki, who has not yet formally announced his candidacy, said he was “proud to have the support of the noble men and women who dedicate their lives to taking care of others.”

Both Democratic candidates had said they expected the endorsement of Pataki since the state Legislature in January approved a multibillion-dollar package aimed at raising salaries for health-care workers. The legislation was negotiated by Pataki and Rivera.

“He bought off the union to get an endorsement,” McCall said earlier this week.

The union represents mainly black and Latino workers and the Puerto Rican-born Rivera is one of the state’s most powerful Latino leaders.

McCall, the only black candidate ever elected to statewide office in New York, is counting heavily on minority voter support for his candidacy.

Recent polls have shown Cuomo, son of former Gov. Mario M. Cuomo, and McCall running about even for the Democratic nomination, but with Pataki holding leads in the 2-to-1 range over either Democrat. The Democratic primary is Sept. 10.