Edwards wins state endorsements from key union

Democrat John Edwards has won endorsements from 10 state chapters of the Service Employees International Union, including chapters in California and Iowa -- representing half of the union’s membership -- officials say.

SEIU decided last week not to make a national endorsement in the Democratic presidential primaries. The decision was a blow to Edwards, who had vigorously sought the support. The union freed its state chapters to make their own endorsements, and on Monday, Iowa, California and eight other states representing 930,000 workers went with him.

The other chapters backing Edwards are Washington, Michigan, Idaho, Montana, Minnesota, Ohio, West Virginia and Oregon. The endorsements were to be announced at a news conference Monday evening.

Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) picked up the endorsements of the Illinois and Indiana chapters, which have about 170,000 members.

Tom Balanoff, president of the SEIU Illinois State Council, cited Obama’s commitment to expanding access to affordable healthcare and to protecting workers’ rights as among the reasons for his union’s endorsement. He also cited Obama’s early opposition to the Iraq war.

Edwards’ aides say the endorsement in Iowa could make the difference in a low-turnout contest such as the state’s leadoff precinct caucuses, which will probably be decided by about 100,000 activists.

“There is nothing more important than organizing on the ground,” said Jennifer O’Malley Dillon, who runs Edwards’ Iowa campaign.

“All of these members have a network across the state.”