In 1998, we face another round of Congressional, state and local elections. Whether we like it or not, the way in which our political system works requires money to win, and requires larger and larger amounts of it. In addition to money, every time we sign up a member on payroll deduction or convince them to contribute to CWA-COPE, we expand the participation in our grassroots political action. Workers who donate to CWA-COPE are much more likely to become politically involved and to participate in other union activities. They are more likely to follow the local union's endorsements.
Every member counts.
11,889 votes in 10 congressional districts were all that separated Dick Gephardt from being the Speaker in place of Newt Gingrich. I would like to see our public and health care locals take the lead in moving COPE to the top of the agenda for 1997. I give a special challenge to our New Jersey locals to make this a record year in CWA-COPE contributions on our way to victory in the state and local elections. As we look to the future, many of the changes that we have predicted for so long in our union are now here with us. The leaders in this room are a major part of that change.