The General Executive Board of The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employes (IATSE) voted unanimously to support US Representative Richard Gephardt as their candidate for President in 2004, it was announced by Thomas C. Short, IATSE International President. The resolution to endorse the Missouri Democrat was introduced at the summer, 2003 IATSE Board meeting held in New York City.

International President Short stated, “Representative Gephardt has demonstrated through his words and, most importantly, his actions that he supports working families. He has fought to protect the rights of unions to organize, bargain and represent their members. He is working against the privatization of Social Security and working toward maintaining fair wages and safe working conditions. His proposed national health care plan shows vision and a real understanding of the need to stimulate the economy and create jobs.” Short continued, “We will expend all of our political resources and energy to elect Dick Gephardt as President of the United States.”

“I am extremely proud and honored to have received the support of Tom Short and the members of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employes,” said Gephardt. “I am looking forward to working with IATSE to bring quality health care coverage to all Americans and get our economy moving again. I plan on going door to door, town to town, union to union to win the support of hard working Americans all across this country.”