UTU endorses Gore for president;
Pledges to protect Railroad Retirement System

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. -- Vice President Al Gore endorsed the Railroad Retirement System and the possibility of early retirement in a congratulatory letter sent to UTU President Charles L. Little here.

Gore's pledge to support the Railroad Retirement Board earned him the UTU's endorsement for President. The Vice President told 2,500 UTU members and friends that he "believed in the UTU" at the July Washington, D.C., Regional Meeting. The UTU was the first major union to endorse Bill Clinton in his White House bids in 1992 and 1996.

"I want to thank the Vice President for his kind words of congratulations," said Little. "I'm even more pleased that he has come out in full support of our sacred Railroad Retirement System. He also would like this system to be able to provide for an earlier retirement age."

Little continued, "Al Gore has now shown that he supports our retirement system in the strongest possible way, and we will support him in his quest to be our next President. We, and all honest railroad and transportation workers, stand four-square behind him."

In his letter to Little, Gore said:

"Congratulations on your recent election as President of United Transportation Union (UTU). I am sure the confidence your union's members have shown in your leadership will be fully rewarded.

"I have enjoyed working with your members and UTU's leadership as Vice President on issues that concern all working men and women. I look forwarding to continuing to do so in the future.

"I know that the future of the Railroad Retirement Board is of particular concern to your retirees and future pensioners. I agree with the congressional study that demonstrated that the Board continues to provide the most effective and efficient supervision of the interests of pensioners in the railroad retirement program.

"As we move forward, I hope the day will come when the Railroad Retirement Trust Fund will have sufficient funds to be able to provide even earlier pensions for your members.

"I look forward to your support in the campaign in the coming months. We have built a positive and warm relationship that I hope will continue for many years."

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