As one of the nation's most popular retirement destinations, Nevada has attracted retirees from all over the country, including a large number of AFT members. A group of those AFT retirees gathered near Las Vegas on Jan. 14 for a training in preparation for the state's Jan. 19 Democratic caucus.

The training, led by staff from the AFT and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), was designed not only to educate retirees about how the caucuses work but also to encourage them to be involved in the AFT's political effort throughout the election cycle. Retirees tend to vote in higher numbers than other segments of the population, and the AFT retirees are an especially active group. Long-time United Federation of Teachers member Rich Miller, who has retired to Nevada, told the group that caucuses can be fun. "It's not a burden, and it's exciting."

AFT president Edward J. McElroy traveled to Nevada to address the retirees, urging them to get involved in the political process so we can "turn this country around." Citing the Bush administration's failure to address the needs of middle-class Americans and retirees, he said, "We want an economy that works for all of us. We don't get there by wishing. We don't get there by hoping. We get there by working for these things."

McElroy described how the AFT members made a crucial difference in the New Hampshire primaries, where Hillary Clinton won the labor vote by a large margin. "This is an important election, and I'm urging you to do everything you can: Encourage your friends and relatives to show up for the caucuses; work in the caucuses; be an ambassador for our candidate and for our union."

AFT staff also are working with members in Carson City and Reno.

January 16, 2008