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Union Workers Cheer Warren, Cries of ‘VP’ at Conference

Warren stays clear of presidential politics at CWA convention

Labor activists are clamoring to see a potential Elizabeth Warren vice presidential run. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photo)
Labor activists are clamoring to see a potential Elizabeth Warren vice presidential run. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photo)

As Sen. Elizabeth Warren exited the stage from the Communications Workers of America’s Legislative-Political Conference to a standing ovation, some in the audience chanted the letters “V-P,” showing how many progressives are pinning their hopes on the liberal hero.  

“We would love to have Elizabeth Warren to be (Hillary Clinton’s) vice president,” said CWA President Chris Shelton, after the speech.  

Shelton added that, the conference would feature Labor Secretary Thomas Perez and Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, who are also said to be on Clinton’s short-list for the Democratic ticket.  

The reception came despite the fact Warren gave  Clinton a tepid endorsement. The CWA was one of the few unions to endorse Bernie Sanders for president.  

In his introduction for Warren, Shelton highlighted how he enjoyed Warren’s barbs at the presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump, such as calling him a “small, insecure money-grubber.”  

But for her part, Warren did not even mention Clinton or the election, preferring to stick to the conference’s theme of “take on Wall Street” and dodged reporters questions exiting the Hyatt Regency.  

Claudia Fletcher, a CWA member from California who said she had donated to Sanders’ campaign, said she would love to see Warren be the running mate.  

“She’s a rock star, we love her,” Fletcher said. “She has to endorse the one who is going to get the nomination.”  

Contact Garcia at EricGarcia@cqrollcall.com and follow him on Twitter @EricMGarcia.

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