NTEU: We're Obama Backers

You can't accuse the National Treasury Employees Union of making premature presidential endorsements. The union announced Tuesday that it "strongly endorses" Barack Obama's candidacy. The move comes after Obama wrapped up the Democratic nomination earlier this week. His chief opponent, Hillary Clinton, is apparently set to endorse Obama herself on Saturday.

“It is crucial that federal employees support the election of a president who values and understands the work they perform,” NTEU president Colleen M. Kelley said. “Sen. Obama will be that president. He has earned our endorsement by his respect and support of federal employees and the work they do for our country.” Kelley also diplomatically noted that Clinton “is a good friend and strong advocate for federal employees."

NTEU's chief rival among federal labor unions, the American Federation of Government Employees, endorsed Obama last month.