The United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) endorsed Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) for President of the United States after a unanimous vote of the union's National Council of the Coal Miners' Political Action Committee (COMPAC) in favor of the endorsement.

"We are extremely proud to make this endorsement today," UMWA International President Cecil E. Roberts said today. "Sen. Obama shares the values of UMWA members and our families. He understands and will fight for the needs our members have today and the hopes our members have for a secure future for themselves and their families.

"Most of all, Sen. Obama will implement the clear change in direction UMWA members-- indeed, all American working people--must have if they are to once again move forward and have a true opportunity to realize the American dream," Roberts said. "After eight years of being pushed aside by an administration which neither respects nor values the contributions American working families make to our society, we are looking forward with great anticipation to a new era in our nation starting with the inauguration of President Barack Obama on January 20, 2009.

"We looked at the positions of both Sen. Obama and Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) when considering this endorsement,” Roberts said. “On issue after issue, it is clear that Sen. Obama will be on our side while Sen. McCain will not."

Click here for more information about the candidates' positions on issues of importance to UMWA members and their families.

This portion of the UMWA website is paid for by the Coal Miners Political Action Committee (UMWA COMPAC), 8315 Lee Highway, Fairfax, VA 22031; and is not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.