Lowry Finds Support At Labor Rally Draws Cheers When He Blasts State’s ‘Intolerant Right’

Gov. Mike Lowry, trying out some potential campaign themes, drew cheers at a labor convention Friday when he blasted the “intolerant right” and touted the state’s economic health under the Democratic administration.

The warm reception by the state Labor Council shows that a key part of his winning 1992 coalition has not abandoned him, delegates said.

Although Lowry has a strong labor record, the labor movement has run hot and cold with him. At a convention two years ago, delegates sat in stony silence as he defended efforts to privatize some government jobs and to deny state employees a pay raise.

Some labor officials were distressed when Lowry was accused of sexual harassment earlier this year; they and others quietly suggested the party seek a new nominee for next year’s race.

This time around, there were three standing ovations and, delegates said, open minds about backing him for a second term.

Labor will make no endorsement in the governor’s race until May, giving Lowry time to make up his mind whether to run and allowing labor activists time to evaluate the situation, said Bev Hermanson, an official of the Washington Federation of State Employees, AFL-CIO, and a board member of the council’s political action committee.

In his speech to the 500 delegates, the governor stressed two themes that had the audience cheering: the economy and what Lowry called “the onslaught of the intolerant religious right.”

He noted that Intel and BHP both named their choice of Washington sites for new plants this week. He said that reflects well on the state’s economic and tax policies and its commitment to a quality school system and clean environment.