Members of the SEIU Republican Advisory Council sent a letter to GOP presidential candidates on October 25 asking them to meet with Republican SEIU members to discuss issues at stake for working families.
"With more than 224,000 Republican members, SEIU members are committed to supporting candidates who stand with America's workers -- regardless of party affiliation. Our support and engagement in the political process is focused on electing leaders committed to putting America back to work in good jobs and standing with working people to win a voice and justice on the job," the letter states.
Local 121RN Vice President Jeannie King is a Republican and shares her experience at the recent SEIU Nurse Alliance conference in Maryland, just outside of Washington DC:
"I was happy to hear Mary Kay (Henry) acknowledge that 30 percent of our SEIU membership is Republicans and 20 percent Independents. With 50 percent of the membership non-Democrats, it is a prudent move for SEIU to recognize and stand alongside us non-Democratic members for the fair representation of all members."In DC, I was honored to be given a button designating me as a Republican SEIU member. This button spoke volumes to me that I can proudly announce my political party and show we all stand together for what is right and what is fair – that all men (and women) are created equal.
"During lobbying on Wednesday (Oct. 19), our team was made up of two Democrats and three Republicans. We discussed the issue of not cutting funding to our seniors and most vulnerable citizens. One senator, a Democrat, and the other a Republican, were both willing to hear the voices of the people – our voices.
"And we members were united as nonpartisan citizens. This is how progress is made and I am so thrilled to be working together with my brothers and sisters in SEIU as one voice, one people – citizens of our great country."