Gore Receives First Endorsement Of 2000 Race

WASHINGTON (March 16) -- The International Association of Fire Fighters made the first official presidential 2000 endorsement Monday by announcing that it will support the presidential candidacy of Vice President Al Gore, if, and when, he announces his candidacy.

"Mr. Vice President, we know you aren't a candidate for higher office at this time," IAFF General President Alfred Whitehead told Gore at their 16th Annual Legislative Conference. "But we want you to know, if and when that happens, the International Association of Fire Fighters Union will be there for you, just as you've been there for us, and we want you to know we'll be the first."

Gore was presented with a fire ax by the firefighters' group, inscribed with the message that he should use the ax "to cut down any obstacles that my lie in your path."

The vice president's office tried to downplay the endorsement. "The vice president is not yet a candidate for any future political office so we are not seeking any endorsements," Gore Communications Director Larry Haas told CNN. Still, Haas added, "It is always nice to be liked."

Monday March 16, 1998

• White House Strikes Back At Willey
• Willey v. Clinton: Who's Lying?
• Gore Receives First Endorsement Of 2000 Race
• Arrest Made In Connection With So-Called Kennedy Papers
• Densuk's Grand Jury Appearance Delayed
• White House Releases Willey Letters
• Clinton Aide Contradicts Willey
• White House Scandal At A Glance
• Chung Pleads Guilty

Documents:
• Legal Documents Released In The Jones v. Clinton Case

Poll:
• Clinton Approval Rating Up Despite Allegations