Michael Dukakis Addresses Massachusetts AFL-CIO Convention

[image:1024]Former Governor Michael Dukakis and presidential candidate addressed the Massachusetts AFL-CIO education conference to talk about his perspective on the issues facing America and working Americans. Calling the Bush administration the "worst national administration I've ever lived under," he said he was frustrated that "our side of the political equation is not standing up."

Among the issues Dukakis discussed was skyrocketing health care and housing costs, social security, Wal-Mart, and the deterioration of infrastructure. He urged the audience to get involved in the political process and increase grassroot activity to take back the governor's office. He said it was grassroots activity that helped him win, and that that kind of activity has not been seen since. Dukakis said the primary vehicle for the grassroots infrastructure should be the precinct captains. He said they should organize door to door visits to the homes in their neighborhood and start knocking on doors this fall in preparation for the upcoming gubernatorial election. He also urged the Democratic Party in the state to move the primaries up to give more time for candidates to take on incumbents.