YOUNGSTOWN CLUB New York firefighters visit in support of Bush

Mayor George McKelvey shares the New York firefighters' reasoning for supporting Bush.
By ROGER G. SMITH
CITY HALL REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Steve Cassidy acknowledges his New York City firefighters are a one-issue special interest.
But the president of the Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York doesn't apologize when that issue is homeland security.
The economy and health care don't matter if there is another terrorist attack, Cassidy said.
"None of them take priority if we're not safe at home," he said this morning at a press conference at the Youngstown Club supporting President Bush for re-election.
Sending a message
Cassidy and seven other New York firefighters toured Ohio today to send the message that those at ground zero believe Bush's fight against terror merits a second term.
The firefighters were to meet later today with supporters at the Summit County Republican Party headquarters in Akron, then have a rally and meet with volunteers in Steubenville.
The visits are being arranged by the Republican National Committee.
Mayor George M. McKelvey, the Democrat who recently endorsed Bush, introduced the firefighters as "America's true heroes."
McKelvey said he shares the New York firefighters' reasoning for supporting Bush.
"National security trumps all other issues," he said.
Republicans are touting McKelvey's endorsement around Ohio, considered a key state in the election.
New York Uniformed Firefighters' Association represents 20,000 active and retired members.
Unions at odds
The New York Uniformed Firefighters' support for Bush is at odds with another New York City union, the Uniformed Fire Officers' Association and the national union, the International Association of Fire Fighters. Both have endorsed Democratic candidate John Kerry.
The International Association of Fire Fighters represents Youngstown firefighters.
Cassidy said New York firefighters experienced the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks unlike any others anywhere. They support Bush because New York remains the top terrorist target and Bush has delivered for them, he said.
Security funds
There is debate over whether homeland security money would be doled out based on threat levels or across the board. Cassidy said New York firefighters think the money should be based on threat levels.
But that's a political debate that doesn't involve who is the strongest candidate to fight terror, which is Bush, he said.
rgsmith@vindy.com