The AFL-CIO said it is still not ready to make an endorsement. Bad news for Gep, who needs that endorsement something serious.

Many of the old school labor guys around here have laughed at the notion that Gep wouldn't grab the endorsement. My labor source is feeling vindicated, as he notes (correctly, apparently) that the SEIU and AFSCME -- the relatively new kids on the block -- are eager to flex their muscles vis a vis the old guard industrial unions. And that means denying their choice -- Gephardt -- the coveted endorsement.

SEIU is still leaning toward endorsing Dean while AFSCME has all but abandoned Kerry and is now leaning heavily toward Clark (got this from multiple sources in the know).

And what's got to be even more disappointing for Gep -- several old school unions like the IBEW are taking a "wait and see" attitude toward endorsements, preferring to assess the "Clark factor" before picking a horse.