Dodd, Clinton Get Support Of Unions

WASHINGTON — Senator Dodd has earned the backing of the International Association of Fire Fighters, a major coup for the presidential hopeful, while the leading Democratic contender, Senator Clinton, secured the endorsement yesterday of the United Transportation Union.

The Dodd endorsement is the more surprising of the two, with the Connecticut senator lagging behind better-known rivals — Mrs. Clinton, Senator Obama of Illinois, and John Edwards — in the latest polls.

The firefighters' executive board will officially vote and endorse Mr. Dodd today. Mr. Dodd and the firefighters plan a three-state tour, visiting Iowa tomorrow, New Hampshire on Friday, and Nevada on Saturday.

In 2003, the 281,000-member union backed Senator Kerry, a Democrat of Massachusetts, a boost to his then-moribund campaign that helped him secure the 2004 party nomination, and its backing of Mr. Dodd is certain to improve his standing.

The firefighters "know how to win elections, and they'll put lots of boots on the ground. This is an important election, and they know it," Mr. Dodd said. "They've made it clear it would be about the future — who could win the election, fight for middle class, and bring people together to get the job done."