While the AFL-CIO works the the Chicago Federation of Labor and Illinois AFL-CIO to host a forum for presidential candidates, the event may not result in an endorsement before next year's primaries.

The forum, scheduled for August 7 at Soldier Field, will focus on issues important to working families (it is a ticketed event for union members and their families).   But, according to a recent New York Times article, union leaders are generally pleased with most Democratic candidates' positions on key issues, they are unlikely to put their support behind just one of them:

Another reason many union are hesitating to endorse a candidate is their overall happiness with the eight hopefuls.  Several back universal health coverage, a major union goal.  All have endorsed labor's main legislative priority, a bill that would make it easier to unionize workers.

The Employee Free Choice Act passed the House earlier this year, but failed in the Senate.  President Bush vowed to veto it if it ever reached his desk.  Many of the Democratic candidates have promised to sign the bill if they are elected President.

For more information about the Democratic and Republican candidates for President, visit the AFL-CIO Working Families Vote 2008 site.