Three Democrats court backing of traditionally friendly union membership

When you're preaching to the choir, it can be hard to convince that choir you're closer to God than the next preacher.Three Democratic presidential candidates faced that challenge Monday when they appeared before the Democrat-friendly Laborers' International Union of North American leadership meeting in Chicago.Former U.S. Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York and Sen. Joseph Biden of Delaware each took their own tack in trying to distinguish themselves, even though they all support causes the union holds dear: some form of universal health coverage, withdrawal from Iraq and making union organizing easier by way of federal legislation.Clinton emphasized her Rebuild America program, a $10 billion fund to fix the most desperately needed infrastructure projects in the country."This will not only help our infrastructure, it will create millions of good jobs," said Clinton, who has sought to distance herself from some of the policies her husband promoted that unions frown on, like NAFTA.Edwards complimented Clinton for her plans to announce her health care plan a few hours later in Iowa but hinted to the 1,000 or so orange T-shirt-clad union leaders that she was compromised in that regard.Echoing Michael Moore's accusation in the movie "Sicko," Edwards pointed out Clinton, since her failed attempt at universal health care in 1993, has taken hundreds of thousands of dollars from the health care industry so she can't truly represent Americans against it.Saying her philosophy was "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em," Edwards said he believes "you can never join them. You just have to beat 'em."And Edwards also promised to turn heat up on Congress by submitting a bill on his first day in office to revoke health care for the president and Congress within six months unless they passed universal health care.Biden focused mainly on the war, trying to drum up support for his plan to divide up Iraq into three regions of power that will counter-balance each other so the U.S. can withdraw.Biden also emphasized his tenure in the Senate, maintaining his greater experience in the Senate means he is most likely to actually get elected against a Republican and get legislation passed that will help get troops out, health care reformed and labor-friendly laws enacted."If you do not nominate one of us who can compete and win in 15 red states, you're making a mistake," Biden said.Terry O'Sullivan, the president of LiUNA, said his union's intent is not to endorse a candidate for president until polls of his organization show 60 percent in support of a single candidate."To me, it's not about (gaining) leverage with the candidates," O'Sullivan said, but in making sure the membership's wishes were accurately reflected.Today, candidate Bill Richardson, the governor of New Mexico, will speak to LiUNA leaders.Candidate Barack Obama canceled his appearance, and Sen. Chris Dodd of Connecticut and U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich of Ohio elected to skip the meeting. 427512U.S. Sen. Joseph Biden of Delaware courts union support Monday.Gilber R. Boucher II | Staff Photographer 439512Former U.S. Sen. John Edwards sought union support Monday in his bid for the Democratic presidentialGilber R. Boucher II | Staff Photographer