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by Marcus Solis
(Queens-WABC) — The president gives his acceptance speech Thursday night, the last night of this convention. But he arrives in New York early Wednesday evening. And on his way into Midtown he'll stop in Queens
He's coming to town a day earlier than planned to receive a very special endorsement.
Marcus Solis reports from Elmhurst.
In the days after 9/11, President Bush stood with some of New York's bravest at Ground Zero. And on Wednesday he will stand with the city's firefighters once again -- this time, he'll receive the union's endorsement.
Stephen Cassidy, UFA President: "September 11th was a horrible day for this country, and a tremendous loss for New York City firefighters. We want someone who's prepared and willing to do whatever it takes."
It's an endorsement that breaks ranks within a union, and one important enough to bring George W. Bush to New York City a day earlier than expected. The president will meet on Wednesday at the Italian Charities of America with about 100 members of the FDNY. The firefighter's union is officially throwing its support behind the president's re-election bid.
Stephen Cassidy: "We'd much prefer to have a leader who will take the fight to those, wherever they hide. President Bush has done that, he has pledged to continue to do that. He absolutely deserves our endorsement and our support, and we're going to give him both."
Cassidy denies the endorsement has anything to do with the current contract dispute with Mayor Bloomberg. The union had previously written to the white house asking for help. The UFA is acting virtually alone -- the International Firefighters Association is supporting John Kerry, as is the union representing the city's fire lieutenants, captains and chiefs.
Peter Gorman, Pres., Fire Officers Union: "We just think John Kerry is a labor friendly candidate. And he's the best for working families."
Meantime, the buzz is spreading through Elmhurst about a presidential visit. The neighborhood is predominantly Democratic, but the president does have supporters -- such as one man we met, who is originally from Afghanistan.
Amanlah Hiederzad, Elmhust Resident: "I was just one block from here. And I wanted to come and say my words, 'thank you, Mr. President, to liberate Afghanistan.'"
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