The Richmond Times Dispatch gets it wrong

While reading the Times I found this statement:

• BY JEFF E. SCHAPIRO TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER

  May 3, 2005

  Republican Jerry W. Kilgore yesterday accused gubernatorial rival Timothy M. Kaine of mocking his Southwest Virginia twang -- just as Kaine collected an endorsement from the region's most influential union: the United Mine Workers of America. (bold print by Kilo)

I question this fact. Was this not the same UMWA who endorsed John Kerry? Is this not the 9th district that almost 60% voted for Bush? In my teens the union was strong. I honestly do not know any UMWA mines or miners that are working in Wise County. It is the belief of many that the UMWA has cost the county many jobs. There was corruption in the union that was well known and decertifications have all but made the UMWA extinct. The UMWA retirees will turn out to fight for health care, but to think the Union has any power in SWVA is not true. I did enjoy the grandstanding of Democrats who think this endorsement is powerful and will gain them votes. The last Union talk of any kind I have heard was Adelphia Cable votes union out. Congrats to this powerful endorsement! People here want jobs-and the union cannot provide them...Coal Companies can. I await to see who they endorse.