RALPH NADER: CNA Endorses Green Party Presidential Candidate

      Ralph Nader, the consumer advocate and the Green Party's likely presidential nominee, yesterday garnered the support of the California Nurses Association, the Los Angeles Times reports. According to CNA President Kay McVay, the union endorsed Nader because of his past support for the union's agenda and "his efforts to ensure universal health care" (6/15). Nader, who also supports patients' rights and expanding federal health insurance, "could have an impact on who wins the state in the general election" (Nieves, New York Times, 6/15). The endorsement could prove disastrous for Vice President Al Gore, who recently alienated some Democrats -- including union members -- with his step-by-step approach to expanding health care. Nader could siphon off enough votes to hand Texas Gov. George W. Bush (R) a victory in California (Sandlow, San Francisco Chronicle, 6/15). Carrying 6% of the national vote, Naders' strongest backing is in California. Nader is expected to become the Green Party's official candidate at the party's national convention in Denver June 25 (Los Angeles Times, 6/15).