Official Confirms Carey Teamster Victory

A federal official overseeing the Teamsters leadership election confirmed the reelection of Ron Carey as the union’s president, with nearly 52% of the vote. Carey received 233,369 of the votes counted by Barbara Zack Quindel, the court-appointed election official. Challenger James P. Hoffa, son of labor legend Jimmy Hoffa, received 217,802, or slightly more than 48%, Quindel’s office said. O’Mara said 16,608 ballots were voided during the counting process, and officials are still investigating the validity of 12,956 ballots cast during the December election. However, Carey’s margin of victory is too great to be affected. The races where winners have not yet been declared include the contest for the three Western region vice president posts. The two top vote-getters, Carey supporters Tom Leedham of Portland, Ore., and Ken Mee of San Jose, appear assured of winning. But the third and final seat is still in doubt, with Orange County Teamster leader and Carey supporter Ed J. Mireles ahead of Hoffa backer Chuck Mack of Oakland by 212 votes, 42,778 to 42,566.