When three local activists engage in a friendly rivalry with their contributions to COPE, the union's political fund, the big winner is TWU's legislative agenda, which is likely to enjoy a better reception in Congress.

The Local 556 officers, representing Southwest Airlines Flight Attendants, have recently taken the lead in their COPE contributions. President Thom McDaniel, Stewards Don Shipman (Chicago) and Steven Romero (Baltimore) have engaged in a friendly "bidding war" and stepped up to the plate financially to sign up for monthly contributions far beyond their previous levels - above $100 per month. Here are what these three COPE heroes have to say about their decision to donate such a significant portion of their paychecks to COPE:

Thom McDaniel: "I began contributing $1.00 per month to COPE in 1996 when a Union Officer explained to me how important it was to elect politicians who would support working people. He explained that TWU can not use dues money, but that if we each contributed a little we could make a difference."

Although he steadily increased his contributions over the years, the huge problems facing working people convinced McDaniel to up his contribution at the TWU Convention this fall. "When I found out what the highest contribution was, I filled out a card for $5.00 more. I should have known that Don and Steven would one-up me and I'm glad they did. I owe my great job and great contract to my Union, but we need to continue to elect strong labor friendly leaders to protect what we have worked so hard for."

Steven Romero: "My decision to contribute more to TWU's Committee on Political Education (COPE) was an easy one. When my friend and mentor, (Political Field Service Assistant) Gwen Dunivent, proudly announced recently at a COPE meeting that our Local had the highest contributors to the COPE fund, I knew I wasn't among them. It was then that I decided to join the friendly and ongoing rivalry between fellow TWU members, Thom and Don. I believe strongly in COPE's purpose to educate and support candidates who will vote for working families and I know that since we cannot use our dues money, we have to contribute to COPE if we want to have a voice."

Don Shipman: "I have always been politically active and observed how our lawmakers at the State and Federal level can impact our lives at work and at home. Most importantly, I want a way to hold these elected officials accountable for their votes and their voices - after the election is over. I know that our COPE dollars not only help elect the right people, but also help guarantee us a voice after the election. I think it is great that Thom and Steven are willing to engage with me in a competition for such a worthy cause."

No one is happier with the Local 556 rivalry than COPE Director Hubert Snead, who'd like to see more members up their contributions. "So how about it TWU?" he asks. "Is there a Local out there that is ready to bump Local 556 from the top spot and raise those COPE contributions? Thom, Steven and Don are certainly all COPE heroes, but the sky is the limit on your COPE donations, so go to http://www.twu.org, click on the Legislative tab, and then click on COPE to raise your donation today."