STEUBENVILLE, OH -- With certain candidates for public office come certain identities, and Rep. Dick Gephardt has traditionally been known as the labor candidate. When he dropped out of the race for President Monday night, labor unions from the Teamsters to the Ohio Valley's two local steelworkers' unions lost their man.

Tuesday, presidents of the Independent Steelworkers' Union and the local United Steelworkers of America both say they don't know who their international leadership will choose, but it seems certain those unions will take their time, since six legitimate candidates remain. Nonetheless, the choice will be difficult. Says ISU President Mark Glyptis, "He's the candidate where his theologies were most in line with our theologies. We'll evaluate the other candidates and make an endorsement of the candidate most in line with our views." "It's not just union issues, it's working family issues," says USWA Local 1190 boss Bernie Ravasio, "There are many industrial and manufacturing jobs going overseas, and now it's also high-tech jobs."

Eastern Ohio Congressman Ted Strickland (D-6th District) stumped for Gephardt in Iowa, in the days leading up to Monday's disappointing caucus showing. Rep. Strickland says on the issues of "health care, medical care, economy and jobs, in my opinion Dick Gephardt was strongest. The people of Iowa felt differently."