(Spartanburg-AP) Jan. 30, 2004 - Some of the most powerful leaders in the textile industry say they want pledges from all political candidates to protect the nation's manufacturing jobs.

More than two dozen officials from textile and apparel companies and related national associations announced these plans in Spartanburg on Thursday.

Walter Montgomery was the head of Spartan International until it closed its six plants and laid off 1200 employees in 2001. Montgomery says this is not about textiles, but about jobs.

The group wants to close import loopholes and keep tariffs and duties at their current levels.

posted 8:20am by Chris Rees