Labor unions are a massive special interest lobbying group that will be spending the dollar to keep the current unpopular congress in office. I personally do not have any problem with interest groups that represent those who are voluntary members of the organization but there are many workers who are pretty much forced to be with a union or would rather have their union fees spent on electing a more conservative pro-life, faith, family and freedom congress than we have now.
A MASSIVE INCUMBENT PROTECTION PROGRAM
At least two influential unions will spend close to $100 million on the 2010 election, with most of those funds going to protect incumbents. Union officials told The Hill they plan to help endangered members -- particularly freshmen -- who made politically difficult votes in a year during which an anti-incumbent mood has filled the country. The number will likely be even higher since the AFL-CIO declined to give its figures, says the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME):
* Plans to spend in excess of $50 million during the 2010 campaign, part of which will fund "a massive incumbent protection program," according to Gerry McEntee, president of the union.
* The $50 million slated for the 2010 elections is the largest expenditure the union will make in a midterm election, according to union officials; the money will go to help defend the union's top tier of eight Senate seats and 34 House members.
The Service Employees International Union (SEIU):
* Plans to spend $44 million in total on its 2010 election program.
* The union spent $85 million on its 2008 campaign, according to union officials.
A third labor group said it plans to spend big in 2010 but would not get into specific numbers. Karen Ackerman, the AFL-CIO's political director, said that the labor federation will be active in 18 states, will campaign in gubernatorial and Senate races, and will likely have a role in 60 to 70 House races this election.
Source: Brad Peck, "A Massive Incumbent Protection Program," U.S. Chamber of Commerce, May 24, 2010.
For text:
http://www.chamberpost.com/2010/05/a-massive-incumbent-protection-program.html
For more on Unions:
http://www.ncpa.org/sub/dpd/index.php?Article_Category=43
