Labor Makes Big Comeback In '08 Races Ramping Up Spending, Unions Get Voters to Polls

WSJ ^ | January 18, 2008 | BRODY MULLINS

[Brilliant]

Big Labor is growing new political muscles.

Even as the number of unionized workers falls nationwide, labor unions are showing increased power in this topsy-turvy election season. By deploying new strategies to use their money, unions have regained their position as the single-strongest force in elections, outside of the presidential candidates and the national parties. That's a boost for Democrats, since labor is a pillar of the party.

Many thought campaign-finance reforms enacted in 2002 would diminish the clout of labor along with that of business. The law was meant to stem the influence of big money in politics by barring individuals, corporations, unions and other interest groups from making large donations to the parties.

But unlike companies, unions have adapted by shifting their spending to an often-overlooked part of campaigns: getting out the vote, or what pros call the "ground game." Unions have continued to ramp up their political spending and targeted it to get out the vote for candidates that labor leaders endorse.

Nowhere has labor's renewed electoral strength been more on display than in the run-up to tomorrow's caucuses here in heavily unionized Nevada. The 60,000-member Culinary Union endorsed Sen. Barack Obama last week, while a group of smaller unions has been working for Sen. Hillary Clinton since the summer.

Labor officials began to re-emphasize campaign operations about a decade ago, as their shrinking membership was hindering their influence. They redoubled their efforts after the campaign-finance law took effect. Businesses still spend far more but haven't adjusted as well: Their political spending has leveled off since 2002.

Labor's rising influence was a little-noticed factor in Sen. Clinton's surprise win in the New Hampshire primary... She beat Sen. Obama by 7,500 votes out of 290,000 cast -- and with the help of three of the state's largest unions...

[Brilliant]

There is no question that the Democrats are beholden to big labor, and no question that campaign finance reform has unfairly favored the political influence of labor unions and the media.

[randita]

It’s surprising to me that labor unions would unilaterally support Democrats, who are in favor of amnesty and open borders. Unchecked illegal and legal immigration have been cited to be one of the biggest factors in keeping union wages and benefits down.

[july4thfreedomfoundation]

When the illegals are given amnesty, the labor unions will welcome them with open arms in order to increase their membership, AND they, the labor unions, will demand that these new, now legal members receive the same wages and benefits that the American-born members receive. This is the way the unions will increase their size, their clout and their power. Thanks alot, John McCain.

[Eagle of Liberty]

There is no question that the Democrats are beholden to big labor, and no question that campaign finance reform has unfairly favored the political influence of labor unions and the media.

Thanks again, McCain! Thanks for working with one of the biggest libs in America, Russ Feingold, to come up with this crappy reform.

[gusopol3]

This is the dirty secret of the ‘06 election. Only once have I seen it alluded to, of course on Barone’s blog, that 25% of voters in that election were union or family of union, in other words a machine victory.

[Ron in Acreage]

Big labor/unions won’t stop until they drive every major manufacturing company out of the country. They are nothing but extortionists.

[Reaganesque]

Unions Get Voters to Polls

And they're so effective that they can get even the dead to vote! It'll be nice to see Jimmy Hoffa's name back on the voter rolls.