Some of the nation's largest labor unions are cutting back dramatically on their financial support to the Democratic Party, saying they are highly frustrated with the failure of Democrats to put up stronger resistance to Republican proposals opposed by labor.The unions have cited what they see as Democrats' tepid response to Republican efforts to eliminate collective bargaining rights for public sector workers, cut Medicare funding and require voters to show identification at the polls.
Form your own party folks. Oh, wait. There is a Socialist Party, isn't there.
The most dramatic shift was in giving by the International Union of Operating Engineers, which represents construction workers and has a large federal PAC. In the first quarter of 2009, the union gave $1.6 million to House Democrats, while the PAC this year has not made a single contribution to either party.
Officials with the engineer's union said in a statement that high unemployment in the construction sector was its top priority and that it "wants to see Congress more urgently address this issue on a bipartisan basis and move on legislation to create jobs."
You got to learn - to wait your turn, Bro!
The determination of the unions, who have traditionally been among the largest campaign donors, to use money as a carrot and stick over policy matters could ultimately play a significant role in next year's elections, seriously harming some Democrats' chances of election.
I hope so. Maybe they can elect a Socialist Representative from Wisconsin. Or Washington. So Pelosi wouldn't be so lonely.