Friday, March 6, 2009
Rep. Grayson Won't Hold His Tongue
Politico: Rep. Grayson won't hold his tongue
The standard playbook for new members of Congress includes this time-honored piece of advice: Lay low, focus on constituent service and avoid drawing too much attention to yourself.
But Rep. Alan Grayson (D-Fla.) hasn’t paid much attention to the old adage about being seen and not heard. Just two months into his first term, he’s already making a name for himself with a shoot-from-the-lip style and an ideological edge that some argue is ill-suited for the competitive, suburban Orlando seat that he represents.
On Wednesday, Grayson weighed in on the dispute between the Obama administration and Rush Limbaugh, calling the conservative talk show host “a sorry excuse for a human being.” In January, he referred to Limbaugh as a “has-been hypocrite loser” who “was more lucid when he was a drug addict.”
The tart-tongued freshman also skewered Wall Street CEOs with sharp questioning at a recent Financial Services Committee meeting — video of which he uploaded to YouTube — and, in a much-noted personnel move, hired prominent liberal blogger and political consultant Matt Stoller to be a senior policy adviser on his congressional staff.
During the past election, Stoller led efforts to recruit liberal primary candidates to challenge moderate Democratic members of Congress throughout the country.
All of this has earned Grayson a national following of progressive admirers, including prominent congressional candidate Darcy Burner of Washington, who made a late January fundraising appeal praising Grayson for “scaring some of the people who got us into this financial mess.”
“It’s who the guy is; it’s not like he’s changed at all since he’s been elected,” said Democratic pollster Dave Beatty. “It’s who he is. He’s outspoken, and he’s serving the same way he ran.”
In dozens of congressional districts across the nation, Grayson’s approach would ensure a long career in office. The trouble is, Florida’s 8th District isn’t one of them.
While Barack Obama, by all estimates, carried the district in 2008, George W. Bush won by comfortable margins in 2000 and 2004. As recently as 2004, then-incumbent Rep. Ric Keller (R-Fla.) won reelection with 61 percent of the vote.
It’s the kind of competitive district where Grayson’s talk of beating “swords into plowshares and our spears into pruning hooks” might not resonate the way it would elsewhere.
“For someone in Congress, he’s really out there. He comes across as a total ideological flake,” said Florida Republican media consultant John Dowless. “He’s tacking hard left, and he’s trying to become the Robert Wexler of Congress, but Wexler’s in a district where you can do that and get away with it. Grayson’s not in that type of district.”
Indeed, Republicans view his election as something of a fluke, the result of a combination of an unpopular GOP incumbent, a well-financed challenger — Grayson spent over $2 million of his own fortune — and Obama’s coattails.
In 2004, John F. Kerry carried the district’s base of Orange County by fewer than 1,000 votes. In 2008, however, Obama won the county by 86,000 votes, boosted by high turnout among Hispanics and college students. That helped Grayson edge Keller 52 percent to 48 percent.
Grayson’s spokesman, Todd Jurkowski, said the congressman’s populist style is playing well at a time when many constituents are worried about job losses in the service industry and rising home foreclosures.
“People in Florida want to be represented by someone who speaks his mind and is honest,” said Jurkowski. “They may not agree with everything he says, but at least they know what he’s thinking and where he stands.”
Already, several Republicans are considering a challenge, including Orange County Mayor Rich Crotty, who handily won reelection in 2006.
“He’s a conservative Republican, but he’s earned the respect of a lot of people the way he does business on development issues,” said Dowless. “He would be a candidate popular among Republicans and among moderate Democrats as well.”
Another prospective Republican candidate is former state Sen. Daniel Webster, a veteran of two decades in the Florida Legislature. A Mike Huckabee supporter in 2008, Webster has strong connections with the district’s socially conservative base.
Webster and Crotty are close friends, and Florida Republicans believe that party leadership will clear the field to avoid a competitive primary.
One GOP candidate has already announced his intention to run: conservative radio talk show host Todd Long, who failed to unseat Keller in last year’s primary.
Grayson, however, is accustomed to being underestimated — Keller told POLITICO last September that he would “bet his life” on defeating Grayson. The former congressman now practices law at an Orlando firm.
And Grayson has deep pockets and could single-handedly finance his campaign. According to the Center for Responsive Politics, he is the 10th-wealthiest member of Congress, with personal assets totaling over $29 million. Republicans insist his outspoken style will gradually turn off moderate voters.
“My advice to Alan Grayson is: Keep talking,” said David Johnson, former executive director of the Florida GOP. “I think the Republican Party will buy him a microphone and pay for throat lozenges.”
The standard playbook for new members of Congress includes this time-honored piece of advice: Lay low, focus on constituent service and avoid drawing too much attention to yourself.
But Rep. Alan Grayson (D-Fla.) hasn’t paid much attention to the old adage about being seen and not heard. Just two months into his first term, he’s already making a name for himself with a shoot-from-the-lip style and an ideological edge that some argue is ill-suited for the competitive, suburban Orlando seat that he represents.
On Wednesday, Grayson weighed in on the dispute between the Obama administration and Rush Limbaugh, calling the conservative talk show host “a sorry excuse for a human being.” In January, he referred to Limbaugh as a “has-been hypocrite loser” who “was more lucid when he was a drug addict.”
The tart-tongued freshman also skewered Wall Street CEOs with sharp questioning at a recent Financial Services Committee meeting — video of which he uploaded to YouTube — and, in a much-noted personnel move, hired prominent liberal blogger and political consultant Matt Stoller to be a senior policy adviser on his congressional staff.
During the past election, Stoller led efforts to recruit liberal primary candidates to challenge moderate Democratic members of Congress throughout the country.
All of this has earned Grayson a national following of progressive admirers, including prominent congressional candidate Darcy Burner of Washington, who made a late January fundraising appeal praising Grayson for “scaring some of the people who got us into this financial mess.”
“It’s who the guy is; it’s not like he’s changed at all since he’s been elected,” said Democratic pollster Dave Beatty. “It’s who he is. He’s outspoken, and he’s serving the same way he ran.”
In dozens of congressional districts across the nation, Grayson’s approach would ensure a long career in office. The trouble is, Florida’s 8th District isn’t one of them.
While Barack Obama, by all estimates, carried the district in 2008, George W. Bush won by comfortable margins in 2000 and 2004. As recently as 2004, then-incumbent Rep. Ric Keller (R-Fla.) won reelection with 61 percent of the vote.
It’s the kind of competitive district where Grayson’s talk of beating “swords into plowshares and our spears into pruning hooks” might not resonate the way it would elsewhere.
“For someone in Congress, he’s really out there. He comes across as a total ideological flake,” said Florida Republican media consultant John Dowless. “He’s tacking hard left, and he’s trying to become the Robert Wexler of Congress, but Wexler’s in a district where you can do that and get away with it. Grayson’s not in that type of district.”
Indeed, Republicans view his election as something of a fluke, the result of a combination of an unpopular GOP incumbent, a well-financed challenger — Grayson spent over $2 million of his own fortune — and Obama’s coattails.
In 2004, John F. Kerry carried the district’s base of Orange County by fewer than 1,000 votes. In 2008, however, Obama won the county by 86,000 votes, boosted by high turnout among Hispanics and college students. That helped Grayson edge Keller 52 percent to 48 percent.
Grayson’s spokesman, Todd Jurkowski, said the congressman’s populist style is playing well at a time when many constituents are worried about job losses in the service industry and rising home foreclosures.
“People in Florida want to be represented by someone who speaks his mind and is honest,” said Jurkowski. “They may not agree with everything he says, but at least they know what he’s thinking and where he stands.”
Already, several Republicans are considering a challenge, including Orange County Mayor Rich Crotty, who handily won reelection in 2006.
“He’s a conservative Republican, but he’s earned the respect of a lot of people the way he does business on development issues,” said Dowless. “He would be a candidate popular among Republicans and among moderate Democrats as well.”
Another prospective Republican candidate is former state Sen. Daniel Webster, a veteran of two decades in the Florida Legislature. A Mike Huckabee supporter in 2008, Webster has strong connections with the district’s socially conservative base.
Webster and Crotty are close friends, and Florida Republicans believe that party leadership will clear the field to avoid a competitive primary.
One GOP candidate has already announced his intention to run: conservative radio talk show host Todd Long, who failed to unseat Keller in last year’s primary.
Grayson, however, is accustomed to being underestimated — Keller told POLITICO last September that he would “bet his life” on defeating Grayson. The former congressman now practices law at an Orlando firm.
And Grayson has deep pockets and could single-handedly finance his campaign. According to the Center for Responsive Politics, he is the 10th-wealthiest member of Congress, with personal assets totaling over $29 million. Republicans insist his outspoken style will gradually turn off moderate voters.
“My advice to Alan Grayson is: Keep talking,” said David Johnson, former executive director of the Florida GOP. “I think the Republican Party will buy him a microphone and pay for throat lozenges.”
Thursday, March 5, 2009
What Joe Biden Isn’t Saying in Miami….
With Vice President Joe Biden in Miami today to discuss the “Employee Free Choice Act” with AFL-CIO members, Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer today praised the efforts of Majority Leader Adam Hasner and the Save Our Secret Ballot Initiative.
“Vice President Biden has traveled to Florida today to draw support for, the big union backed, ‘card check’ legislation. What he won’t tell workers, though, is that this bill seeks to strip American workers of their fundamental right to vote by secret ballot, subjecting workers to pressure by their employers, union organizers and colleagues by publicly signing union authorization cards,” stated Chairman Jim Greer. “The secret ballot is the foundation of American democracy and protects workers from intimidation. I am proud of Florida’s Republican elected officials, led by House Majority Leader Adam Hasner and Senator Garrett Richter who have worked hard to protect Florida’s business climate and workers by sponsoring an amendment to the Florida constitution to supersede the any federal legi slation and Save our Secret ballot.”
The right of individuals to vote by secret ballot is fundamental. This right should be guaranteed when local state or federal law requires elections for public office or public votes on ballot measures, or designations or authorizations of employee representation to be conducted by secret ballot. If elected officials cast secret ballots to elect their own leaders, Florida workers should have the same right. If passed, this legislation would place a federal government appointed arbitration board in the center of contract negotiations to decide what pay, benefits and working conditions the affected workers should receive, without a vote from the workers themselves.
“Casting a vote free of threats and harassment is the most basic of democracies’ principles,” said House Majority Leader Adam Hasner. “The right to a secret ballot is under attack, and we must work to preserve and protect the rights of workers to hear both sides of the argument and to cast their vote – in private, without intimidation from either union bosses or management.”
Majority Leader Hasner is a national advisory board member of Save Our Secret Ballot, a 501c4 organization dedicated to educating the American public on the continued need for a secret ballot wherever federal, state or local law requires elections. SOS Ballot is currently working across the country to place similar constitutional amendments before voters. SOS Ballot is leading campaigns in Georgia, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, North Dakota, Arizona, Arkansas, Missouri, Nevada and Utah, and plan to announce additional states soon.
More information can be found at www.SOSballot.org.
Senators Do Not Back AFL-CIO Claim That They Have 60 Votes On EFCA:
“Pryor said in a written statement Wednesday that the legislation ‘is not perfect, and while I have been supportive in the past, I will consider amendments to make it better if and when it is considered by the Senate.’ Spokeswoman Leah Vest said Lincoln ‘is more concerned today about putting 90,000 jobless Arkansans back to work, and she’ll worry later about collective bargaining rules when the issue comes to a vote in the Senate.’ Landrieu spokesman Aaron said the senator is ‘carefully reviewing’ the bill and meeting with groups on both sides.” (Sam Hananel, “Top Union Official Sure Of Votes On Card Check,” The Associated Press, 3/5/09)
Rep. Price: ACORN And Move.org Mobilizing In Effort To Do Away With Secret Ballot:
“The community group ACORN, which itself is under federal investigation for alleged voter registration fraud, has been pushing ‘card check’ legislation that would deprive workers of the right to a secret ballot, Rep. Tom Price tells Newsmax. Calling the card check bill the ‘union worker intimidation act,’ Price says Democrats are organizing ‘ACORN and MoveOn.org and others, whatever groups they’re able to mobilize,’ to urge passage of card check … Under card check, a union official presents a card to a worker and asks him to check whether he wants to join the union. Because the official can see the worker’s choice, the procedure subjects the employee to possible intimidation and retaliation if he does not go along and sign up to join the union.” (Ron Kessler, “Rep. Price: ACORN Against Union Secret Ballot Voting,” Newsmax, 3/4/09)
Florida House Of Representatives Elects Leadership Via Secret Ballot Yet Some Refuse To Provide The Same Protection To Workers:
“‘House Democrats picked their leader in the workplace by secret ballot; now let’s see if House Democrats will allow Floridians in every workplace the same secret ballot right,’ said House Majority Leader Adam Hasner (R-Delray Beach), who has introduced a proposed constitutional amendment that aims to guarantee the right to a secret ballot in all elections.” (Alex Leary, “Hasner Rips Democrats’ ‘Secret Ballot,’” St. Petersburg Times, 3/4/09)
Hasner questions Dems secret ballot
“Renewing his campaign to protect secret ballots in union votes, House Republican Leader Adam Hasner of Boca Raton today accused his Democratic counterparts of hypocrisy on the issue. Democrats largely oppose the change, but Hasner points out the House Democratic caucus on Tuesday held a secret ballot election to pick their leader for 2010-11. ‘House Democrats picked their leader in the workplace by secret ballot; now let’s see if House Democrats will allow Floridians in every workplace the same secret ballot right,’ Hasner said in a press release from the Republican Party of Florida today. ‘Otherwise, House Democrats will once again be saying through their actions: do as we say, not as we do.’” (Mike Bender, “Hasner questions Dems secret ballot,” Palm Beach Post, 0/4/09)
“Vice President Biden has traveled to Florida today to draw support for, the big union backed, ‘card check’ legislation. What he won’t tell workers, though, is that this bill seeks to strip American workers of their fundamental right to vote by secret ballot, subjecting workers to pressure by their employers, union organizers and colleagues by publicly signing union authorization cards,” stated Chairman Jim Greer. “The secret ballot is the foundation of American democracy and protects workers from intimidation. I am proud of Florida’s Republican elected officials, led by House Majority Leader Adam Hasner and Senator Garrett Richter who have worked hard to protect Florida’s business climate and workers by sponsoring an amendment to the Florida constitution to supersede the any federal legi slation and Save our Secret ballot.”
The right of individuals to vote by secret ballot is fundamental. This right should be guaranteed when local state or federal law requires elections for public office or public votes on ballot measures, or designations or authorizations of employee representation to be conducted by secret ballot. If elected officials cast secret ballots to elect their own leaders, Florida workers should have the same right. If passed, this legislation would place a federal government appointed arbitration board in the center of contract negotiations to decide what pay, benefits and working conditions the affected workers should receive, without a vote from the workers themselves.
“Casting a vote free of threats and harassment is the most basic of democracies’ principles,” said House Majority Leader Adam Hasner. “The right to a secret ballot is under attack, and we must work to preserve and protect the rights of workers to hear both sides of the argument and to cast their vote – in private, without intimidation from either union bosses or management.”
Majority Leader Hasner is a national advisory board member of Save Our Secret Ballot, a 501c4 organization dedicated to educating the American public on the continued need for a secret ballot wherever federal, state or local law requires elections. SOS Ballot is currently working across the country to place similar constitutional amendments before voters. SOS Ballot is leading campaigns in Georgia, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, North Dakota, Arizona, Arkansas, Missouri, Nevada and Utah, and plan to announce additional states soon.
More information can be found at www.SOSballot.org.
Senators Do Not Back AFL-CIO Claim That They Have 60 Votes On EFCA:
“Pryor said in a written statement Wednesday that the legislation ‘is not perfect, and while I have been supportive in the past, I will consider amendments to make it better if and when it is considered by the Senate.’ Spokeswoman Leah Vest said Lincoln ‘is more concerned today about putting 90,000 jobless Arkansans back to work, and she’ll worry later about collective bargaining rules when the issue comes to a vote in the Senate.’ Landrieu spokesman Aaron said the senator is ‘carefully reviewing’ the bill and meeting with groups on both sides.” (Sam Hananel, “Top Union Official Sure Of Votes On Card Check,” The Associated Press, 3/5/09)
Rep. Price: ACORN And Move.org Mobilizing In Effort To Do Away With Secret Ballot:
“The community group ACORN, which itself is under federal investigation for alleged voter registration fraud, has been pushing ‘card check’ legislation that would deprive workers of the right to a secret ballot, Rep. Tom Price tells Newsmax. Calling the card check bill the ‘union worker intimidation act,’ Price says Democrats are organizing ‘ACORN and MoveOn.org and others, whatever groups they’re able to mobilize,’ to urge passage of card check … Under card check, a union official presents a card to a worker and asks him to check whether he wants to join the union. Because the official can see the worker’s choice, the procedure subjects the employee to possible intimidation and retaliation if he does not go along and sign up to join the union.” (Ron Kessler, “Rep. Price: ACORN Against Union Secret Ballot Voting,” Newsmax, 3/4/09)
Florida House Of Representatives Elects Leadership Via Secret Ballot Yet Some Refuse To Provide The Same Protection To Workers:
“‘House Democrats picked their leader in the workplace by secret ballot; now let’s see if House Democrats will allow Floridians in every workplace the same secret ballot right,’ said House Majority Leader Adam Hasner (R-Delray Beach), who has introduced a proposed constitutional amendment that aims to guarantee the right to a secret ballot in all elections.” (Alex Leary, “Hasner Rips Democrats’ ‘Secret Ballot,’” St. Petersburg Times, 3/4/09)
Hasner questions Dems secret ballot
“Renewing his campaign to protect secret ballots in union votes, House Republican Leader Adam Hasner of Boca Raton today accused his Democratic counterparts of hypocrisy on the issue. Democrats largely oppose the change, but Hasner points out the House Democratic caucus on Tuesday held a secret ballot election to pick their leader for 2010-11. ‘House Democrats picked their leader in the workplace by secret ballot; now let’s see if House Democrats will allow Floridians in every workplace the same secret ballot right,’ Hasner said in a press release from the Republican Party of Florida today. ‘Otherwise, House Democrats will once again be saying through their actions: do as we say, not as we do.’” (Mike Bender, “Hasner questions Dems secret ballot,” Palm Beach Post, 0/4/09)
RNC INVESTS IN REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP
From an RNC Release:
WASHINGTON – The Republican National Committee (RNC) today announced it is transferring $1 million to both the National Republican Senatorial Committee and the National Republican Congressional Committee.
“The Republican National Committee stands by our outstanding leaders in both houses of Congress. This is an investment in strong, principled Republican leadership,” said RNC Chairman Michael Steele.
These funds will be used to ensure the GOP is competitive in the special election of New York’s 20th Congressional district, as well as preparing for the upcoming 2010 midterm elections.
WASHINGTON – The Republican National Committee (RNC) today announced it is transferring $1 million to both the National Republican Senatorial Committee and the National Republican Congressional Committee.
“The Republican National Committee stands by our outstanding leaders in both houses of Congress. This is an investment in strong, principled Republican leadership,” said RNC Chairman Michael Steele.
These funds will be used to ensure the GOP is competitive in the special election of New York’s 20th Congressional district, as well as preparing for the upcoming 2010 midterm elections.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
RPOF Announces Youth Outreach Coordinators
Tallahassee–Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer today announced the creation of the RPOF Youth Outreach Department. The Chairman appointed Tim Nungesser and Kathryn Salerno to serve as RPOF Youth Outreach Coordinators to implement the RPOF Youth Outreach Initiative.
“Outreach to younger voters is one of my highest priorities for 2009,” said Chairman Greer. “As the Party of less taxing, less spending, and less government, the Republican Party is a natural fit for young Americans beginning their first job, purchasing their first home, or raising growing families. We must work hard to spread the Republican message to younger voters and ask them to consider voting Republican.”
Tim Nungesser, 27, of Palm Bay, most recently served as the East Coast Regional Victory Director for the Republican Party of Florida during the 2006-2008 Election Cycle. Nungesser previously worked for the Central Florida Regional Office of United States Senator Mel Martinez and served as a volunteer for the Charlie Crist for Governor Campaign in 2006. He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from the University of Central Florida.
“Tim and Kathy bring a wealth of campaign and grassroots experience to the RPOF Youth Outreach Department,” said Chairman Greer. “I am confident that under their leadership the Republican Party of Florida can build and grow our base of young supporters.”
Kathryn Salerno, 23, of Orlando, most recently served as the Central Florida Field Coordinator for the Republican Party of Florida during the 2006-2008 Election Cycle. Salerno’s previous political experience includes service on the Charlie Crist for Governor Campaign, and in the Central Florida Regional Office of Unites States Senator Mel Martinez, where she worked for both the Central Regional and State Directors. Additionally, Salerno worked as an Artist Royalty Accountant for EMI Music, North American in New Jersey, and conducted legal research for the Peterson, Bernard Law Firm in Ft. Lauderdale. She earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Finance from the University of Central Florida.
The RPOF Youth Outreach Initiative is a comprehensive program aimed at encouraging young Floridians between the ages of 15 and 35 to consider joining the Republican Party. The program includes multiple voter registration and technology components and will culminate with a statewide conference this summer.
“Outreach to younger voters is one of my highest priorities for 2009,” said Chairman Greer. “As the Party of less taxing, less spending, and less government, the Republican Party is a natural fit for young Americans beginning their first job, purchasing their first home, or raising growing families. We must work hard to spread the Republican message to younger voters and ask them to consider voting Republican.”
Tim Nungesser, 27, of Palm Bay, most recently served as the East Coast Regional Victory Director for the Republican Party of Florida during the 2006-2008 Election Cycle. Nungesser previously worked for the Central Florida Regional Office of United States Senator Mel Martinez and served as a volunteer for the Charlie Crist for Governor Campaign in 2006. He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from the University of Central Florida.
“Tim and Kathy bring a wealth of campaign and grassroots experience to the RPOF Youth Outreach Department,” said Chairman Greer. “I am confident that under their leadership the Republican Party of Florida can build and grow our base of young supporters.”
Kathryn Salerno, 23, of Orlando, most recently served as the Central Florida Field Coordinator for the Republican Party of Florida during the 2006-2008 Election Cycle. Salerno’s previous political experience includes service on the Charlie Crist for Governor Campaign, and in the Central Florida Regional Office of Unites States Senator Mel Martinez, where she worked for both the Central Regional and State Directors. Additionally, Salerno worked as an Artist Royalty Accountant for EMI Music, North American in New Jersey, and conducted legal research for the Peterson, Bernard Law Firm in Ft. Lauderdale. She earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Finance from the University of Central Florida.
The RPOF Youth Outreach Initiative is a comprehensive program aimed at encouraging young Floridians between the ages of 15 and 35 to consider joining the Republican Party. The program includes multiple voter registration and technology components and will culminate with a statewide conference this summer.
Cretul elected speaker
St. Pete Times
In quick fashion, the House moments ago elected Larry Cretul as its speaker, officially ending Ray Sansom's short tenure as head of the 120-member chamber. Cretul, R-Ocala, took the oath from Florida Supreme Court Justice Charles Canady.
In quick fashion, the House moments ago elected Larry Cretul as its speaker, officially ending Ray Sansom's short tenure as head of the 120-member chamber. Cretul, R-Ocala, took the oath from Florida Supreme Court Justice Charles Canady.
Monday, March 2, 2009
It's no secret: Democracy thrives with secret ballot elections
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board
March 1, 2009
You can see why Big Labor is salivating at the prospects for passing the "Employee Free Choice Act," a bill that could do away with a hallmark of American democracy, secret ballot elections to certify unions.
For decades, Big Labor has seen its ranks diminish, and with it, its political power and its economic strength, both in bargaining and in raising money from dues. Now, with a Democrat in the White House and congressional Democratic majorities, unions have their eyes fixed on passing this legislation.
Currently, unions must get at least 30 percent of eligible workers to sign a card supporting a union before a vote is taken on unionization. If that's accomplished, then both labor and management make their pitches and workers decide via a secret ballot vote. That is the way it works, and it should stay that way.
The deceptively-named "Employee Free Choice Act" would allow a union to claim certification if a simple majority of workers signs the card — thus dispensing with the secret vote.
Doing so would open the door for a lot of coercion and intimidation, in the workplace, in homes. Theoretically, a union could gain certification without every employee, or management, knowing about it.
The legislation's backers insist it's needed to counter pressure and bullying from management. But Big Labor would be better off prodding the new administration to enforce existing law and bolster agencies that were created to support employee rights.
Beyond that, the card-check bill has another major flaw. It would empower federal arbitrators to impose a two-year contract on an employer and union after just two months if the two sides are unable to come to an agreement. Either party could end up stuck with a deal they don't want.
This legislation is so problematic, even former Democratic presidential nominee George McGovern, a lifelong labor advocate, opposes it.
The key battle over these provisions will be in the Senate. While Republican Sen. Mel Martinez opposes the legislation, Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson has previously backed it. Nelson is predicting a long debate on this issue and possible amendments or changes before a final Senate vote.
Let's hope wisdom prevails and these two provisions are derailed. If not, in the best interests of his state, Nelson should withdraw his support.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/opinion/sfl-editafcardcheckpnmar01,0,4696084.story
March 1, 2009
You can see why Big Labor is salivating at the prospects for passing the "Employee Free Choice Act," a bill that could do away with a hallmark of American democracy, secret ballot elections to certify unions.
For decades, Big Labor has seen its ranks diminish, and with it, its political power and its economic strength, both in bargaining and in raising money from dues. Now, with a Democrat in the White House and congressional Democratic majorities, unions have their eyes fixed on passing this legislation.
Currently, unions must get at least 30 percent of eligible workers to sign a card supporting a union before a vote is taken on unionization. If that's accomplished, then both labor and management make their pitches and workers decide via a secret ballot vote. That is the way it works, and it should stay that way.
The deceptively-named "Employee Free Choice Act" would allow a union to claim certification if a simple majority of workers signs the card — thus dispensing with the secret vote.
Doing so would open the door for a lot of coercion and intimidation, in the workplace, in homes. Theoretically, a union could gain certification without every employee, or management, knowing about it.
The legislation's backers insist it's needed to counter pressure and bullying from management. But Big Labor would be better off prodding the new administration to enforce existing law and bolster agencies that were created to support employee rights.
Beyond that, the card-check bill has another major flaw. It would empower federal arbitrators to impose a two-year contract on an employer and union after just two months if the two sides are unable to come to an agreement. Either party could end up stuck with a deal they don't want.
This legislation is so problematic, even former Democratic presidential nominee George McGovern, a lifelong labor advocate, opposes it.
The key battle over these provisions will be in the Senate. While Republican Sen. Mel Martinez opposes the legislation, Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson has previously backed it. Nelson is predicting a long debate on this issue and possible amendments or changes before a final Senate vote.
Let's hope wisdom prevails and these two provisions are derailed. If not, in the best interests of his state, Nelson should withdraw his support.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/opinion/sfl-editafcardcheckpnmar01,0,4696084.story
RNC Chair defends Crist on stimulus
St. Pete Times
AP: "He looked me in the eye and said 'As the chief office holder of this state, the governor of this state, I have to be mindful of what's important to help my folks, who are going through some tough times right now,'" Steele said.
"It is a judgment call that a chief executive has to take, and what makes it sting maybe a little bit more, or feel a little bit uncomfortable, is that this package is being introduced by a Democrat president who many of us at the national level in particular believe has put in place a spending boondoggle, but he's put the appropriate amount of sauce in there for states to get their support," Steele said.
..."Florida is not the red state that Alabama is and it's not the red state that Mississippi is. It may be a red state, but it's a different hue of red. I applaud Gov. Crist for having the foresight to appreciate that," Steele said. "A lot of folks believe that if we're not constantly beating that drum on one or other social issues, that we're somehow less Republican and my argument is quite the opposite. The beauty of our party is that we appreciate and know what we believe. It's core to who we are, and we have the flexibility and dexterity to speak to people on a broad array of issues."
AP: "He looked me in the eye and said 'As the chief office holder of this state, the governor of this state, I have to be mindful of what's important to help my folks, who are going through some tough times right now,'" Steele said.
"It is a judgment call that a chief executive has to take, and what makes it sting maybe a little bit more, or feel a little bit uncomfortable, is that this package is being introduced by a Democrat president who many of us at the national level in particular believe has put in place a spending boondoggle, but he's put the appropriate amount of sauce in there for states to get their support," Steele said.
..."Florida is not the red state that Alabama is and it's not the red state that Mississippi is. It may be a red state, but it's a different hue of red. I applaud Gov. Crist for having the foresight to appreciate that," Steele said. "A lot of folks believe that if we're not constantly beating that drum on one or other social issues, that we're somehow less Republican and my argument is quite the opposite. The beauty of our party is that we appreciate and know what we believe. It's core to who we are, and we have the flexibility and dexterity to speak to people on a broad array of issues."
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