Blue Dogs hiding behind Senate on card-check legislation
Very interesting article from The Hill.
Democratic leaders in the House and Senate may have the upper chamber strike first on a controversial labor bill, which would protect conservative Blue Dog Democrats from a tough vote.
The House voted first in 2007 on the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA), which business groups refer to as “card-check” legislation, and it was expected the House would vote first this year as well.
The bill has more than enough votes to pass the House, but faces a difficult road in the Senate, where Democrats fall just short of a filibuster-proof majority.
Blue Dog Democrats in the House have shown tepid support so far for the legislation, which is the subject of an all-out lobbying war between business and labor. Many have faced tough questions about the legislation from constituents, who have been blitzed with a business advertising campaign.
“I do think the legislation has got to start in the Senate because it has already passed in the House,” said Rep. Parker Griffith (D-Ala.). “There is no point in bringing up the legislation if they don’t have the votes in the Senate.”
The poorly named “Employee Free Choice Act” should be on everyone’s political radar. It would eliminate the secret ballot that workers currently use to determine whether or not to organize. It would open the door for aggressive, abusive tactics by union thugs and would consequently lead to increased union membership (that’s the goal).
Where does Griffith stand? I never could find out during the campaign and nothing has changed.
Griffith said he has not decided on whether or not to vote for the bill when it is introduced.
“The climate is not the same as when it last passed,” said Griffith, a freshman lawmaker. “It seems to be a labor versus business bill coming up at a time of economic uncertainty.”
For me this is a bellwether decision. I don’t want to simply see an inconsequential “no” vote if the bill makes it to the house and passes by 60 votes. I want to see Griffith take a firm stand against the bill and make his opposition very clear.
Lots of luck getting that commitment. courage seems a rare commodity now a days.
On a semi-related note, folks may want to encourage a vote on HB24, collective bargaining for local employees, instead of letting it languish in committee. Time to get folks on record.
It looks like Griffith is going to make sure he takes vague positions on everything in order to reassure he ruffles no feathers. Kudos to him for not mention hurting “moms and dads” or making a sad football analogy.