Unions Seek to Punish Dems Who Supported CAFTA -- GOPUSA

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Unions Seek to Punish Dems Who Supported CAFTA
By Randy Hall
CNSNews.com Staff Writer/Editor
August 9, 2005

Page 2 of 2

"I will vote for it for that reason," she added.

Bean's announcement drew a sharp response from the presidents of 20 unions, who said that "there must be real and measurable consequences for opposing labor on this issue."

The first of those consequences came on Aug. 4, when the 20,000-member Northeastern Illinois Federation of Labor cancelled its plan to honor Bean as "Person of the Year" at its annual $100-a-plate fundraiser in September.

"Organized labor was a key ingredient in your upset election," the federation's executive board wrote to Bean, adding that union leaders believed "you shared and understood the interests of working families. Apparently, you do not."

In their letter, the federation noted that previous Bean votes for eliminating the estate tax, extending "onerous provisions" of the Patriot Act and supporting a bill "making it harder for working people to seek bankruptcy protection" also "were votes against the interests of working families."

Federation President Lee Schillinger stated that the fundraiser would still be held, but with an alternate program. And although Rep. Bean won't be the honoree, she is still welcome to attend if she buys a ticket, he added.

"The federation has a right to present their award to whoever they choose, and they certainly feel strongly about CAFTA," said Brian Herman, a spokesman for Bean. "The congresswoman values their perspective and carefully considered their point of view before supporting the agreement."

"Almost all the unions in this particular area supported her both with mobilization -- knocking on doors -- and with money, and up comes what is a true test in terms of a vote, and she can't stand with us?" asked Gerald McEntee, president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, the largest union in the AFL-CIO.

"She'll certainly feel an effect in terms of contributions and resources," McEntee said. "She'll pay a serious price with the workers in her area."

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