Right to Work Blog

Ohio – 18

Incumbent Republican Bob Ney (R) finds himself in the race of his political life against Democrat Zack Space. Ney is neck deep in the Jack Abramoff scandal and there is real sense in Washington circles he will be indicted – possibly before Election Day. Democrats are touting a poll showing Ney 11 points down in a head-to-head match up against Space. Republicans have countered with a poll showing Ney ahead, but not by a comfortable margin.

Ney has been a Big Labor Republican since his election to Congress in 1994. This cycle alone union PACS have contributed over $103,900 to the threatened incumbent (See OpenSecrets.org).

Space has pledged to “never put corporate interests ahead of the people I represent,” but certainly seems willing to put Big Labor interests above the interests of his potential constituents. Union officials are contributing to Space as well. How do union represented employees figure all this out?

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Pro-forced-unionism Republican freshman Rep. Joe Schwarz (R, MI-7) is finding, according to the congressional newspaper Roll Call, his back against the wall and is turning to his union allies to save him.

Schwarz, who snuck through his primary last cycle by garnering 28% in a crowded field of candidates who divided the other 72% of the vote amongst themselves, is now facing a spirited challenge from Right to Work supporter and former state Rep. Tim Walberg.

Recognizing the threat of losing a forced-unionism lackey in Schwarz, Big Labor has stepped in to try to save him.

The Service Employees International Union is heavily involved in the race. “We have a good number of Republican members in his district,” said SEIU spokeswoman Avril Smith. “We’re doing get-out-the-vote stuff; we’re doing some mail in the race. We are communicating with all of the members in his district.” SEIU has about 3,500 members in the 7th, she said.

In addition to get-out-the-vote activities, Schwarz has received nearly $100,000 in contributions from labor unions.

The Democrat National Committee recently announced changes in the presidential primary and caucus schedule.

2008 Democrat calender to nominate a presidential candidate should look like this:

Iowa (caucus): 1/14
Nevada (caucus): 1/19
NH (primary): 1/22
SC (primary): 1/29

Most observers believe changes help former North Carolina John Edwards quest for the nomination.

The Washington Post reported that Edwards has made himself available publicly and privately to state and national leaders of the Service Employees International Union and Unite Here — a hotel and restaurant workers union — among others.

“He has done more than any elected official or public persona to support our union efforts to organize … since he left office,” said Chris Chafe, Unite Here’s chief of staff.

Nevada’s Democrat Party is driven by the UNITE-HERE bosses. They will surely propogate and push Edwards to their 60,000 members. A victory or strong showing in the Nevada caucus should also help Edwards gain momentum going in the New Hampshire.

The addition of South Carolina should give Edwards a boost, as well, having been born in the Palmetto State.

The new nomination schedule should pay dividends for Edwards water carrying for Big Labor.