In a surprising move, some Wisconsin unions have asked candidates seeking to unseat Governor Scott Walker for a pledge to veto any budget that does not explicitly reverse the changes to collective bargaining. In doing this, these unions have sunk to using the tactics of Grover Norquist and Americans For Tax Refrom. Of course, ATR's pledge is to not raise taxes, but the strategy is the same.
When the right launches head-on into a diatribe about big union bosses, this is what they are referring to. This is an overreach of epic proportions. Resorting to the tactics used by one of the most vile players in politics (Norquist) is appalling. I find it ironic that I am about to use a quote from Robin Vos to drive this home, but here goes:
"I cannot see a scenario under which Assembly Republicans would capitulate to big-labor bosses. The fact that they are exacting concessions out of a would-be candidate is the biggest threat to democracy, not the (collective bargaining repeal)"
He is right. And you know it. I can almost guarantee that most of you are vehemently opposed to the Norquist pledge. Not because it is a pledge to not raise taxes, but because its a power grab from a small minority with deep pockets and the fact that our legislators can be controlled by outside groups is disturbing. This is exactly the same.
For any outside group to ask for any sort of legislative commitment before they are even elected is absurd and anti-democracy. If you want your representatives to carry out a certain legislative item, then help get the person you feel is most qualified to carry out that agenda elected. A blanket pledge is a joke. Its a Republican scare tactic. All ive heard through this whole debate is how the left is on the right side of this argument, and the right is on the wrong side. Now unions are picking up the tactics of the right? Come on.
Here's one last little bit. WEAC, one of the unions calling for the pledge, endorsed Kathleen Falk today. Who was the only person to commit to the pledge? Thats right Kathleen Falk. So, like Norquist uses his millions to primary those who refuse to sign his pledge or deviate from it, the unions in Wisco apparently will do the same to Falks challengers.
Let me be clear on one thing here, this is not all unions in Wisconsin. I am not knocking all unions, and I believe it should be a priority to restore collective bargaining. But I also believe that its the legislators job to do so, not unions. There are other available tactics to get this achieved. Instead, some unions just fed fuel to the Republican fire. Don't be surprised if they fundraise off this.
For more, check out the original story from The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel