So McCain really has you worried? For good reason. The GOP has a very fragile working coalition. Very fragile. And two weeks of focusing on campaign finance reform ain't gonna help matters.
Re: the resounding defeat of the so-called "paycheck protection" amendment by the Senate this past week:
Actually, Mr. Z-Man, I'm going to surprise you on this one. It wouldn't have bothered me to see this become part of the campaign finance reform package. Here's why:
It is my opinion that very few union members in this country, regardless of party affiliation, would actually say no, my dues cannot be used for political activities they disagree with. Although 40 percent of union members are registered Republicans (or so the GOP reports), these dues-paying working Republicans nevertheless recognize the merit of having their $10-$15 a week support candidates and causes that benefit the working man, even though they vote Republican for other reasons.
I also would point out that many companies wouldn't even bother with "paycheck protection" paperwork, because they would not want to antagonize their workforce or further burden their already overworked human resources department.
For instance, just this past week I learned that the state of Ohio, where I work, has some sort of statewide "paycheck protection" legislation on the books, but not once in my 20-plus years with my employer have I seen or even heard forms addressing this topic.
Bottom line: I think the majority of businesses in this country don't care diddly-squat where their workers' union dues go. They've got bigger fish to fry.
Of far greater significance would be Sen. Hatch's requirement that Big Business, which pumps much more money into Republican candidates and causes, would first have to get some sort of OK from stockholders before sending the Big Check to the Big GOP HQ. I would love to see Big Business held accountable and disclose where the bucks are going, then ask for my permission as a stockholder.
Remember, in 2000 election:
Business donated 94% to the political pie (60-40 Republicans over Democrats).
Labor donated 6%.
So even if all the labor money goes to Dems, that still leaves the GOP with a majority of 56.4% to 43.6%. |
