The abdication of the carpenters union from the AFL-CIO doesn't dilute labor's clout. It enhances it, since we now have another strong voice speaking out on issues of importance to the working men and women of America. A number of separate, smaller unions might make more sense politically speaking than one umbrella AFL-CIO. If the carpenters feel they're better off on their own, then that is their right to go that course.
I think with the GOP in control of redistricting in most states, we'll see the GOP pick up a few House seats in '02, but, lest we forget, the Dems have picked up seats each of the past six years in the House. I'm also seeing some encouraging signs. For instance, last November, a 25-year-old kid took on Republican Congressman Steve Chabot, R-Cincinnati, and won a surprising 49% of the vote in a Republican district. Chabot was one of Hank Hyde's lackeys in the Clinton impeachment proceedings.
Again, don't underestimate the "401(k) factor. A lot of people don't like Clinton, but they liked the fact that their retirement savings doubled from '92-'00. |
