Service workers union tops list of donors to GOP governors (wtf?!)

[Rose Siding]

What is Stern up to here? SEIU is all over the place helping with dem GOTV. What's up with the NC gov race?

WASHINGTON (AP) -- One of the largest and most liberal labor unions in the country is the biggest contributor to the Republican Governors Association for the coming election, even topping heavyweight GOP donors such as the National Rifle Association.

The Service Employees International Union, with 1.6 million members, has given $575,000 to the GOP group that is working to elect Republican governors in 11 states Nov.2.

The union ranks first on a list of donors that also includes Pfizer Inc., Citigroup and the American Gas Association, according to Political Money Line, a nonpartisan campaign finance tracking service. The NRA was 13th, giving $298,772.

Service Employees spokeswoman T.J. Michels said the money was intended to support the Republican challenger to North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley, a Democrat. The State Employees Association of North Carolina, which endorsed Republican Patrick Ballantine, is affiliated with the union.

“SEIU supports candidates who are willing to stand up and fight for working families, and therefore we support the RGA’s efforts to help Ballantine,” Michels said.

Ballantine said he would include a 5 percent pay raise for state workers in his budget over each of the next three years. State workers don’t have collective bargaining rights and aren’t official SEIU members.

http://www.detnews.com/2004/business/0410/24/business-312754.htm

[ClintonTyree]

1. Pretty self explainatory.................

"Ballantine said he would include a 5 percent pay raise for state workers in his budget over each of the next three years. State workers don’t have collective bargaining rights and aren’t official SEIU members".

5% raises for each of the next three years? He's buying a lot of votes there. Of course after he's elected he'll forget all about that promise, it wouldn't be fiscally responsible, you know?

[Rose Siding]

2. exactly- it's a stupidly short term focused decision by SEIU

I just hoped there might be a broader explanation, like something horrid about the dem who's running.

This really puts the union at cross purposes. The membership *can't* believe this repub will actually come through. And the benefit isn't even AIMED at SEIU members!