Morning News - At the Convention Edition

by Brad Peck

Well, the Bandwagon to Denver made it to Denver yesterday, where it was met by U.S. Chamber President and CEO Tom Donohue, who held a press conference at the Denver Chamber of Commerce.

Speaking with reporters at a briefing Tuesday morning in downtown Denver, near the arena hosting the Democratic National Convention, U.S. Chamber chief executive Tom Donohue said, “We are here because we want to work with the leaders of both parties, regardless of the outcome of the election, on a number of very, very critical issues in this country.” (CQ Politics)

Donohue touted his appearance in the Mile High City as part of his group's bipartisan efforts to find solutions for high-profile issues like energy, infrastructure and broadband access. And while the Chamber tilts toward GOP endorsements, Donohue ticked off the Democrats it will be endorsing in Senate races this fall: Max Baucus of Montana, Mark Pryor of Arkansas, Mark Warner of Virginia and Mary Landrieu of Louisiana.

But Donohue focused much of his remarks on legislation that would allow workers to organize via a card-check process rather than a traditional secret-ballot election. The measure passed the House this session but stalled in the Senate due to a filibuster. (National Journal)

Under current law, unionization bids are overseen by the federal National Labor Relations Board, which runs workplace elections. If more than 50% sign secret ballots, then a union is recognized.

Big Labor wants to bypass that system with card check, which would allow unionization if more than 50% of workers sign cards requesting a union.

Since the cards could be signed in public, business claims workers could be pressured into signing. Union organizers would know who has signed and who has not and would be able to visit employees at their homes, for example.

Business will highlight this in ads and get-out-the-vote efforts, claiming the act would infringe on the constitutional right to secret ballots, a charge Big Labor disputes.

"I think that card check will not resonate. It's like a lead balloon," Donohue said. "But taking away the secret ballot can resonate."

Whatever it is called it would make organizing radically easier. With the total work force organized at 12% and falling, getting it passed tops Big Labor's agenda. (Investors's Business Daily)

He also stressed that the Chamber wants to keep enough people in the Senate to protect the power of the filibuster. That means pressing for the Republican incumbents but also endorsing Democrats that may vote with the Republicans. One such Democrat is former Virginia Gov. Mark Warner, who is running for the Senate seat being vacated by retiring Sen. John Warner (Va).

Donohue did express concern about the possibility that both congressional chambers and the White House will be Democratic. He argues the vigorous debate and the checks and balances that come with the different parties will be lost. As far as legislation is concerned, "There is nobody to stop it," he said. (The Hill)

"And I’ll let you in on a little secret," Donohue continued. "More Democrats remind me that that’s a good idea than Republicans, because they know that if they belong just to the labor unions and the trial lawyers, they may have a resounding number of victories, but they won’t be here very long to enjoy them." (CQ Politics)

"The long-term issue for us is to maintain a free and open American economy," Donohue declared to a handful of reporters. "This country’s future depends on the ability to trade and invest capital around the world." (Roll Call)