California labor has split focus in election

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.laborradio.org/node/4539

California labor has split focus in election

In California the gubernatorial race is a top election priority for labor, but due to a lack of excitement with the Democratic candidate Phil Angelides other initiatives are taking center-stage in the upcoming elections. Leilani Albano has more:

One measure is Proposition 89. The California Nurses Association says that the bill would result in fairer elections by limiting corporate and other private donations to election initiatives and campaigns. With a more level playing field, analysts say there would be more funding for women and people of color to run for political office.

Despite these claims, the California Federation of labor has refused to take a vote on the measure. Again, Kent Wong…
Q6 (15 seconds)
There is concern among certain unions that these types of limitations on political campaign contributions would undercut the unions’ ability to contribute to a targeted campaign.

While the California Federation of Labor has not taken a position on Proposition 89, they took the unprecedented step of taking a stand on abortion rights.

Following a recent union convention in Los Angeles, the state labor council –which represents 2.1 million workers - took a “no” vote against parental notification measure, Prop 85.

Kathy Spillar is executive vice president with the Feminist Majority Fund.
Q7 (19 seconds)
We’re thrilled because I think this is the beginning of seeing organized labor take positions nationwide on women’s most fundamental right, the right to reproductive health and health care as part of their broad workers’ rights agenda.


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