Union Warns Candidates Against Breaking Their Promises

The head of a powerful service workers union threatened Tuesday to unleash money from a $10 million “accountability” fund against any political figure — Democrats included — who breaks promises to organized labor. “Any Democrat — or Republican — who said they were going to support us on health care or free choice and turns against us is going to paint a target” on their backs, Andy Stern, president of the powerful Service Employees International Union, told The Associated Press in an interview. “…We’re not going to just win this election and hope Barack Obama does well. People want something to happen.” The SEIU intends to keep a close watch on candidates to make promises to support changes in health care and accessibility to union representation in the workplace. It already has helped unseat one moderate Democrat, former Rep. Al Wynn of Maryland, by supporting his Democratic primary opponent — Donna Edwards.  ... (link)