The case against Hilda Solis is a war against labor

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.buzzflash.com/articles/waronfamilies/009
AN ONGOING BUZZFLASH SERIES ON THE GOP ECONOMIC WAR AGAINST AMERICAN WORKING FAMILIES
by Meg White

In the overarching story of the Obama Administration's nominees for cabinet posts, there have been a lot of characters. You've got your Beltway insiders, your nerdy scientist types, your IRS scofflaws, your post-partisan picks, and everyone in between.

Put Rep. Hilda Solis (D-CA) in the "victim" category. In fact, while you're at it, put "labor" in that category, too. Obama's pick to lead the Labor Department has fought an uphill battle since being nominated.




First, Republicans put the breaks on Solis' confirmation because she didn't come out and say what everyone knows: She's pro-labor. Her work in the California legislature and U.S. Congress combined with her pro-union upbringing is a clear sign of her prerogatives at the Labor Department. Also, her role as the unpaid treasurer for the pro-labor group American Rights at Work speaks to her work on the issue.

But instead of stating the obvious at a confirmation hearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, Solis dodged questions about so-called "right to work" states, card check, and the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA). The questions weren't out of line; these are the main issues facing the labor force in this country.

Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-GA) characterized Solis' performance as "at best evasive." Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK) asked a valid question: "If she won't answer the questions, how can you support the nomination?"

Given her unabashedly pro-labor background, I wouldn't be surprised if the White House told Solis to avoid appearing to side with unions over management. If so, they did it to Solis' (and the Labor Department's) detriment.

FULL story at link.