The Hill: Expecting a midterm hit for Dems, labor still sees agenda momentum

[Omaha Steve]

http://thehill.com/business-a-lobbying/117327-expecting-a-midterm-hit-for-dems-labor-still-sees-agenda-momentum

By Kevin Bogardus - 09/06/10 07:00 PM ET

Organized labor will press Congress for big infrastructure spending and job creation programs even if voters throw Democrats out of office in November's election, union leaders say.

After the 2010 midterm elections and anticipated heavy losses on the left, labor leaders expect a leaner, more aggressive Democratic Congress that will aim to push through measures intended to create jobs. And like the $50 billion infrastructure plan pushed by President Obama at a union rally in Milwaukee on Labor Day, unions will be calling on lawmakers to pass legislation that will provide aid to state and local governments as well as provide incentives for more business lending.

Union leaders see November as a key election, fearing business groups could gain advantage if Republicans take over Congress. Nevertheless, labor officials said big campaign losses will likely sharpen Democratic lawmakers' plans next Congress.

“It may make them more focused,” said AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. “It may make them come up with an agenda and stick to it.”

Several bills that union officials cited as having a good chance of passage in the next Congress are the surface transportation reauthorization bill, legislation to help rebuild water sanitation infrastructure and a new Federal Aviation Administration bill.

In the past these bills typically have moved forward with wide bipartisan support but have stalled in Congress this year. Labor leaders argue all of these bills would create jobs if passed.

FULL story at link.

[no_hypocrisy]

1. I'm not letting the media tell me that my vote doesn't count.

Let the results be determined on Election Day.