Boom! SEIU To Yank Support For Arcuri, Will Search For Challenger

[jefferson_dem]

SEIU To Yank Support For Arcuri, Will Search For Challenger

It appears SEIU is dead serious about this business about yanking support for House Dems who vote No on the health bill.

The SEIU bluntly informed Dem Rep Michael Arcuri of New York yesterday that it’s pulling support for him in the wake of the news that he’s an all-but-certain No, I’m told. And the search for a primary or third-party challenger is underway.

Jerry Dennis, the president of SEIU local 200, which represents 14,000 workers statewide in New York, called Arcuri yesterday and delivered the news, SEIU spokesman Matt Nerzig tells me.

“Jerry called him yesterday and told him it’ll be very difficult to support him come next election if he’s not on this bill,” Nerzig says. “The search for alternatives has already begun.”

“This guy won by two percent with our support and 1199’s support against a moderate Republican last time,” Nerzig continues. “It’ll be very difficult for him to win reelection next time without us.” Arcuri won with 52% of the vote in 2008.

It’s worth reiterating that this threat is very real. Arcuri could lose without the ground and cash support of labor. Also, because of the powerhouse Working Families Party in New York, a labor-backed third party challenge could be a career-ender for pols like him.

Separately, in a bit of good news for Dem vote counters, Rep Charlie Wilson, a former Yes who was thought to be undecided, will vote Yes again, a good get for Dems because he shared the Stupak dozen’s concerns.

“I am confident that the language in the Senate bill ensures that there will be no federal funding for abortions,” Wilson said. “I am confident that the Senate language upholds all of my pro-life values.”

http://theplumline.whorunsgov.com/health-care/seiu-to-yank-support-for-arcuri-will-search-for-challenger/

[HughMoran]

1. Boom!

Smack that fool down.

[bluestateguy]

2. Good for them.

SEIU is one of my favorite unions.

[rasputin1952]

6. I was a Shop Steward for SEIU Local 6 in Seattle...

Great Union, and was growing, still is as far as I know.

As Shop Steward, I "lost" only one grievance, and that went to court at Local 6's behest, and they won...big time. Member was reinstated, given back pay+all lost vacation/insurance/sick days....and, the hospital was ordered to give her $26,000 on top of everything else...:D

All the others I had before management were resolved quite easily once the facts were in play...:)

[Teaser]

3. fool tried to step to Andy Stern

.

[BeyondGeography]

4. He's doomed without the base

I bet we can still flip him because of this.

[Clio the Leo]

5. "SOLIDARITY FOREVER!!!!"

"AND THE UNION MAKES US STRONG!"

[Jennicut]

7. Good. He doesn't deserve their support. He is not opposing this from the left.

[4lbs]

8. Arcuri's definitely not a Progressive. He's a Democrat in a Republican district.

It seems his voting has reflected the Republican viewpoint most of the time as a result.