Has Labor Met Its Match in 2010?
Updated 8:29 AM PDT, Mon, Jul 5, 2010
For years, organized labor has been the most prolific financial contributor in California politics, generously distributing contributions to political candidates and ballot box issues.
But in 2010, there may be too many races and issues even for the unions to flex their political muscles as they have in the past.
Of the top 10 contributors to political campaigns between 2001 and 2010, the California Teachers Association has spent $211.8 million on California candidates and ballot issues, edging out three major Indian tribes, which
collectively have given $201.8 million.
The California State Council of Service Employees, another labor organization, stands as third largest contributor at $107.4 million, followed by Pacific Gas & Electric Company, $69.2 million, and Chevron Corporation, $66.2 million.
The timing in the current economic environment couldn't be worse. With state and local governments budgets in deficit shambles, much needed programs and services have been cut to the bone, and then some.
Increasingly, these governments now look to the largest category of expenditures--personnel--as the next place to cut salaries, benefits and pensions.
These moves have put labor on the defensive, something that historically might be overcome with massive campaign contributions to friendly executive branch and legislative branch candidates.
But 2010 will be different. To begin with, the state's major unions