Obama joins Wisconsin's budget battle, opposing Republican anti-union bill
GALLERY
An estimated 25,000 protesters pack the Capitol building in Madison to protest Republican Gov. Scott Walker's legislation to cut public-worker benefits and eliminate most collective-bargaining rights.
Friday, February 18, 2011; 11:07 AM
MADISON, WIS. - President Obama thrust himself and his political operation this week into Wisconsin's broiling budget battle, mobilizing opposition Thursday to a Republican bill that would curb public-worker benefits and planning similar protests in other state capitals.
Obama accused Scott Walker, the state's new Republican governor, of unleashing an "assault" on unions in pushing emergency legislation that would change future collective-bargaining agreements that affect most public employees, including teachers.
The president's political machine worked in close coordination Thursday with state and national union officials to get thousands of protesters to gather in