[EL] Political Spending By Unions

[Primo, David]

Rick posts this today:  "Political Spending by Unions Far Exceeds Direct
Donations <http://electionlawblog.org/?p=36735> --Absolute must-read WSJ
report
<http://online.wsj.com/article/SB100014240527023047824045774885840318500
26.html> , which once again shows why campaign finance disclosure is so
important."

 

I agree with Rick that the article is a great read that provides rich
detail regarding unions' involvement in politics, but I do not see why
the article highlights the importance of disclosure.  I'd simply ask,
"Importance for what purpose?"  Before this article was published, did
any observer of politics think unions were not very active in campaigns?
Were unions shy about publicizing their views or their support for
Democrats?  Will one vote be changed by the information provided in this
article?  The answer to all of these questions is almost certainly no,
which takes me back to my original question:  "Importance for what
purpose?"

 

Best,

Dave  

 

David M. Primo
Associate Professor of Political Science and Business Administration

Director of Graduate Studies, Political Science

University of Rochester

Harkness Hall 318 (Political Science Dept.)
Rochester, NY 14627-0146
585.273.4779
Fax:  585.271.1616
david.primo at rochester.edu
http://www.rochester.edu/College/PSC/primo
<http://www.rochester.edu/College/PSC/primo> 

 

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