Are Democrats Sending Mixed Signals on Right to Work
It looks like Indiana Democrats are sending out mixed signals over the passage of “right to work” legislation which could be a forecast of things to come in the upcoming 2012 races.
Shortly after RTW’s passage and signage into law, House Democratic Leader Pat Bauer put out the following statement…
“There is no cause to celebrate today’s events. The joy that has been expressed is a disgrace. I am sure there will be great pleasure in the boardrooms of Indiana’s largest corporations at the Republican decision to make ‘right to work for less’ the law of the land in this state. They are about to see their profits swell. No longer will they have to worry about paying decent wages, providing just benefits, or even whether or not their places of business are safe. All of this comes at the expense of Indiana workers: our state’s single greatest economic development asset. Indiana now begins its flight to the bottom in jobs, wages, and workplace safety. Our competition now will be Nevada in job losses, Mississippi in low pay, and China in worker injuries and deaths. When the extent of this disaster becomes clear in the years to come, the governor who authored it will be safely out of office, without fear of retribution from the voters of this state. He has delivered to his corporate bosses, and that is all he cared about. But there will be accountability demanded from those in the Indiana General Assembly who helped the governor deliver on his promise. Indiana House Democrats will continue to make it clear who caused this mess when the unemployment numbers stay high, and Hoosiers keep earning less than workers in other states. When this policy doesn’t work, we will demand that it be abolished. We will make sure that the Republican leaders live up to their promises to get rid of ‘right to work for less’ when it does not work. Somehow, I think they will prefer to have short memories, but we will continue to remind them.”
Now compare that with the statement put out by John Gregg, the Democratic candidate for Governor…
“It’s time to move beyond this divisive issue. Indiana needs a governor and a legislature that show up for work every day and works together with one focus – creating jobs, whether it’s for a union or non-union workplace. Because in the end, it doesn’t matter if you’re in a union or not — if you get laid off, you’re not bringing home a paycheck.”
Gregg’s statement is apparently causing quite a stir in Democratic circles. There is some speculation that his campaign may be trying to do some triangulation between House Democrats and the Republicans. Gregg has opposed RTW, however, his campaign may have some polling showing most Hoosiers support it or they oppose the Democratic walkout, so he is attempting to walk a fine line. There may not be much room for Gregg to negotiate. His campaign has already been at odds with the Marion and Lake County Democratic parties over the recent debacle over the state Chairman position.
The only ones cheering at this news must be Republicans.
