Washington Watch for Oct. 12, 2009

• By GERARD SHIELDS
• Advocate Washington bureau
• Published: Oct 12, 2009 - Page: 5B

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Targeting U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce released a poll last week showing that Louisiana voters oppose a bill that would allow unions to form outside of the current secret ballot vote.

The Employee Free Choice Act, also known as “card check,” would also allow a federal government arbitrator to determine issues such as contracts if employers and their workers can not reach a decision.

Respondents also opposed that aspect of the legislation.

The chamber targeted Landrieu, D-La., who is considered a key vote on the matter.

Landrieu co-sponsored the legislation in 2007 but has not stated a position this time around, saying she is listening to both sides.

The phone poll conducted by Voter/Consumer Research contacted 601 Louisiana voters Aug. 2 through Aug. 8. The margin of error in the poll was 4 percent.

Of the 30 percent of voters aware of the legislation, two out of three oppose it. Six out of 10 said they are satisfied with way unions are formed currently.

Louisiana was one of only five states polled.

The chamber delivered the results to Landrieu last week.

“We wanted to make sure that members know about how their constituents feel about the issue before they are asked to vote on it,” said Glenn Spencer, executive director of the chamber’s Workforce Freedom Initiative.

Vitter out-collects Melancon
U.S. Sen. David Vitter, R-La., collected $1.2 million in campaign funds for the third quarter ending Sept. 30.

Vitter outdistanced his Democratic challenger, U.S. Rep. Charles “Charlie” Melancon, of Napoleonville, who gained more than $750,000 for the three-month period.

The money gave Vitter $3.4 million in cash on hand to work with. Melancon has $1.8 million.