Open Thread: Union Boss Lowers Expectations for Walker Recall
Wisconsin Republican Scott Walker has been the target of government union bosses since he began talking about a series of small reforms designed to preserve state employee pensions without breaking the budget. Despite the crony millions being spent, however, Walker seems likely to be able to stave off the union attempt to depose him in a recall election.
That likelihood is perhaps what inspired AFL-CIO president Richard Trumka to lower expectations and already proclaim "victory," even if Walker is not defeated.
Appearing on C-SPAN's "Newsmakers" show, Trumka explained that he believed the Wisconsin recall election is "not a test-run" for unions and that even if the recall fails, it still succeeded in intimidating governors who might be considering reasonable reforms of their government employees.
"Would you like to take this fight on?" he asked, rhetorically. "A year after you were in office, would you like to be in the fight of your life, spending $25-30 million to hold onto a seat that you were supposed to have for four years . . . would that embolden you? Not if you're sane and rational it wouldn't."
Unfortunately for Trumka's spin, even if Walker hadn't tried to reform pension plans and collective bargaining, he almost certainly would've been a big target for unions and Democrats, considering Wisconsin's historically strong liberal base.
That aside, it's quite interesting that the day before Wisconsin Democrats vote to select their nominee to replace Walker should he be recalled, Trumka is already discussing at length the idea that Walker might remain in office.
- Matthew Sheffield's blog
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Comments
I'm willing to bet that
Submitted by bretzysdude on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 9:15am.
I'm willing to bet that Trumka's just trying to change his strategy. He's not backing down unfortunately. The unions will try to figure out how to make them stronger again. We just have to be ahead on chess moves.
Trumka has a lot at stake personally
Submitted by Galvanic on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 10:50am.
The AFL-CIO has made Wisconsin the battleground, and devoted a lot of union $$$ and energy toward recalling Gov. Walker. If he fails, regardless of how he couches it, he may be in trouble.
I don't know enough about the AFL-CIO power structure to understand how firmly Trumka is sitting in his job, but if there are challengers to his seat, failing in Wisconsin might be the impetus for the challengers to rally disaffected members of their rank and file to oust Trumka.
No I think he's been told...
Submitted by OldJarhead77 on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 11:49am.
By the Wh and OblameO that he better win something and not waste all that money that would normally be in my campaign coffers
Didn't the Teamsters break
Submitted by ricklail on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 1:40pm.
Didn't the Teamsters break away from the AFL-CIO?
Which raises another vital issue
Submitted by Galvanic on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 3:33pm.
If Trumka fails in Wisconsin, he loses clout with the Obama campagin and the DNC, which is relying on him to turn out the union members for pro bono Democratic campaign work as well as kick in $$$. The Dems themselves might force a change in AFL-CIO leadership of Trumka flops.
Kind of like Obama and Afghanistan...
Submitted by c5then on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 9:26am.
Redefining "victory" from actually winning to not getting your butt kicked and leaving of your own "free will".
Walker's actions have proven to be helping and he did EXACTLY what he said he was going to do. Wisconsin's re-call election is driven by idiology and spite on the part of the unions. We will see how many socialists/marxists are in Wisconsin as opposed to Americans. Yes, I make that distinction knowingly and on purpose. Socialism/Marxism is completely incompatible with the founding principles and values of this country.
The only way that public employee unions should be able to negotiate is by referendum. It is the taxpayer that they work for and it should only be the taxpayer who can approve contract issues.
Madison and Jefferson and Franklin built a Republic - Roberts killed it!
As long as there are elections expect fraud
Submitted by Huapakechi on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 9:55am.
If you want an honest government:
1) Select Representatives by means of a draft lottery, qualifications for inclusion to the pool of prospective draftees to be determined by each state.
2) Repeal the 17th Amendment. Give the selection of Senators back to the state legislatures, with the addition of term limits and the right of recall by the state Governor, the state legislature, and plebiscite.
3) Remove the pay of federal legislators and staff from the federal domain. The state sending these people to Congress should be paying 'em.
I predict a Romney
Submitted by Boudin on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 9:34am.
Recall after he wins.
So now what?
Submitted by jon_torlin on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 9:37am.
Is anyone else majorly depressed about everything going on and doesn't seem to hold much hope for the future of this country?
The odds seem to be against kicking DuhOne out of office given the way things are going with the news, especially after that bit yesterday about the fed gov't preparing for civil war, especially one they are hoping for and are willing to cause. It seems to be heading that direction.
The odds also seem, and I blame the MSM for this, in favor of keeping DuhOne around for another 4 years, especially since he hopes to capitalize on the recent election of the socialist who is an enemy to world finance to president of France and Our Lord and Savior can't WAIT to meet him. I fear the Americans will be dumb enough to let it happen.
Then you have the continual buildup of the Islamic jihadists in one form or another, be it the brotherhood in the middle east, or those in this country being allowed their ways to run unchecked(when they should be checked and even thrown out of this country) and DuhOne who is the Muslim in Chief is embracing them with open arms. I also fear the Americans will be dumb enough to let that happen as well, dumb and ignorant of how they really are.
That's not even counting the economic strife this country is in which is far worse than the Jimmy Carter years and the unemployment rate is actually closer to or beyond 20% as opposed to the bogus number of 8.1% which has no basis in reality. I'm still waiting for the other shoe to drop before it's declared that our dollar is all but worthless and we'll end up like Greece.
And we have a Congress who refuses to take action along with a senate who is helping the enemy, and people seem to think we're going to have an election in November. Um, I'm not seeing it, and even if we do, it'll just be a formality until DuhOne declares emergency powers(I can see Carney making that announcement a la Jar Jar Binks in "Attack of the Clones," but that's a lame attempt at humor in an otherwise depressing situation). I'll be VERY surprised if that doesn't happen.
I know I left a few things out, and yes, it is depressing, but people seem to keep ignoring these things, things that can be actionable to reverse the situation.
Ugh, might have to set up an appointment with DocSam or something.
-Jon
Sad assessment
Submitted by bobsmom on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 10:04am.
of current affairs, but I've thought/felt the same things myself in recent months. However, the most positive thing I have seen is the "Suffer in Silence" ad, and it gave me a glimmer of hope. There are those of us who express ourselves via these blogs, but there are MILLIONS who think like we do, just do not give it voice. Those are the folks the libs should fear the most. There really are more of US than there are of THEM.
Yep, just look
Submitted by Boudin on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 10:16am.
At these creeps, they have more money then anyone, but they break-out the contract killer "analogy".
Their done, no idea's, no solutions, and no ethics.
I think it is
Submitted by Boudin on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 10:11am.
A sign as to how effective we are. The more they hyperventilate the more effective we are.
Their true colors are bleeding through. The folks aint liking it.
Jon~
Submitted by GG_NB on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 10:23am.
I think we're all nervous/scared about November because it's so crucial. Not to oversimplify things, but I really think the Independents will mainly go for Romney. And I've written on multiple threads on this, but then we conservatives MUST get out to vote -- period. We must make sure our conservative neighbors, friends and family do as well, whether they are excited about it or not. FEAR is a better motivator than excited anyway...and we all need to be afraid, very afraid. ^_^ OUR COUNTRY CANNOT HANDLE FOUR MORE YEARS OF O. It would be devastatingly horrific what will play out if that happens.
This is not the time to "pout and sit it out" or be lukewarm because Romney wasn't a conservative's ideal pick. We have to get O out, come on! Vote.
I understand all your concerns. As for the MSM, I think most intelligent/moral-minded Americans (who hopefully will be voting) have figured out most of the MSM folks are propoganda machines, and a lot of Americans are irritated and tired of their manipulations in the name of their "king." We cannot do a thing about the hardcore liberals or those who care more about the "goodies" they think they will get from O, instead of thinking of what is best for America. They are blinded. But we CAN out-vote them.
For what it's worth, even those I know who voted for O the first time around (who were not staunch liberals -- and explain they were thinking O would be Kennedy-like) are NOT voting for O this next time. They are actually worried about O staying at the helm. I know mine is a small pool of that group of previous O voters, but it gives me a little hope that many have come to grips that they made a big mistake ever voting for O.
Yes, it's scary. But I really think we'll get Romney.
[If not, I'll need Doc Sam as well. ;)]
"If not us, who? If not now, when?"
~Ronald Reagan
Jon~P.S.
Submitted by GG_NB on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 10:33am.
How all you mentioned can put O in a huge pickle:
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/05/08/election-waves-overseas-could...
"If not us, who? If not now, when?"
~Ronald Reagan
First off,
Submitted by johnsonl on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 4:30pm.
Suck it, Trumka! You just admitted that you flushed millions in a failed attempt to recall a sitting governor in a blue state turning red. The unions are done, you pushed us too far.
Hang in there, jon. In the words of my Breitbart bumber sticker, "I don't believe the liberal media!" Neither should you or anyone else. Obamao is one and done. The libs know it and are in panic mode. Conservatives will have the House, Senate and the WH. We will spend the first year or so repealing and undoing the damage of the previous four years. Then, we can look forward to some real hope and change from a socialistic entitlement based society back to the America we once knew. Free, secure and leading the world to prosperity.
Trumka
Submitted by Kevin Groenhagen on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 9:43am.
When I was a kid, there used to be a stand at the county fair where a guy handed out samples of cheese on crackers. Trumka looks like that guy.
Gotta win this by a good
Submitted by forest on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 9:53am.
Gotta win this by a good margin. They will cheat and steal this thing faster than you can say "Senator Franken".
Steal an election?
Submitted by Huapakechi on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 10:02am.
Shock! Don't forget Minnesota's new governor was put in office by the same method.
That boy had better check for an extra anchor in the boat when he goes out for the traditional fishing season opener next week......
I kid you not
Submitted by KornKing on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 10:03am.
A few weeks back(forget where I saw it), maybe some of you saw the same item
Walker Administration: "For the first time in 12 years, Wisconsin property taxes have stabilized and in some cases, actually gone down"
Democrat response: "One of Walker's spokespersons used to work at Hooter's"
Trumka the very definition of a union thug.
Submitted by CT on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 10:06am.
"Would you like to take this fight on?" "A year after you were in office, would you like to be in the fight of your life, spending $25-30 million to hold onto a seat that you were supposed to have for four years . . . would that embolden you? Not if you're sane and rational it wouldn't." – Richard Trumka
Could there be anything more un-American than a Communist union thug threatening the election process? It is a sad day in America when a union thug can blatantly brag that he has ‘…succeeded in intimidating governors who might be considering reasonable reforms of their government employees…’
Old News Link: http://battlefieldamerica.wordpress.com/2011/02/25/richard-trumka-afl-ci...
A new contest....
Submitted by jdripper on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 10:45am.
Scott Walker defeats the dims and their union stooge so the contest is how long will it take the Larry, Moe and Curly of media networks (ABC, NBC/MSNBC, and CBS) to report it?
Breaking News that night?
Two sentences on their morning show the next day?
Two sentences by their anchors the next day?
Suddenly the little three can't spell Wisconsin let alone report on anything there.
Jack
Cardinla Dolan wiill be
Submitted by ricklail on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 12:50pm.
Cardinla Dolan wiill be holding a townhall meeting at 6 EDT on The Catholic Channel, Sirius 129. I am not sure if it is on Direct TV. I am not Catholic but this could be interesting about how the government and lamestream media has attacked the Church. Because they are apt to go after us Baptist next.
Don't be misled!
Submitted by GeneralAl on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 2:17pm.
"That aside, it's quite interesting that the day before Wisconsin Democrats vote to select their nominee to replace Walker should he be recalled, Trumka is already discussing at length the idea that Walker might remain in office."
This is a ploy to make Republicans feel safe and not vote! I don't t take anything like this from this thug to actually be face value!
"Old Soldiers never die, they just fade away"!
I'm sure they will "dig up" the votes from somewhere...
Submitted by bigdaddy on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 4:28pm.
...why do you think the Dums fight tooth and nail against any type of voter ID legislation? It's hard enough to get that reliable liberal voting base that is currently taking a "Dirt Nap" without out also having them show some type of identification.
Here we go....."Trayvon Martin amendment to be voted on........
Submitted by BEGRUNT on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 4:56pm.
in the House. Attack of the race hustlers!!!:
http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog/inside-politics/2012/may/8/house-vot...
"A nation can suffer it's fool's, but cannot survive the traitor"
Cicero
The same folks who claimed they were called names
Submitted by UpNorth on Wed, 05/09/2012 - 12:07am.
have now decided to disarm the citizens of the country. I certainly hope this has no traction in the House. It shouldn't have any.
A race hustler for La Raza and a pimp for the Muslim Brotherhood want to deny federal funds to states who won't repeal common sense self defense? Scroooom!!!!
Hilarious update on my blog plagiarist
Submitted by Blonde on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 5:49pm.
See my Updates #5 and #6.
His Twitter account (@feedmybulldog) has been silent since he started shagging "his" blog post, too. Too funny!
Handy Reference Guide to Obama's Gaffes and Goofs ~ Currently Numbering 200 (and Counting)
Good evening Blonde
Submitted by cocodrie on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 6:09pm.
Should we add "Sinko de Micro" to your list?
Jesus Loves You so much He died for you
Good one, Coco
Submitted by Blonde on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 6:26pm.
Le micro is sinking fast, that's for sure!
Handy Reference Guide to Obama's Gaffes and Goofs ~ Currently Numbering 200 (and Counting)
What a cowardly loser he is
Submitted by Radical1979 on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 6:12pm.
Now he's using your blog to correct his spelling? And I can't see to much on his twitter account, he must be blocking comments or something.
Apparently, so, Rad
Submitted by Blonde on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 6:27pm.
Nothing like a little humiliation to straighten out those glaring errors, eh?
BTW, I put up a new blog post today for all of my NB pals, and MoLs, MoDs, and Gator pals, too. You all are the BEST!
Handy Reference Guide to Obama's Gaffes and Goofs ~ Currently Numbering 200 (and Counting)
JJ, Bump it up to 127...found 'DIS over on WZ
Submitted by upcountrywater on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 6:34pm.
Obama debuts 'handy little to-do list' to Congress
Could he possibly be any more patronizing?
dat @foodstampsformydog is such a looser lolz
You Didn't Build That.
Good one, upc
Submitted by Blonde on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 6:57pm.
To Do List from Mooch, but not from the American People.
I thought the mantra was "Jobs Jobs Jobs".
And yeah, little loozer man is still loozing.
Handy Reference Guide to Obama's Gaffes and Goofs ~ Currently Numbering 200 (and Counting)
Not like he doesnt have the
Submitted by Boudin on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 7:13pm.
Warning Time Warning,,,, Gov site
Boudin~
Submitted by GG_NB on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 7:16pm.
Uh, if you would, please...you're going to have to spell it out a bit more for me before I click on that. You're saying it's a gov't site we may not want to leave our mark on, for privacy's sake? Or we just may sicken ourselves? ^_^
"If not us, who? If not now, when?"
~Ronald Reagan
Sorry GG
Submitted by Boudin on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 7:38pm.
It's the official Obama public schedule. I think they make it up as they go to be perfectly honest.
This guy gets his briefings at 10-11am, says some crap to some "group" then calls it a day.
Unless he does absolutley nothing....
Submitted by Radical1979 on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 7:41pm.
.
Boudin~
Submitted by GG_NB on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 11:03pm.
No need to apologize that I didn't get it! Thanks, and that info is...well, interesting. I don't think it's a stretch to say Bush was much more disciplined, organized and task-oriented.
Can I hear a "Duh, GG"? ;)
"If not us, who? If not now, when?"
~Ronald Reagan
He's got not one freakin' thing scheduled this week?
Submitted by UpNorth on Wed, 05/09/2012 - 12:15am.
Not one thing the whole week? Not even the PDB? WTF is he doing? Like someone said, I thought this loser was all about jobs. He can't find one thing to do for the people who elected him?
Romney should just run Baracka's schedule for this week, as a campaign ad for Romney.
#CongressToDoList on Twitter
Submitted by Radical1979 on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 7:27pm.
Go have some fun. @whitehouse. I have lots of suggestions, like repeal Obamacare, make Holder answer questions about F&F, etc.
Even as a Republican I'm not
Submitted by RR GOP on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 6:00pm.
Even as a Republican I'm not a huge Walker fan because I think he could have handled this more quietly and should have been more even-handed concerning the police and firefighters unions, and might have been seminal (indirectly of course) in getting the OWS losers off and running with all the rancor up there in Wisconsin.
Be that as it may, this whole thing is just stupid. Wait until the next election and take your case to the stump and the airwaves and let the electorate decide during scheduled elections. Unless he's guilty of embezzlement or something, don't waste people's time with political nonsense.
"Under Capitalism, man exploits man. Under Communism it's just the opposite."
"All that Communism needs to make it successful is for someone to feed and clothe it."
Gabrelle Giffords a hero?
Submitted by ricklail on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 6:02pm.
Our local news reader read a report on CPT Mark Kelly speaking to students a JH Rose HS in Greenville. At the end the news reader said both CPT Kelyl and his wife were heroes. That is BS. The only heroes I know in congress are those that have served in the military like Col West. (Heard the other day he wanted to be called Col West instead of Rep West. Col was a lot more repected than a congresscriter. AMEN Col
Rick
Submitted by Blonde on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 6:28pm.
That's classic Allen West.
Handy Reference Guide to Obama's Gaffes and Goofs ~ Currently Numbering 200 (and Counting)
Giffords is a victim
Submitted by Radical1979 on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 7:32pm.
She didn't jump out in front of the bullet to protect someone else.
So, the new bloomer bomber
Submitted by bkeyser on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 7:15pm.
was apparently a CIA informer. I find two things significant about that: One, that's a clear success for the intelligence community. But two, it seems to me that by exposing this fact, we've effectively ended that capability for the foreseeable future. Now every "new guy" is gonna be beheaded or loaded down with C4 and ball bearings and sent into the nearest market to do his deed for Allah. If he ends up a bloody mess, they pull off a minor terrorist attack; if he doesn't, they rid their cell of an informant. Win-win for the bad guys.
I hate to think this, but I suspect we're going to see a deluge of "smart power" stories for the next week extolling the excellent work of the CIA under the direction, and of course -close supervision- of the the president. Gay marriage? Eh. We've got more important things to talk about. Another thorn in the Obama Campaign's side effectively silenced in favor of the great and powerful wartime dictator-in-chief.
Remember how Bush was blamed for Valeri Plame's identity being released? And she wasn't even undercover at the time. What has just been released by the Obama Administration are operational details -even if only in general scope- that will effectively terminate a successful CIA tactic. Probably for political reasons. And no one in the MSM will make that connection. No one.
BK
Submitted by Radical1979 on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 7:34pm.
It's almost as if Obama's trying to dismantle the CIA...
Kinda reminds me of
Submitted by Boudin on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 7:53pm.
Gun-walking?
Lugar Loses!!!!!
Submitted by GregE on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 9:04pm.
Don't let the door hit ya in the arse!!
http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2012/05/08/Lugar-loses-Ind-GOP-p...
How long before Lugar becomes
Submitted by bkeyser on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 9:11pm.
"Former Republican Senator from Indiana and MSNBC Contributer, Dick Lugar"?
I'm guessing January for Lugar
Submitted by Blonde on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 9:18pm.
I think tomorrow I'm going to send his Tea Party opponent a couple of bucks (via snailmail)....with a small note.....REPRESENT US, and kindly don't put me on your mailing list....this is my one time contribution.
Love to see these old albatrosses get primaried. Woo Hoo!
Handy Reference Guide to Obama's Gaffes and Goofs ~ Currently Numbering 200 (and Counting)
Lots of "Tea Party is Dead" mocking on Twitter tonight.
Submitted by bkeyser on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 9:30pm.
.
Oh yeah, BK
Submitted by Blonde on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 10:35pm.
Indiana hocks a looger.
Sorry, that is really gross, but so funny on numerous levels!
Handy Reference Guide to Obama's Gaffes and Goofs ~ Currently Numbering 200 (and Counting)
J
Submitted by bkeyser on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 10:46pm.
I was just reading Twitchy on the NC gay marriage vote. Hilarious.
I'm guessing Obama doesn't choose the DNC in Charlotte to "come out".
O! M! O!
Submitted by Blonde on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 10:54pm.
Talk about haters!!!
Oh so tolerant, those libs.
Do they have a clue how they look?
Wait, don't answer that!
Handy Reference Guide to Obama's Gaffes and Goofs ~ Currently Numbering 200 (and Counting)
Very funny,
Submitted by Boudin on Wed, 05/09/2012 - 10:26am.
Now why would folks want to see things "their" way?
What a bunch of brats
Oh, and remind me how many states voted for Gay Marriage? 0
With 60% of the vote in, President Obama wins
Submitted by bkeyser on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 10:16pm.
the West Virginia Primary over Federal Inmate Keith Judd: 69,350 to 42,701. Obama may lose delegate(s) as a result.
No. Seriously. His opponent is in jail in Texas serving 210 months. Not kidding.
Dear Bk*
Submitted by cajun2 on Wed, 05/09/2012 - 12:30am.
Thank you for posting that info. It may seem to some to be disturbing but I found it inspirational. Even the democrats are angry and that made me feel hopeful for the first time in years...
BK&Caj~
Submitted by GG_NB on Wed, 05/09/2012 - 10:03am.
And to think that guy got that many votes even without a decent haircut.[[^_^]]
"If not us, who? If not now, when?"
~Ronald Reagan
GG,
Submitted by Agnostic on Wed, 05/09/2012 - 10:37am.
ACORN (or whatever they are now) told the people to vote for the extortionist (community organizer) for office - they should have been more specific.
Agnostic~LOL
Submitted by GG_NB on Wed, 05/09/2012 - 11:17am.
:)
"If not us, who? If not now, when?"
~Ronald Reagan