This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, April 21, 2009 - Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan, a Democrat running for the U.S. Senate in 2010, is seeking to put any confusion to rest about her stance on the pro-union Employee Free Choice Act.
She supports it.
Carnahan's Republican critics had been maintaining as much for days, particularly in the wake of last Friday's endorsement by the national Teamsters Union. But at the joint news conference in Kansas City, some reporters indicated they weren't sure of Carnahan's views on the proposed Employee Free Choice Act.
"Robin is supportive'' of the Employee Free Choice Act,'' said campaign spokesman Tony Wyche. "She's not sure what the final version of the bill is going to look like or if she'd ever get to vote on it, but she thinks that workers should be able to organize and that we need to restore balance and opportunity for the middle class."
The proposed Employee Free Choice Act, also known as "card check,'' would allow a company's workers to approve a union for their workplace if a majority sign cards in favor. If the employees desire, a secret ballot also could be conducted.
Now, a secret ballot is required. Opponents of the proposed Act, primarily Republicans, contend workers will be intimidated by unions to sign the cards and not to hold an election. Supporters say workers now are intimidated by companies, who can delay the secret ballot elections while they pressure workers and fire those deemed pro-union.
Carnahan's only announced Republican rival, U.S. Rep. Roy Blunt, R-Strafford, has made a point of emphasizing his opposition to the Employee Free Choice Act.
The two candidates' stances are not surprising. Unions generally back Democrats. Major businesses generally support Republicans.
