March 30, 2009
Feinstein catches liberal flak over labor bill

Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein may top every poll of pols as California's highest regarded political figure. But that hasn't stopped the liberal Courage Campaign from launching an aggressive assault, accusing Feinstein of failing to stand tall for workers' rights.

With an internet letter campaign and on-line petition,the activist group accuses the senator of going soft on the Employee Free Choice Act she once advocated. The legislation, pending in Congress, would allow unions to organize by collecting signed membership cards. It would make secret ballot elections optional.

The Courage Campaign's website says: "This is one of the most important pieces of legislation this year. President Barack Obama supports it, as do most Democrats, including Sen. Barbara Boxer...Sen. Feinstein, however, has refused to take a position on the bill - even though she co-sponsored it and voted for it in 2007."

The appeal is accompanied by a photo of a terse-looking Feinstein and the question: "Senator Feinstein: Which side are you on?"

In a statement, Feinstein said the labor bill needs additional study and negotiation due to the "extraordinarily difficult economy."

"I have thought for some time that the way to approach this issue is by trying to see if there can't be a compromise between the business community, the agriculture community and labor," she said. "This is an extraordinarily difficult economy and feelings are very strong on both sides of the issue. I would hope there is some way to find common ground that would be agreeable to both business and labor."
Posted by Peter Hecht
http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/ca ... 21129.html