Now not being a Timmy fan I take em or leave em and not fond of unknown source monies either for that matter. This one should get your attention though as the state employee unions are using the rules and media to try and CYA their crap and buy and election issue.

Always follow the money as it seems both libs & conservs have figured out honesty IS NOT the best policy!

http://www.washingtonstatewire.com/home/5782-sure_thing_slam_dunk_anti_tax_measure_is_in_deep_doo_doo_–_unions_blindside_business_with_last_minute_hit_on_i_1053.htm

Try this also

http://www.washingtonstatewire.com/home/5859-a_mind_bogglingly_complex_scheme_funnels_27_million_for_labor_and_its_allies_in_legislative_races_–_berkey_case_is_just_the_beginning.htm

And this

http://www.washingtonstatewire.com/home/5818-labor_and_lawyers_were_behind_sneak_attack_on_berkey_pdc_says_–_created_fake_‘republican’_campaign_to_build_up_weak_opponent.htm

I knew there was a lot of money being spent on campaigns, but just reading these articles you can find millions of dollars being thrown around.

The whole thing makes me wonder (jokingly) if we couldn't convince all these people with deep pockets to pay down the budget deficit instead of spending it on new legislation that will do nothing to help the deficit. Between all the campaigns going on out there, I bet we could put a serious dent in that deficit. Either way, their money's spent, right?

3 billion dollars will be spent on this election cycle.

3 BILLION

Do you think those elected will have favors they have to pay back?

Sorta why I posted it. I don't care if you are Lib / Conser or R or D. When business and moneyed people and government workers unions start being driving influences something is wrong. I retired from a top 100 corp and am a union member ( IAM ) but these unions representing the state and federal workers are what is killing organized labor. Work place safety, wages, retirement are important but NOT AT THE EXPENSE of education, cops, public safety as the unions are protecting a system that totally kaput!.

update link
http://www.washingtonstatewire.com/home/5859-a_mind_bogglingly_complex_scheme_funnels_27_million_for_labor_and_its_allies_in_legislative_races_–_berkey_case_is_just_the_beginning.htm

After reading how the R's are pouring money in races at the national level, I was concerned! After reading more how state labor and others are using this Moxie group to actually break the law, one is forced to wonder if any ethics exist in the two parties. D's seem to lead the race for low blows and lack of ethics at present in the state level but don't despair though as the R's are quick learners and the US penal system holds little fear to them as they are layered up too!

I agree we have the best politicans money can buy but there must be somebody in the food chain of the companies that were paid the 3B that circulated the bucks from a paycheck or commission. Of course, the money was probably spent at companies who are owned by the shareholders of the company donating the money.

No, we don't have the best government money can buy, only the most expensive.

Sg

Oh now SG that hurts........................how can you.................but then......................Panama, oh VH on VH1...................[censored] forgot...................oh yes.................[censored] that makes sense.................more Panama......................

Well, what should the unions do? Sit on the sidlines and not fight for their membership. Unions have gotten smart, especially public employee unions, by becoming players on the state and local level. The support by public employee unions for the income tax initiative only makes sense, in that their investment gives them a shot at keeping jobs and improving wages and working conditions, which is what I expect a union to do. Its the role of management to ensure that our money is being spent on programs that produce intended results.

If you don't like the initiative, don't vote for it, better yet, throw your money into the no vote side of the equation. I bet you almost all of the people bitchin about the unions contributing money to the initiative have not invested one dime of their own money into the vote no side.

I'm not opposed to unions advocating at all. That is what they are supposed to do. Yet, even as a liberal I'm dismayed at many of the tactics and strategies they employ to achieve ends that all too often don't pass the chuckle or red face tests.

There are plenty of things in politics Salmo g that employ strategies to achieve ends that don't pass the chuckle or red face tests. If your going to play in that sandbox, well, your going to get dirty to some degree.

I in no way advocate tactics that are dishonest. In fact being dishonest when dealing with Legislators or the people is the last thing you want to do, not just because it is wrong, but also because when you get caught at it, your done as an organization.

I for one am all in favor of publicly funded elections, but that can't happen so you have to learn the game that is being played if you want to advance the agenda of the membership.

Public budgets should be based on programs that are only achieving the desired outcomes. Unfortunately public budgets, whether, state or local, are utlimately passed by electeds. Ultimately the outcome for an elected politician is will I get elected next time and that is a lot of the problem.