This is a very big deal.

So true, this is a big deal, congratulations to Pike. But, with regard to this union, I was wondering how many of the service union employees actually live in the voting district, I have a hunch that since this is the PA Service Employees International Union many more may live in cities as opposed to suburbs, although Reading (Berks County) is a city, albeit a small city, with a smaller population. And, also, from what I know about Reading (because I have been there) there is a sizable population of hispanics and often they work in the service industry. But, can their union get them to the polls? They may feel disebfranchised about the political system and many of them are just truly trying to raise their kids and keep their jobs. They may have a deep distrust of goverment anyway, some of them are probably not even registered to vote. To be honest, they are probably the people who should be voting the most to essentially help themselves, but alas, people rarely think that way.

So, this begs the question, how much will this endorsement mean at the end of the day?

I mean, I hate to say it, but the days of labor unions being that influentual are sort of over. In the old days, if the teamsters told you who to vote for, you voted for that candidate. I doubt that type of influence still exists.

Then there is the question of money – does big labor money still exist in unions? Can they get their workers to even contribute? These people are worried about their jobs, yes, their healthcare if they even have it. In reality labor money is probably a good investment for the union cause when Democratic politicans get elected (depending on their political stance) they traditionally have supported unions. But, that also begs the question – is there a quid pro quo? Does a politican then “owe” that union something politically when they get in office – gee, does money really talk?

So, what may have Pike (or, any other candiate) offered in return for an endorsement? If that type of relationship still exists?

The above article called the SEIU “powerful” the question is are they really powerful, can they get the people to the polls for Pike? Can they raise lots of money for him? What does powerful really mean? Or, is it just another “item” for Pike (or Trivedi for that matter) to put out a news release about and put on their website and to maybe put in an advertisement. Do voters really care?

We shall see.

seriously, you must not be in a UNION. These are very important endorsements. They send out message to their members about who to vote for and SEIU has been crucial in fighting for health care reform and their members are FIRED up! This is big.

Trivedi supporters say nothing?

Don’t overlook the fact that unions often provide lots of volunteers to make phone calls, stuff envelopes, place signs, go door to door, and work at the polls for a candidate. Whether that will be the case for Pike, I do not know; but this is invaluable help.

Now, for the sake of consistency, where are those critics who say that campaign workers should be paid a minimum wage? Or does that criticism only apply to a candidate whom you oppose?

who get’s paid minimum wage?

We Don’t need another Muslim in Congress Just say no to the Muslim Candidate Manan Trevedi Havent the Muslims done enough damage to the USA