In the words of local labor leaders, it comes down to this for Lynch:
Congressman, we will not be able to explain to the working women and men of our union why you voted against their interests. We have stood together time and time again and you have made an enormous difference in the lives of our members.
It takes courage to make history. We know that you have always had the courage to do the right thing – national health reform is the right thing for Massachusetts families.
Please stand with us once again and do the right thing.
Whole letter reprinted below the fold.
It comes down to this: If you vote against health care reform, there is simply no reason for you to be a Democrat. And there is no reason a Democrat should vote for you. It's a litmus test issue if ever there was one. And Lynch's test is coming out more “red” than “blue”.
March 19, 2010
Congressman Stephen F. Lynch
88 Black Falcon Avenue
Suite 340
Boston, MA 02210Dear Representative Lynch:
America has been trying for more than 100 years to enact comprehensive healthcare reform, and the voices of working women and men have been at the forefront of this movement at every turn and in every decade. Working men and women throughout Massachusetts have stood up time and time again – and we are asking that you stand with us now.
Congress has an opportunity to make history and improve the lives of millions of working families. This bill is not perfect, but if Congress does not pass it, we cannot work together to improve it. We fully understand your concerns that this bill does not do enough to hold insurance companies accountable, but this bill is an enormous first step in the right direction. In this year alone, insurance companies will no longer be allowed to deny care to children with pre-existing illnesses, lifetime caps on coverage will be lifted, and parents would be able to keep their children on their policies up to age 26. If Congress passes this legislation, together, we can continue to strengthen consumer protections, increase market competition, and ensure that insurance companies no longer have a stranglehold on consumers. If Congress doesn't pass the bill, none of this is possible. All we are left with is the status quo.
Congressman, we will not be able to explain to the working women and men of our union why you voted against their interests. We have stood together time and time again and you have made an enormous difference in the lives of our members.
It takes courage to make history. We know that you have always had the courage to do the right thing – national health reform is the right thing for Massachusetts families.
Please stand with us once again and do the right thing.
Sincerely,
Robert Haynes, President, Mass AFL-CIO
Mike Fadel, Executive Vice President, 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East
Rich Rogers, President, Greater Boston Labor Council
Mark Erlich, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Carpenters
Jeff Crosby, President, North Shore Labor Council
Frank X. Callahan, Jr., President, Mass Building Trades Council
Bruce T. Boccardy, President, SEIU Local 888
Francis X. Callahan, Jr., President, Massachusetts Building Trades Council, AFL-CIO
Rocio Saenz, President, SEIU Local 615
Tony Caso, Executive Director, AFSCME Council 93
Peter Wright, Political Director, AFSCME Council 93
Michael Mazzini, MD, SEIU Local 1957 CIR
Michael Grunko, President, SEIU Local 509
Gary Sullivan, President, UWUA Local 369
James Coyle, General Agent, Metropolitan Boston Buildings Trade Council
Tom Gosnell, President, American Federation of Teachers
Don Boehner President of UAW 1596
Bob Madore, President, UAW Region 9A
Edward Collins, Executive Vice President, Massachusetts AFL-CIO
Frank Rigiero, National Business Agent, New England Region, APWU
James Pinkham, President, Plymouth/Bristol Central Labor Council
Stephen Lukosus, National Business Agent, New England Region, APWU
Mark Govoni, Vice President and Political Director, UFCW Local 1445
Joseph P. Carlson, President, Central Mass. AFL-CIO
Discuss
22 Comments . Comments are closed.Remarkable
The idea that labor would turn on Stephen Lynch is remarkable. My recollection is that he has been an ardent supporter of labor causes for years.
Loyalty is a two-way street.
By the language of the letter, you're right; so why is he pulling this thing now? Is it payback for not supporting his Senate run? Some other small-time petulance? etc?
I can tell you this straight up: It is not his devout and quixotic support for single-payer, or for the public option, or against insurance companies. That is some stone-cold BS he's slinging.
I like Lynch..and I thank him for his passion
I'm a Republican that appreciates Lynch. He's feisty, tough, and I always felt like he had integrity. I still feel that way. I thought his recent undressing of Treasury Sec Geithner was warranted and frankly overdue. How many of us were thankful that he spoke up on behalf of those of us that a year later think the bailout of large banking institutions could have and should have been handled much differently? Here's the video. It's hard not to appreciate his passion.
Perhaps the cynic says that he caved at the 11th hour and perhaps he was bitter given the apparent lack of support he received locally during our recent special Senatorial election. My guess is that he would have been a better candidate than Ms. Coakley and he knows it. All that being said, can someone agree to honestly disagree, and somehow avoid the scorn of the partisans and his lifelong labor friends? I say give the guy a break.
Hey maybe he'll switch parties. Cool!
Ya prolly like Joe Lieberman too!
As a general rule -- the Democratic Congressmen that Republicans like the best are the ones who are doing the least amount of good for the Democratic party and our principles...
not a hard and fast rule, but a pretty good guideline.
Love Lieberman
But also held Ted Kennedy in high regard. What else you got!
Leiberman's enough for me
This guy is shilling for big money against every working-class (and for that matter, middle-class) resident. He's betraying every Democrat who ever helped him out — just like Joe Leiberman. Now wonder you like him.
Your comment just took a head-shot. The brain-matter of your argument is spattered all over the wall. That's good enough for me.
Thanks for the kind words
What Senate run?
Didn't he decide against running in the recent election before there was any time for endorsements?
i believe he wanted to run
My recollection is that he was talked out of it. I don't blame him if he's bull. As I said, he would have been a much more inspired candidate than Coakley.
Turn of events
I suppose that this is their litmus test this year for congressional candidates.
As a candidate for state office, I hope that organized labor will take consider other things like support of tax breaks for corporations and the wealthy as a litmus test in my race.
They may consider support or opposition of other parts of the Massachusetts Democratic Party Platform in their endorsement process also. Or at least, I pray that they will.
Respectfully Submitted, Sincerely, Wayne J. Wilson, Jr. Democrat for State Senate Suffolk & Norfolk State Senate District
Does this bode well for Deval Patrick
Above we have Mr. Robert J. Haynes, president of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO, telling Stevie Lynch to toe the party line.
Remember Mr. Haynes?
Glad to see Mr.Haynes had an epiphany.
just an observation
Where are all the female labor leaders?
Try this one ;v)
http://www.dol.gov/_sec/welcom...
just an observation from the letter
I thought Democrats were about diversity. Looks like its the good old boys locally.
Don't concern troll me
We both have better things to do.
Relax
NT
Just an observation
there aren't many unions which have a majority of members who are female.
SEIU, teachers, and perhaps gov't workers. But the building trades are overwhelmingly male, as are the manufacturing trades, mining and resource trades, and transportation trades.
The symptom is a mostly-male leadership, but that's a direct result of a mostly-male membership.
So nice he signed twice!
Oops :D
ONE ISSUE UNIOS SUPPORT
Unions threatened to do the same thing when Massachusetts debated Casinos!
More Bobby Haynes hot air!
Labor said they would never again support any Senators and Congressmen who voted for NAFTA. Sadly That threat lasted til next election cycle. The boys who cry wolf.
BTW...NAFTA has decimated labor far greater than this health care bill will help labor.
Stupak changed his vote on HCR
Stupak is now supporting the HCR bill.
Here's hoping Lynch comes around.
Yo SEIU Leaders:
Are you aware that Governor Patrick is killing your union? When he does, you guys are going to have to go look for a REAL job. Hint: there aren't any. Good liuk.
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