National AFL-CIO sets plans for 2008

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.workdayminnesota.org/index.php?news_6_3318

4 October 2007
WASHINGTON - The AFL-CIO, not counting its member unions, will spend a record $53 million on political education, registration, information and get-out-the-vote drives in the 2007-2008 election cycle.

And while most of the mobilization will take place after the federation formally endorses a presidential candidate -- which is not expected until after the Feb. 5 round of primaries at the earliest -- the infrastructure for the effort is being built now.

That infrastructure will focus on key swing states, with the federation planning to send staffers early to Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Minnesota. Up to 18 more states may be added to the list later, spokesman Steve Smith said.

Left undecided in the Executive Council session, held Sept. 21, was how labor will pay for its political plans. That will be taken up later in the year, as an endorsement looms.

FULL story at link.