Contractors, union big political donors

When it comes to political giving from contractors in the construction industry, who gives what to whom?

The Center for Responsive Politics, a nonpartisan, nonprofit research group, found that the construction industry contributed $6.3 million to federal candidates as of Sept. 9, though political action committees. As reported by the Engineering News Record, of that amount, $4.6 million, or 73 percent, was donated to Republican candidates. The remaining money went to Democratic candidates.

Contributions came from general contractors, specialty contractors, material and equipment firms

The anti-union Associated Builders and Contractors raised $735,000 through Sept. 9, the most money it has ever raised in a calendar year. For the last midterm election cycle, ABC contributed just over $1 million to federal candidates.

For the first time, the Associated General Contractors reached the million-dollar level in contributions to its PAC.

As of Sept. 9, the ENR said construction unions contributed $12.8 million for this year's political cycle - with about a quarter of that being contributed by the Carpenters. Union contributions to Republican candidates had increased from the 1998 elections, the report said.

Bush set to get 'homeland' win

WASHINGTON (PAI)-Unions mounted a lobbying blitz to try to head off GOP President George W. Bush's anti-union provisions in his proposed homeland security bill. But Bush was set to get his way last week.

Influenced by the Nov. 5 election returns - which gave total congressional control to the GOP - senators neared approval of a "compromise" that would give Bush almost all of what he wanted on the issue. The House passed it Nov. 14.

Bush demanded that for "national security" reasons, he get the right to ban unions from the new agency, to strip its workers of their civil service protections and to dump whistleblower safeguards.

"Under the Bush plan, if a manager arbitrarily downgrades your pay, passes you over for a promotion you deserve, or fires you because he doesn't like your political beliefs, there will no longer be a union or a civil service law to protect you," says the American Federation of Government Employees.

Bush wants to merge 22 separate agencies into a new Homeland Security Department with 170,000 workers and a $34 billion budget.

Benefit jewelry drawing is Dec. 12

The 3rd annual jewelry drawing hosted by LaLonde Jewelers and the Detroit Building Trades to benefit Holy Trinity Elementary School will be held Dec. 12.

The prizes this year include: A 32" strand of cultured pearls valued at $3,000, a 1 carat total weight diamond and 14k gold necklace valued at $2,000, and a 1.5 carat total weight diamond and 14k gold ring valued at $1,500.

Owner Dan Lalonde, an Operating Engineers Local 324 member, said the goal is to raise $15,000 for the school.

Tickets ($5) can be purchased at Detroit-area trades' union halls, or at LaLonde Jewelers, 91 Kercheval in Grosse Pointe Farms. (313) 881-6400.