Stung by Republican Gains, Unions Face Uphill Regulatory, Legislative Fights
Bruised by Republican election victories in the White House, Senate and House, leaders of building trades unions realize they will face an even more difficult time on regulatory and legislative issues in 2005.
Unions poured millions of dollars and mobilized vast resources behind Sen. John Kerry's campaign, but were outdone by the GOP. "The Republicans have a fantastic operation," says Sean McGarvey, political director of the painters' union. He believes that social and moral issues fueled the Bush victory. "If it was guns and abortion against the economy--without terrorism--there would be a new president today," claims McGarvey. "Fear is a powerful motivator and many voters were scared to death that John Kerry wouldnt protect them."