By Joyce Kryszak
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-968879.mp3
Buffalo, NY – A UB political expert said the wave of union-busting nationwide could have an impact on the outcome of the special election for the 26th Congressional District.
In the last couple months, there were about 15 rallies locally in support of unions. That's according to Richard Lipsitz Jr., a political coordinator for the Western New York Labor Federation.
Lipsitz said attempts to take away collective bargaining in Wisconsin and other states has mobilized labor in a way that has not happened for decades. He said that displeasure at what Republicans are doing could be very good news for the Democratic congressional candidate, Kathy Hochul.
"If the people come out to vote in the special election who normally do and then a tad more come out who get energized and excited and are against what the Republican party are doing, she has a very good chance of winning," said Lipsitz.
UB Assistant Professor of Political Science Joshua Dyck agrees. He said this is an election that will turn entirely on turn-out. Dyck said labor could have an impact there if they can sell the message that they are under attack.
"Special elections like this and particularly special elections that are polling within the margin of error then become these sort of grand get-out-the-vote campaigns," said Dyck. "So, to a certain extent I think the union-busting theme gives unions sort of a credible and effective way to mobilize supporters to go out and vote for Hochul."
Professor Dyck said he would not expect to see a counter-mobilization by the GOP to bring out voters for their candidate, Jane Corwin. But he said they most certainly will be mobilizing their finances.
"It may just make it more clear to the GOP that they need to put resources in here, particularly the national party needs to invest more national resources to make sure this stays a Republican seat."
He said Corwin has the institutional and voter registration advantage. But he said even with only a week to go, it is far too early to predict who will turn out the most votes.