Vitter Attacks SEIU In Fundraising Gambit

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Yesterday, the Service Employees International Union ran an ad in The Times-Picayune hitting Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) for his record on issues important to workers. You can see the ad here, but the gist is that Vitter has voted against an expansion of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), the Obama budget, and the stimulus package.

In response (and without addressing the votes cited in the ad) Vitter seems to have protested a bit too much,”When it comes to attempting to buy elections and strong arm conservatives to accept outrageous bailouts and anti-business legislation, the SEIU is one of the most effective weapons the liberals have at their disposal,” Vitter wrote in a fundraising email to supporters obtained by TPMDC. “I will not stand for this outrageous disposal of Louisiana’s worker and employer rights, and I’m fighting against it with everything I’ve got.”

Helene O’Brien, President of SEIU Local 21 in Louisiana had this to say:

Senator Vitter consistently votes against the interests of working families in our state–while supporting CEOs and corporate banks who line his campaign chest.

And for him to shamelessly cover up the votes he’s cast by soliciting donations for his 2010 campaign, working families in Louisiana have only one thing to say:

Senator Vitter: You can run for re-election, but you can’t hide from your voting record.

Notwithstanding at least one…high profile…scandal, Vitter is still fairly popular among constituents. But not that popular. According to the Stephanie Grace at The Times-Picayune, “only 30 percent [of voters] said they would definitely vote to reelect him. Twenty-eight percent said they would push the button for someone else, and 35 percent said they would consider an alternative.”

Vitter has since posted the letter on his website, but you can read it in its entirety below.

From: David Vitter
Date: Thu, May 28, 2009 at 19:01
Subject: Obama’s Allies on the Attack

Mark,

We’re still over 500 days until the next election.

Yet as you probably saw in the paper this morning, one of Washington’s most liberal, aggressive and deep-pocketed left-wing special interest machines has decided to attack me.

When it comes to attempting to buy elections and strong arm conservatives to accept outrageous bailouts and anti-business legislation, the SEIU is one of the most effective weapons the liberals have at their disposal.

In an interview with the Las Vegas Sun earlier this month, the President of SEIU boasted, “We spent a fortune to elect Barack Obama – $60.7 million to be exact – and we’re proud of it.”

As we saw in the Louisiana papers this morning,these Obama-led Washington special interests and their millions of dollars are turning their sights on Louisiana. Since they have the White House, next on their agenda is a super majority in the U.S. Senate that will allow them to put Card Check into law.

I will not stand for this outrageous disposal of Louisiana’s worker and employer rights, and I’m fighting against it with everything I’ve got. Card Check imposes undue Government restriction on employers and businesses – literally opening the door to government control of private business decisions. It’s the last thing family-owned small businesses need, especially right now.

But as you know, modern campaigns are expensive, and I’m fighting an uphill battle. Obama’s special interest allies are already spending their savings to defeat me. That’s why I’m asking youto make a donation of $25, $50, $100, $250, $500, or whatever you can give as soon as possible.

I will not back down in this fight, and any amount you can give today will help me make sure that our conservative voices are heard in the face of the Obama-led union attack-machine.

Thank you for your support,

David

P.S. We’ve seen what can happen when government mixes with private business. Taxpayer money is wasted, and our rights are questioned. I am doing everything I can to protect workers, employers and taxpayers against union bosses who want card check to become law, but I need your help to keep pushing forward. Any amount you can give will help me put card check to rest for good. Thank you.

Paid for by David Vitter for U.S. Senate
www.DavidVitter.com
Contributions are not deductible as charitablecontributions for federal income tax purposes. Federal Election Lawrequires us to report the name, address, occupation, and employer forcontributions aggregating in excess of $200 in an election cycle. Themaximum an individual may contribute is $2,300 for the primaryelection and an additional $2,300 for the general election. Couplesmay contribute $4,600 for the primary and general elections,respectively. Federal PACs may contribute $5,000 for each election.Contributions from corporations, labor unions, federal governmentcontractors, national banks, and foreign nationals without permanentresidency status are prohibited.

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