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They have used that power ruthlessly, shutting out dissenting views and using strong-arm tactics to pass harmful legislation. In 2002 House leaders scheduled a vote for Fast Track Trade Authority to start a new round of bad trade deals. At the end of the normal 15 minute voting period under House rules, Fast Track didn’t have enough votes to pass. Working families had won. But GOP leaders refused to recognize the will of the House members and kept the vote open. After more than an hour of twisting arms to get a few House members to change their vote, Fast Track Authority passed by a single vote. House leaders added a new trick, the all-nighter, to pass a flawed Medicare Prescription Drug bill. GOP leaders scheduled floor debate at midnight and the roll call vote at 3:00 am. Even after holding the vote open for more than an hour, the bill was headed for defeat, 216-218. After two hours and 55 minutes, twice as long as any previous vote in the history of the House, GOP leaders forced members to switch their votes and the flawed bill passed. The final bill gives a huge windfall profit to HMOs and pharmaceutical companies. It even bars the government from negotiating for lower prices for bulk purchases of medicines. Seniors aren’t the only victims of the GOP all-nighters. On a Friday in March 2003, at 2:54 am, the House cut veterans’ benefits by three votes. And on a Friday night at 12:57 am in July 2003, the House slashed the Head Start children’s education program by one vote. Under the GOP leadership, the House has passed bills that weaken worker safety laws, refused to extend unemployment benefits twice, gutted civil service protections and weakened union representation for government workers. The GOP refused to consider the Employee Free Choice Act, which strengthens the right to organize, even though the bill has more than 200 co-sponsors and they refused to bring up for debate or vote a bill to block President Bush’s plan to take away overtime from millions of workers. "It’s long past time for a change,” said IAM President Tom Buffenbarger. "This Congress isn’t good for working families and it isn’t good for America." "If we vote and get our families, friends and neighbors to vote, too, we can replace the current leadership and change the direction of this country,” said Buffenbarger.
New Congressional districts redrawn after the 2000 census put most seats into solid Republican or solid Democratic districts. With the current 229 Republicans, 205 Democrats and one Independent, Democrats must hold on to all their seats and pick up another 12 to win back control of the House in November. The closest House races include the following:
Washington District 8 Six-term veteran Jennifer Dunn is retiring and leaving her suburban Seattle 8th District up for grabs. Local radio host Dave Ross is the Democratic candidate who is running against Republican King County Sheriff Dave Reichart.
New York District 27 The retirement of labor-friendly Republican Jack Quinn in upstate New York’s 27th District gives Democrats a good opportunity to pick up another House seat. Democratic nominee Brian Higgins grew up in a family of union bricklayers. He has a strong commitment to working family issues such as affordable healthcare and protecting Social Security. Higgins faces GOP nominee Nancy Naples.
Pennsylvania District 13 Pennsylvania’s 13th district, encompassing both affluent suburbs and working-class Philadelphia neighborhoods, reflects the nation’s closely divided electorate. Allyson Schwartz, the Democratic candidate, is squaring off against Republican Melissa Brown. Schwartz has strong labor backing but faces a strong challenge by Brown.
Pennsylvania District 17 Incumbent Democrat Tim Holden of Pennsylvania’s 17th District near Harrisburg is up against Republican challenger Scott Paterno. Holden serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Aviation subcommittee and is in a key position to move legislation to create jobs by rebuilding America’s infrastructure and helping airline industry employees.
Iowa District 3 Leonard Boswell, Congressman from Iowa’s 3rd District since 1996, faces a tough reelection campaign. Considered one of the House’s most vulnerable Democrats, Republicans have targeted this seat. He is being challenged by Republican Stan Thompson.
Arizona District 1 Democrat Paul Babbitt has roots in Arizona dating back to the 1880’s. His competition, Republican Rick Renzi, voted for massive tax breaks that provided very little benefit for the district. Babbitt comes from a long line of Arizona politicians who support working family issues.
Georgia District 12 Freshman GOP Rep. Max Burns of Georgia’s twelfth District is one of the most vulnerable Republicans in the House. His competitor, Democrat John Barrow, pledges to work for fair trade that puts American workers first and provide incentives for businesses to hire more workers.
Kentucky District 4 The race in Kentucky’s Fourth District pits Democrat Nick Clooney against Republican candidate Geoff Davis. Davis has the benefit of running in a GOP-leaning district. Clooney supports the creation of good jobs in the U.S., affordable healthcare and strong veterans programs.
Louisiana District 3 Louisiana’s unique election rules could mean no clear winner until December. In District 3, being vacated by Republican Billy Tauzin, there are currently four candidates: Democrats Charlie Melancon and Charmaine Caccioppi are challenging Republicans Billy Tauzin III and Craig Romero. To win on November 2nd one candidate must get more than fifty percent of the vote. If no candidate receives a majority, there will be a runoff in December.
Melancon has worked
for years to protect current jobs, create new ones and attract more
economic development in this district.
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Time for a change:
GOP House leaders, such as Tom DeLay, left, and Dennis Hastert, second
from left, have favored a big business agenda over the needs of working
families.