Politics

Can We Really Call the AFSCME the "Big Dog?"

By Brendan Fischer

A variety of media outlets are reporting that the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal, Employees (AFSCME) is spending $87.5 million on election activities in 2010, making it the ?big dog? in spending for the campaign season. The Center for Media and Democracy makes its best efforts to be nonpartisan, and encourages voters to be skeptical about campaign messages from outside groups regardless of whether they are supporting Democrats or Republicans. However, we feel it necessary to point out that AFSCME?s spending does not equalize the playing field.

First, although AFSCME may be the single biggest spender, the ?big dog? title is a little disingenuous, as the corporate-funded interest groups supposedly outspent by the union are numerous and coordinated. Karl Rove?s organization, American Crossroads, is spending $65 million, and it shares office space and harmonizes its activities with American Action Network, which is spending $25 million.

read more

Full post as published by PR Watch on October 29, 2010 (boomark / email).