From: National Journal
On Call has obtained audio of Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) urging business leaders on a conference call earlier this week to push his colleague, Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA), to oppose the Employee Free Choice Act (H.R.800), known as card check. The bill would make it easier for unions to organize.
Vitter: "Mary was just reelected last fall, and she had some significant business support. Probably everybody on this call knows somebody who helped Mary, wrote a big check, helped in some overt way. Those business folks need to be the first ones to call her personally and remind her how they helped and explain how devastating this bill would be to Louisiana businesses."
Vitter's position against EFCA is known, but Landrieu is on the fence -- and someone whom advocates of the bill hope to woo to their cause.
"Senator Landrieu is carefully reviewing the issue," Landrieu spokeswoman Stephanie Allen said in a statement. "She understands that it is a heated debate and wants to make an informed decision. Part of that process is actively meeting with interested groups on both sides."
Vitter's office responded to an inquiry with an emailed statement that did not address the senator's suggestion that business donors specifically lobby Landrieu.
"When asked by Louisianans concerned about what they could do to raise their objections to card check, Sen. Vitter encouraged them to contact Congress to let them know where they stand, and that includes Sen. Landrieu," said Vitter Communications Director Joel DiGrado.
Vitter, meanwhile, could face a primary challenge from LA Secretary of State Jay Dardenne (R), who said this week that he is considering a 2010 bid against the embattled incumbent. The behind-the-scenes lobbying against card check might be Vitter's effort at courting business support -- and donations -- while also spurning labor. A pitch to the right, in essence, with a primary challenge looming.
But should it be Vitter's business to suggest to Landrieu's donors that they advise her to vote against the legislation?
(JENNIFER SKALKA)
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