By Matt Rooney | The Save Jersey Blog
New Jersey’s Republican Governor spent Labor Day 2013 boosting the Jersey Shore AND celebrating his unprecedented support from New Jersey’s largely private sector unions, Save Jerseyans.
Governor Christie specifically touted twenty-six Big Labor endorsements including: Operating Engineers Local 825, Statewide Pipe Trades, Plumbers Local 24, Steamfitters Local 475, Pipefitters Local 274, Sprinkler Fitters 696, Elevator Constructors 1, United Association International (UA International), Statewide Operative Plasters’ and Cement Masons (OPCMIA), OPCMIA 8, OPCMIA 29, OPCMIA 592, IBEW 102, IBEW 164, IBEW 1158, Hudson County Building Trades Council, Laborers Internation Union of North America (LIUNA), LIUNA 172, LIUNA 472, LIUNA 77, LIUNA 3, LIUNA 78, LIUNA 55, LIUNA 305, LIUNA 1412, LIUNA 108.
The Governor said it’s evidence of the broad success of his economic policies…
“As families across our state get a much-deserved break today this Labor Day, I’m reminded of what an honor it is to be governor of a state and people who so fully embody the principles we celebrate on this day – hard work, resilience, looking out for each other, and hope in a better future,” reflected the GOP incumbent in a campaign press release. “For the last four years, we have worked to meet that standard, turn our economy around, and give our hardworking families the relief and opportunities they need and deserve.”
Chris Christie’s labor support is historic, no doubt about it, but this support hasn’t come without a price tag for taxpayers. For example, the Governor’s advocacy for last fall’s Ballot Question #1 created new state debt and a healthy stimulus of public funds for New Jersey labor unions, many of which have since endorsed his reelection. Welcome to politics, kids.
Let’s evaluate the “ends.” After running a campaign against NJEA and CWA excesses in 2009, in four short years, the Governor has successfully driven a wedge between public and private sector unions in New Jersey.
The question for all Republicans everywhere looking ahead to 2016: is the private sector coalition that Governor Christie assembled in New Jersey for 2013 transferable to the national stage, let alone sustainable in New Jersey after he’s moved on? And are certain moral concessions (see above) worth the electoral trade-off (a potential realignment political victory)?
I don’t have all of the answers, folks. I’m certainly developing an opinion on the topic. Let’s hear from you in the comments section…
