Monetary support from unions for the President Barack Obama is down sharply this year from his 2008 campaign, with reasons ranging from the economy, lower membership, and dissatisfaction given to explain the stingy giving.
Politico reported today that unions are expected to spend far less in this year’s election cycle than the $206 million they pumped out in 2008, opting instead for a frugal, volunteer-based effort to make up the difference.
“There’s certainly less enthusiasm,” said AFL-CIO spokesman Jeff Hauser. “The need for education is to provide context for the economy. Working people are aware that the economy is not where it needs to be.”
The unions are splitting less money among campaign efforts, and so have made volunteer hone banking and canvassing a bigger focus. The unions are opting to pay closer attention to Congressional and state elections, they said too.
The unions PACs are being dwarfed in spending by similar Republican PACs supporting Mitt Romney. Obama also lost a union that supported him in 2008, the United Mine Workers of America, because they chose not to endorse a candidate for President. UMWA has concerns about both candidates attitude toward the coal industry, said said spokesman Phil Smith.
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