AFL-CIO backing Sestak; labor support for Weldon crumbling

As reported by William Bender in today's edition of the Daily Times, the state AFL-CIO is backing Joe Sestak. This is noteworthy, as union support has always been one of Weldon's primary tools for splintering the Democratic coalition. This is the first time that the state's executive committee has backed an opponent of Weldon's since 1988.

But as Weldon has moved uptown from his old working class roots, his voting record has become littered with increasingly anti-union votes.

"He's not that far from becoming a (Rick) Santorum, to be honest about it," said (AFL-CIO President William) George. "People are worried about quality of life issues, not gays," he added, referring to Weldon's vote this month in favor of a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriages.

This is a significant development for a number of reasons that go beyond extra votes from union members. Not only will it help with fundraising and additional volunteer support, but it will also tie the hands of a union faction in Delco that still supports Weldon, preventing them from spending any money in support of the Republican's campaign.