Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. letter to M. C., April 15, 1996

™"gs=.v Congress of ttje ©niteb States фоийе of Efprtsentatiljps ©HaSbington, ZDC 20515-2002 April 15, 1996 Dear Thank you for conveying to me your concerns about the AFL-CIO’s decision to endorse President Clinton for reelection. It is most unfortunate that the leaders of the AFL-CIO, in issuing their endorsement, have chosen to ignore the views of millions of union members, such as yourself, who do not support President Clinton or his policies. However, I am most disturbed by the fact that AFL-CIO President John Sweeney has pledged to spend $35 million to defeat 75 Republican members of Congress-even though 40 percent of rank-and-file union members supported Republican congressional candidates in 1 994. Most objectionable of all is the manner in which national AFL-CIO leaders intend to fund their campaign. The federation’s political activities are not financed through voluntary contributions, but rather through two new “taxes” to be levied directly on working people. Moreover, the Federal Election Commission is in the process of reviewing whether the federation’s political activities violate federal laws prohibiting unions from engaging in “active electioneering,” and from spending funds to “expressly advocate” the defeat or election of candidates for federal office. The national leaders of the AFL-CIO are more concerned with protecting their own personal access to the halls of power than in representing the views of their members. Be assured that I will continue to work to achieve the things that are important to working families-lower taxes, jobs creation, and a balanced budget. Per your request, attached are copies of articles I have written describing the political activities of the AFL-CIO in greater detail. Please contact me again if I can be of additional assistance. Sincerely, Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Member of Congress Enclosure