Anti-Cuomo unions work to engineer rebuke, if not defeat
Jimmy Vielkind
ALBANY—In one sense, the AFL-CIO's decision Monday not to endorse Andrew Cuomo's re-election is bigger than it looks. That's because the union's decision, sources say, was partially the result of heavy lobbying from other labor groups that are snubbing or actively opposing the governor.
The union's decision is somewhat smaller in terms of the likelihood that it will have a meaningful impact on the election, though.
You would think it's a no-brainer for the largest labor organization in the state to back a Democratic governor who, despite frustrating actions, has worked to create jobs for its members. All signs—polls, resources—point toward him winning in November, show his principal opponents in the primary and general elections are widely unknown and, in the case of the Republican, Rob Astorino, far less eager to toe the labor line.
The AFL-CIO's decision to stay on the sidelines anyway will be embarrassing to Cuomo and fuel buzz about his challenger Zephyr Teachout. But the governor has enough money and infrastructural support (including the backing of other unions) not to have to rely on the group.
http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/albany/2014/08/8550957/anti-cuomo-unions-work-engineer-rebuke-if-not-defeat