The AFL-CIO launched a $40 million voter drive on Wednesday, targeting 21 states and hoping increased turnout among union members swings competitive races in Ohio and Pennsylvania.
The financial commitment amounted to the most expensive by the union for the midterm elections. The focus is 21 governors races, 15 Senate races and at least 50 House races.
The AFL-CIO said its effort could reach 12.4 million new voters - union members, their households and families - in those top-tier states. The vast majority of the candidates who would benefit are Democrats in union-heavy states, especially the Midwest.
By its estimates, the AFL-CIO is counting on a 5 percent increase in turnout. If successful, the union said, it would add 310,000 union votes to Democrat Ted Strickland's race for Ohio governor. Pennsylvania union voters could boost Democrat Bob Casey's bid to unseat Sen. Rick Santorum by 155,000 votes.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060830/ap_on_el_ge/labor_elections_2