As we’ve noted ad nauseum here, political analyst Charlie Cook warned Democrats they can’t count on any more good news breaking their way. Cook was probably generous since there was zero news Democrats could cling to in avoiding an election night disaster this year. While the abortion hysterics did raise some eyebrows among Republican operatives, it peaked by late August. Most voters probably have forgotten that Democrats passed a spending bill that month. Could it be because inflation continues to plague American families? Everyone is feeling the pinch, but Democrats have waited until now to address those economic concerns marred by internal drama. There’s a debate over whether to address inflation headlong, which could validate GOP campaign narratives. The other option is to explain why Democrats aren’t to blame for the economic misery, but that’s a guaranteed way to lose the election.
In North Carolina, a U.S. Senate race that has been quiet could now be thrust into the spotlight because of labor union theatrics. Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC) choose wisely not to run for re-election. Republican Congressman Ted Budd and Democrat Cheri Beasley, the former chief justice for the state supreme court, are duking it out over the vacancy. Beasley could be without much of a ground game operation or at least a much-degraded one since field staffers are threatening to strike weeks before Election Day. They demanded a new contract after their concerns about pay, safety, and healthcare were inadequately addressed.
“This campaign cannot run without us. We deserve a fair contract,” they declared:
Weeks ago, our unit proposed a new contract with NCDP addressing pay, safety, and healthcare concerns. NCDP would not agree to meet for negotiations until right before the election to run out the clock on agreeing to a fair contract, (1/5)
— NCDP Field Staff Union (@NCDemsUnite) October 23, 2022
but instead sent a counter-proposal which reflects a substantial reduction in pay and benefits when compared with the 2020 contract.
— NCDP Field Staff Union (@NCDemsUnite) October 23, 2022
This is unacceptable. As wages and benefits trend up in the industry, both nationally and in NC, (2/5)
NCDP wants to cut benefits and pay for the organizers who make the campaign possible.
— NCDP Field Staff Union (@NCDemsUnite) October 23, 2022
NCDP's proposed contract eliminates severance pay, eliminates an entire month of healthcare coverage, eliminates the technology stipend, and includes no raise. (3/5)
Other field workers in NC are making $20-25/hr, while Coordinated Organizers are still paid $15.36/hr, the same as in 2020. We will not accept this dramatic cut in our compensation, and we will not accept a contract without fair pay. (4/5)
— NCDP Field Staff Union (@NCDemsUnite) October 23, 2022
.@NCDemParty remember: this campaign cannot run without us. We deserve a fair contract. (5/5)
— NCDP Field Staff Union (@NCDemsUnite) October 23, 2022
It’s a nightmare political climate for Democrats nationally, given Joe Biden’s abysmal approval ratings, the economic recession, rising crime, and 40-year high inflation numbers. However, some of these local stories are just death blows. Field staffers not working on Election Day is a monumental problem now facing Democrats in North Carolina, and it’s over a labor dispute.
It’s par for the course since Joe Biden declared victory too soon during a railway dispute last September. The threat of that economic catastrophe is back as the rank-and-file of some of the nation’s largest railway workers’ unions also rejected a new deal. Democrats can’t do much of anything right, which is why they’re heading for defeat next month.
