Wisconsin votes

It is fascinating to watch from a distance the politics of Wisconsin. So much now driven by the struggle between a Republican governor determined to reign in public sector unions and allies of labor. It has certainly made the 2010 political trend favoring Republicans short lived. The real question is the resurgence of support for labor evidenced in Wisconsin likely to play out on a national scale. More after the jump

Labor as "big loser"

Washington Post political columnist Chris Cilizza, tags labor as a "big time" loser in the recent primary elections for its "all in" approach to defeating Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D. Arkansas). Reportedly labor spent $10 million to defeat Lincoln. Lincoln defeated Lt. Gov. Bill Halter 52%-48%.

Love/hate

Labor has begun to push back against incumbent Democrats who have, in labor's view, failed to support labor's legislative agenda.

Labor's 2010 midterm strategy

Labor's disappointment with the accomplishments of the current administration is visible. Pundits have suggested labor would sit out the 2010 elections. But the AFL-CIO has announced its rational mid-term strategy to firewall vulnerable democrats in union strongholds like New York, California, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Illinois. The AFL-CIO pledges to spend more than the $53 Million it spent electing President Obama. Democrats who have not supported labor's agenda can expect labor will support primary opponents.