Red, white and blue
Barrett defends himself against AFSCME attack video
MADISON- Wisconsin's largest union representing public employees has launched an attack on Democratic candidate for governor Tom Barrett that leaves the wrong impression Barrett supported Gov. Scott Walker's changes to collective bargaining.
The email and video were sent Monday by the Wisconsin chapter of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees to its members and obtained Tuesday by The Associated Press.
It incorrectly implies that Barrett supported Walker's proposal passed last year that effectively ended collective bargaining rights for public workers and spurred the recall drive.
The union-made video includes comments Barrett made at a March 2011 forum in which he said lawmakers could vote separately on the budget bill and Walker's collective bargaining changes.
The video does not include other comments by Barrett speaking out against Walker's plan.
Barrett said the video misrepresents his comments and tries to confuse voters about his position. "I have said I want to restore collective bargaining rights. So there's no confusion, I support the restoration of collective bargaining rights in this state," asserted Barrett.
AFSCME is backing former Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk. "I sat down with unions and I bargained those concessions and got the job and that's why I'm honored to earn their support," said Falk.
Gubernatorial candidate Doug La Follotte doesn't think this debate is good for the Democratic Party. "I think people stood in the cold and rain and collected a million signatures to say we need something different than Mr. Walker," argued La Follotte
State Senator Kathleen Vinehout is also running in the Democratic primary -- which is May 8.
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