Gov. Corbett Told to Stay Away From Pittsburgh's Labor Day Parade

[blue neen]

"Pittsburgh’s Labor Day Parade is a traditional display of union solidarity but this year, the politics of the governor’s race has opened some fissures among union leaders."

"While Tom Wolf, the Democratic nominee, has attracted the lion’s share of labor support, the Republican incumbent has drawn endorsements from several union locals, particularly in the building trades and construction locals. Two of them, Boilermakers Local 154, and and the Laborers District Council of Western Pennsylvania, showed their support by inviting Mr. Corbett to march in the annual Downtown parade. But when officials of the parade’s sponsor, the Allegheny County Labor Council, learned of the invitation, they put a roadblock in front of those plans."

“I told them he wasn't invited,’’ said Jack Shea, the veteran Labor Council president. “You can’t be trying to do away with us for 364 days a year and then want to march with us.’’

"Phil Ameris, president and business manager of the Laborers, said, “We did invite the governor, like we invite a lot of our political friends .. we wanted him to march with us but we were told by Jack [Shea] that he wasn't welcome.’’

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/local/2014/08/22/Governor-told-to-stay-away-from-Pittsburgh-s-Labor-Day-Parade/stories/201408220076#ixzz3B6w4H9OU

[merrily]

1. Politics makes strange bedfellows. But also strange divisions.

[blue neen]

2. I'm surprised Corbett actually wanted to be in the parade.

He has a history of avoiding public appearances where there would be protest against him.

[Curmudgeoness]

3. As far as I am concerned,

he wouldn't be welcome. But I also think that if he is willing to march, and he has a group of people who want him to march with them, he should not be excluded. I don't think it would go well, but that should not be one person's call.