Marathon Pundit: SEIU's record of pay-to-play no problem for Giannoulias

In its third press release in as many as days, the Illinois Republican Party zooms in on the sleaze surrounding the Service Employees International Union:

SEIU's Record of Pay-to-Play No Problem for Giannoulias

SEIU's "Special Relationship" with Rod Blagojevich

- The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) was one of Rod Blagojevich’s most generous backers, contributing more than $1.9 million to the Governor’s campaign fund.[1] In return, Blagojevich appointed SEIU Illinois President Tom Balanoff to the Health Facilities Planning Board.[2]

- "There's this congressman, Rod Blagojevich…don't know if he can be elected but maybe if we could help him in a big way." – Tom Balanoff, SEIU Illinois Council President[3]

- On March 3, 2006, SEIU contributed $200,000 to Rod Blagojevich’s campaign. Six days later, Blagojevich signed a generous new contract for the SEIU-represented home-care workers.[4]

What Democrats and Union Leaders Say

- "SEIU had a special relationship with the governor." – Gerald McEntee, AFSCME President[5]

- In 2002, the SEIU endorsed Rod Blagojevich for Governor over his Democratic opponents. Shortly before the endorsement, Blagojevich cast a controversial pro-SEIU vote on a federal airport security bill. At the time, Democrat Paul Vallas accused Blagojevich of "buying" his SEIU endorsement with his votes, saying "Rod Blagojevich sold his vote on federal airport security for the SEIU endorsement."[6]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[1] Illinois State Election Records
[2] Blagojevich and Union Have Longstanding Ties, Wall Street Journal, December 13, 2008
[3] Architect of Rebellion, Chicago Tribune, July 31, 2005
[4] Illinois Scandal Spotlights SEIU's Use of Political Tactics, Wall Street Journal, December 20, 2008
[5] Blagojevich and Union Have Longstanding Ties, Wall Street Journal, December 13, 2008
[6] CANDIDATES BATTLE FOR BLACK VOTE, Chicago Defender, February 11, 2002