WSLC Online -- Political Education

political education

Every election year, the affiliated union organizations that comprise the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO,
vote on which candidates and initiatives to endorse.
The WSLC then makes every effort to inform union members about these endorsements and why they were made.

"A new long-term political strategy"

The Washington State Labor Council has conducted a review of its political program -- from evaluations of legislators, to political communications and activism, to campaign contributions. Based on that review, the WSLC is making significant changes to its political program to ensure labor’s support is more strategically targeted to lawmakers who support working families’ interests, regardless of their party affiliation. For a quick summary of what will change, check out "A new long-term political strategy" by WSLC Political Director Benjamin Lawver.

2010 Elections

The Washington State Labor Council has compiled detailed voting records for candidates for the 3rd Congressional District who served in the Washington State Legislature. These candidates are running to replace Rep. Brian Baird, who has announced he will not run for re-election. These voting records will be a factor -- but not necessarily a determining factor in which candidate(s) receives the endorsement of the largest labor organization in the state. Read more -- including a description of the 2010 WSLC endorsement process for candidates and ballot measures.

STATEWIDE RESULTS * WSLC-endorsed positions. Results as of Nov. 9. See latest results.
Initiative 1033
YES 42.62% 673,458	NO * 57.38% 906,813
REFERENDUM 71
APPROVE * 52.55% 856,641	REJECT 47.45% 773,492
Visit your County Auditor's website for the latest election results in city and county races.

2009 General Election

The Washington State Labor Council made two endorsements for the 2009 General Elections: to vote NO on Initiative 1033 capping revenue for state, county and city governments, and to APPROVE Referendum 71 affirming domestic-partnership rights and making discrimination illegal in Washington state.

We are proud to report that Washington voters sided with the WSLC positions on both ballot measures. The WSLC wants to thank its affiliated unions that worked so diligently to inform their rank-and-file members about both measures and why labor took the stands it did. Your efforts made a big difference!

Check out the 2009 WSLC Voting Records

The Washington State Labor Council's 2009 Legislative Report is now available online, as are state legislators' 2009 WSLC Voting Records.

A portion of this website is paid for by the AFL-CIO Committee on Political Education - Political Contributions Committee, with voluntary contributions from union members and their families, and is not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.