EFCA Latest Hits

Yesterday, Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) sounded very optimistic about passage of the Employee Free Choice Act in some form. Today, Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), another Democrat who has been in the middle of drafting a compromise and trying to build support for the bill said he was unsure if the compromise had 60 votes.

Brown said he has been working with Democrats and Republicans but said it was not clear where the votes stood at this point. However, Brown remained confident that some bill will pass- either this year or next. Another interesting point is that Brown said he was not happy with the changes- specifically removing card check- but he knew a bill with that provision would never pass.

New Senator Confirms Support

Interim Sen. Paul Kirk (D-MA), appointed to replace the late Ted Kennedy, told The Hill that he will co-sponsor EFCA and would vote for its passage. Kirk’s appointment gave the Democrats a filibuster proof 60th vote in the Senate.

Lincoln Feeling Heat?

Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) is one of the most vulnerable incumbents running for re-election in 2010, and recently came out in opposition to EFCA. She initially supported the legislation in 2007.

While Lincoln may be moving to the right to help her chances in the general election, it appears that this has angered some Democratic supporters who may challenge her from the left. Not only has Lincoln alienated the left with her opposition to EFCA, she also opposes healthcare reform that unions have labeled their top priority at this moment. David Sanders, who covers politics in Arkansas, looks at the possibility of a primary challenger.

The primary may not be Lincoln’s biggest challenge as a new Rasmussen poll shows the Senator trailing four different Republicans in hypothetical 2010 match-ups. And her favorable-unfavorable rating stands at 45-52.