Has Opposition to EFCA From Senators Feinstein or Lincoln Changed?

There are a couple stories from Washington and on the campaign trail relating to the Employee Free Choice Act, and where it stands now.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) reiterated her opposition to EFCA stating that it doesn't make sense to pass a bill like this during a recession. A previous backer of the bill, Feinstein received a 100 rating from the AFL-CIO last year, and has started to receive some pressure from unions in her home state to move back toward her old position. She did say she would hope that business and labor could find "common ground."

Another Democratic Senator is also looking to business and labor to agree to a compromise. Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-AR), who is feeling political pressure from both sides of the issue, recently told the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Arkansas that she still opposes EFCA and that Congress should spend time on other priorities, including healthcare.

On the campaign trail, the GOP candidate for a special election in New York's 23rd Congressional District now says she supports EFCA with the card check provision. State Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava had previously supported the modified version without card check, but has told the AFL-CIO that she supports card check (as does her Democratic challenger). Labor groups have been largely divided on who to support in this race. The election will take place November 3rd. The previous holder of this seat, Rep. John McHugh, also supported the Employee Free Choice Act.

In another election story, former Rep. Rob Simmons- who is challenging Sen. Chris Dodd for his Senate seat in Connecticut- stated that he now opposes EFCA. As a Congressman, Simmons supported the bill. If EFCA doesn't clear the Senate during this session, this could be an issue as Simmons maintains an early lead on Dodd. Dodd is a co-sponsor of the bill.