Right-to-work debate puts national spotlight on Missouri governor's race

Missouri’s race for governor this year is among the most watched in the country, drawing massive money and rapt attention from national business and labor interests.

The reason for the attention isn’t a mystery: If Republican nominee Eric Greitens is elected on Nov. 8, Missouri will almost certainly, almost immediately become America’s 27th “right-to-work” state. If he isn’t, it probably won’t.

“For organized labor, it is make-or-break,” said state Rep. Jake Hummel, D-St. Louis, a vocal opponent of right-to-work legislation. “If we don’t get (Democratic nominee) Chris Koster elected, Missouri will very quickly be a right-to-work state.”

Daniel P. Mehan, president and chief executive of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a key driver of the right-to-work movement here, agreed. “The country is watching.”

Read more: http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/right-to-work-debate-puts-national-spotlight-on-missouri-governor/article_dc8ebece-40f7-5062-9e2c-f53b988c0d3a.html