Politicians cry foul over unions tying contributions to votes

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — House Speaker Nicholas A. Mattiello and the state Republican Party are criticizing overt threats from Rhode Island union leaders to withhold campaign contributions if they don’t get the votes they want in the General Assembly.

The Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals are upset that state lawmakers have not tried to override Gov. Gina M. Raimondo’s veto of a bill that would have kept expired labor contracts in place.

The Rhode Island Building & Construction Trades Council is disappointed that Mattiello, a Democrat, has not committed to vote on a proposed financing package for a new Pawtucket Red Sox ballpark.

With campaign fundraising season about to begin, both unions have indicated that lawmakers who don’t support them on those issues will not be receiving any donations.

Read more: http://www.providencejournal.com/news/20180116/politicians-cry-foul-over-unions-tying-contributions-to-votes