Labor support for Daniels irks some in trades council

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By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Mar 4, 2008 at 5:50 PM EST

Story Updated: Mar 4, 2008 at 5:50 PM EST

MERRILLVILLE (AP) — A labor group is sponsoring a $500-per-plate fundraising event for Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels, even though some of its members have endorsed another candidate.

A full-page ad in newspapers last week listed the Northwest Indiana Building and Construction Trades Council as a sponsor of the event Friday night at a Merrillville hotel.

Mike Campbell, president of Laborers' Locals 81 and 41, said many of his 3,000 members were upset because they believe the ad gave the impression all 33 union locals in the council were supporting Daniels.

Laborers' locals in Indiana have endorsed Democrat Jim Schellinger and donated $126,000 to his campaign, Campbell said.

Locals 81 and 41 plan to have protesters outside the event Friday, Campbell said.

Local 81 is based in Valparaiso and Local 41 in Hammond. The locals cover Lake, Porter, Jasper, Newton, Starke and LaPorte counties.

Ironworkers Local 395 business manager Jim Stemmler said his local and the Ironworkers' state council also have endorsed Schellinger.

Chris Hernandez, president of the Northwest Indiana Building and Construction Trades Council, said its $50,000 in sponsorship money has come entirely from funds raised by individual locals and labor councils.

"It's a sponsorship for the dinner; it's not a building trades endorsement," Hernandez said.

Daniels came to the council in late January to ask for its support, Hernandez said. The following week, its vice presidents' committee met and approved the sponsorship of the fundraiser, he said.

However, they agreed none of the council's money would be used. Instead, individual labor councils and locals gave donations to support the council's sponsorship, Hernandez said.

Some individual locals within the council have endorsed Daniels.

Gala organizer Dan Dumezich said $400,000 already has been raised through sponsorships and the purchase of tables and dinners. He predicted it would bring in more than $500,000.

"The fact is the building trades council and all the unions under them are supporting the governor at this event," Dumezich said Monday. "And that's a tough cookie for some of them to swallow."

Crown Point billionaire Dean White also is a $50,000 sponsor of the event, as are the Northwest Indiana Contractors Association and International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150.

Daniels, first elected in 2004, is seeking his second term. A message seeking comment was left with his campaign staff in Indianapolis.

Schellinger faces Jill Long Thompson in the Democratic primary May 6.

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Information from: The Times, http://www.thetimesonline.com

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