John Gregg "Shocks" His Union Bankrollers With Another Flip-Flop

Labor Unions are quickly learning that when you bet on a candidate who is well-known to flip-flop on the issues, you get what you paid for. Indiana Democrat gubernatorial candidate John Gregg continues to solidify his reputation as a back-and-forth candidate to voters, but now his latest move even has his campaign bankrollers “shocked.”

Indianapolis Star: John Gregg’s Position On Labor Issues Surprises Unions Bankrolling His Campaign

“John Gregg surprised some of his union campaign donors recently when he said he wouldn’t fight Republicans on two labor issues widely viewed as anti-union. The Democrat, who is seeking to unseat Republican Gov. Mike Pence, is banking heavily on support from organized labor. Unions have contributed more than $2.5 million to his campaign. But in an interview with IndyStar last week, Gregg said he wouldn’t try to reinstate a law that the Republican-controlled state legislature repealed last year. The law, known as the common construction wage, allowed local boards to set wages — often union wages — for public construction projects. Gregg also said he wouldn’t try to get rid of the state’s right-to-work law that lawmakers passed in 2012, after massive union protests and walkouts by Democrats.” (Tony Cook, “John Gregg’s Position On Labor Issues Surprises Unions Bankrolling His Campaign,” Indianapolis Star, 3/22/2016)

After accepting millions in Union campaign contributions, John Gregg’s latest flip-flop has prompted a backlash from his “shocked” backers who are now publicly slamming Gregg’s move as “wrong.”

“Those comments came as a surprise to some of the union leaders who are helping to bankroll Gregg’s campaign. ‘To be honest with you, I’m a little shocked,’ said David Frye, business manager for the Indiana Laborers District Council. His organization spent more than $370,000 on TV ads to combat the common wage repeal effort last year and, along with its affiliates, has contributed more than $450,000 to Gregg’s campaign. But reinstating common construction wage is within reach, they said, noting that the repeal narrowly passed in the Senate on a 27-22 vote. ‘I personally think he’s wrong,’ Frye said. ‘There will be an opportunity to get it back.” (Tony Cook, “John Gregg’s Position On Labor Issues Surprises Unions Bankrolling His Campaign,” Indianapolis Star, 3/22/2016)

BACKGROUND: 

Unions Have Contributed More Than $2.5 Million To Gregg’s Gubernatorial Campaign. “Unions have contributed more than $2.5 million to his campaign.” (Tony Cook, “John Gregg’s Position On Labor Issues Surprises Unions Bankrolling His Campaign,” Indianapolis Star, 3/22/2016)

Gregg’s Gubernatorial Campaigned Is Bankrolled By Unions. “Gregg has earned big contributions over the past six months from several unions, including more than $100,000 each from IBEW and the Indiana State Teachers Association.” (Hayleigh Colombo, “Pence Out-Raises Gregg,” Indianapolis Business-Journal, 1/4/2016”

Gregg Has Repeatedly Flip-Flopped And Moved To The Left On A Number Of Issues. “John’s transformation has been rapid and epic. And a cynic might even say it’s been politically convenient. …If only he would better explain his journey from longtime social conservative to a more liberal state of mind.” (Tim Swarens, “The Real John Gregg,” Indianapolis Star, 1/29/2016)

John Gregg Has Been Hiding From The Press And Silent On Important Matters In The Gubernatorial Election. “In this gubernatorial political season, Democrat John Gregg has been out of sight.” (Gary Varvel, “Where Is John Gregg?” Indianapolis Star, 12/4/2015)