Our Philadelphia

Representative, District 177

Taylor's Top Donors, 2001-2008

1	International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers	$23,400
2	International Union of Painters and Allied Trades Local 21	$19,625
3	PA Future Fund PAC	$13,100
4	Pasquale T. Deon	$10,500
5	Transportation Workers Union Local 234	$10,145

About Taylor's Top Donors

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

Gov. Ed Rendell called IBEW “the most politically influential union around,” in an April 30, 2008 article in the Philadelphia City Paper. As long-time leader of the IBEW and former treasurer of the city Democratic Party, John Dougherty has been a kingmaker in city politics, and an endorsement from Dougherty is often followed by an infusion of campaign cash from other sources, and volunteers to help with getting out the vote. The extent to which Dougherty and IBEW depend upon campaign contributions to wield influence was dramatized in 2007 when Dougherty joined U.S. Rep. Chakah Fattah in filing a lawsuit alleging that Philadelphia did not have the power to limit campaign contributions to candidates in city elections. As part of their lawyers’ arguments in Nutter v. Dougherty, et al, it was alleged that the Pennsylvania General Assembly had intended to preempt any municipality in the state from making its own campaign finance laws. Dougherty and IBEW have also been strong supporters of expanding legalized gambling and building casinos in Philadelphia, in part because of the potential contracts for IBEW members.

International Union of Painters and Allied Trades Local 21

The International Union of Painters and Allied Trades Local 21 includes painters, drywall finishers, wallcoverers, glaziers, glass workers, floor covering installers, sign makers, display workers, and convention and show decorators. City and state support for construction projects is a key part of generating jobs for IUPAT, and its President James A. Williams estimated in a 9/7/09 Inquirer article that there is $175 million in painting to be done on bridges around Philadelphia. Interestingly, one of IUPAT’s political directors, Joe Ashdale, has also served as chair of the Philadelphia Parking Authority, and was appointed to the PPA’s board as part of the state takeover of the Authority in 2001. In 2006, Ashdale joined a group that included Laborers District Council leader Sam Staten in bidding for a casino license in Philadelphia. This raises the question of whether IUPAT itself has lobbied in support of expanding legalized gambling. IUPAT is not registered to lobby with the state, and Philadelphia does not require lobbyists to register. At the national level, IUPAT has lobbied in support of health care reform and the Employee Free Choice Act, which would make it easier for workers to form unions without going through a secret ballot election.

PA Future Fund PAC

PA Future Fund PAC

Pasquale T. Deon

Deceased. Former head of SEPTA.

Transportation Workers Union Local 234

http://www.twulocal234.com/