Labor launches full-court press on Altmire; targeting Arcuri and Lynch, too

A collection of labor groups wrote Rep. Jason Altmire (D-Pa.) on Sunday, urging him to reconsider his planned "no" vote on healthcare legislation.

Labor launched a full court press against Altmire, along with Reps. Michael Arcuri (D-N.Y.) and Stephen Lynch (D-N.Y.), ahead of an expectedly close evening vote on health reform legislation.

A coalition of labor groups, including the top leaders of the AFL-CIO and the SEIU, wrote Altmire on Sunday, urging him to flip to support Democrats' healthcare bill.

The leaders wrote:

Congressman, we will not be able to explain to the members of our unions why you voted against this bill. The feeling of betrayal will be very deep and long-lasting. Our members support elected leaders who understand what it means to work hard to support a family in these tough times. Our members look for elected officials who have the courage to stand up to lies, distortions and political scare tactics. Your vote this Sunday will tell them what kind of elected official you are. Please do not disappoint them or us.

The full-court press on Altmire began on Sunday as members of the United Steelworkers union staged a sit-in on Altmire's district office to protest his planned vote.

AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka and the union's legislative director, Bill Samuel, are on the Hill on Sunday, where they will target Altmire, Arcuri, and Lynch. The pair will also serve as reinforcements against wavering members flipping against the bill at the last minute, according to the union's spokesman.