AFL-CIO plans to bolster lawmakers who voted for health bill

The AFL-CIO plans to work to bolster Democrats who voted Sunday night for health reform, with an eye toward punishment for those who voted against it.

The labor group is planning to organize events in districts of lawmakers who voted in favor of the legislation, which the AFL-CIO heavily supported down the home stretch of its time before Congress.

Potentially vulnerable lawmakers who voted for the bill can expect organized calling drives to show support, as well as a grassroots campaign to make the case for why health reform was necessary.

Lawmakers who'd received support from the union before might not fare as well.

AFL-CIO political director Karen Ackerman has been in touch with Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) officials to communicate that the AFL-CIO may not provide endorsements or resources to Democrats who bucked the bill.

Despite labor's efforts, Reps. Mike Arcuri (D-N.Y.), Jason Altmire (D-Pa.), and Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.), voted against the bill on final passage.

Ackerman made those members aware that it would be very difficult to support them again.