Organized labor was a big winner in the 2006 elections. Not that it was on the ballot. But it strongly supported Democrats. And it will play a major role in the 2008 presidential race – as shown by John Edwards’ recruitment of David Bonior of Michigan to lead his campaign.

Unions could also play a major role in Raleigh’s elections this year:

• Mayor Charles Meeker set Chamber of Commerce CEO Harvey Schmitt on edge when the mayor met with a union representing sanitation workers.

• The Service Employees International Union, which paid for mailings against John Odom in 2005, apparently did mailings supporting Ty Harrell in his victory over Russell Capps.

• Raleigh police voted to affiliate with the Teamsters.

Organized labor is focusing aggressively on public employees across the nation. With the manufacturing sector shrinking, government employees are viewed as the most fertile future field for organizing.

Business leaders in Raleigh may start organizing themselves to oppose this trend. And the clash could come in the coming city elections.

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