If there is any lesson Republicans can learn from the Presidential election it is "Don't aiienate voters." Sadly, that is exactly what gubernatorial hopeful Bruce Castor is doing.
Keystonereport.com has posted a link to a letter to the editor in which Castor supports right to work laws. Right to work has valid arguments. It protects workers from having to join a union as a condition of getting an keeping a job. Advocates cite data that right to work laws encourage economic growth and a better business climate.
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What Mr. Castor misses is that right to work is bad politics. Unions have a place. They protect workers from mistreatment by employers. They bargain for higher wages and benefits and better work rules. Besides, if a worker benefits from workplace protection and good wages, why should he or she not pay for it?
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However, Mr. Castor misses the lesson of Mitt Romney. Pennsylvania is full of union families---many of whom are socially conservative. Union members vote, and some of them support Republicans. Though unions generally support Democratic candidates, they often endorse Republicans and provide campaign workers and funds. What is to be gained by alienating these voters?
The Republican Party has to expand its base, not narrow its appeal. Pennsylvania Republicans cannot afford a repeat of 2012.
