Snyder says he does not want right-to-work on the ballot
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By Tim Skubick Fox 2 News
Photo Credit: WKAR-TV
LANSING, Mich. (WJBK) -- UAW President Bob King and his labor partners knew the governor had enough votes to pass right-to-work, but his 12,000 demonstrators showed up to protest the bill on the Capitol lawn. Behind-the-scenes, the governor was being asked to put this issue on the ballot to let the people statewide decide.
The governor said no then, and when asked during a WKAR public TV interview, he said no again, basically saying enough already with this fight.
"How long would this divisive discussion [have] gone on and how much division would've gone on that could've taken away from a lot of other projects we can work on in the meantime," said Gov. Rick Snyder.
Meanwhile, why did the governor change his mind? Did he fold to conservative pressure?
"Absolutely not."
Did he get political threats?
"I had people on both sides of this thing saying if you don't veto this, this could happen, or if you don't sign this, this can happen, and I think I've stayed true and consistent to my own philosophy of saying let's look at what's best for the customers here."
How does he like being threatened?
"I don't like it."
There was also speculation that somebody from the Tea Party might challenge the governor in a primary election. So was that the motive for him to sign the bill to cement his conservative base?
"No. I signed it because it was helping workers have freedom to choose and I will bring jobs to Michigan."
The governor contends it is working as companies are now ramping up their interest now that Michigan is a right-to-work state.
However, labor is also working to undo what the governor has done and that includes a possible statewide ballot plan.
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