WHO: Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis, a former member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California. While in Congress, Solis co-sponsored the Employee Free Choice Act.
WHAT: Solis received the following dirty money: Communication Workers of America (PAC) $5,000 in 2008 election cycle; $5,500 in 2006 election cycle. Boilermakers Union (PAC) $1,000 in 2008 election cycle; $1,000 in 2006 election cycle. American Federation of Government Employees (PAC) $1,500 in 2008 election cycle; $2,000 in 2006 election cycle. International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (PAC) $10,000 in 2008; $8,000 in 2006. Service Employees International Union (PAC) $10,000 in 2008 election cycle; $6,000 in 2006 election cycle. United Steelworkers of America (PAC) $2,500 in 2006 election cycle.
WHY IT’S DIRTY: At least eight members of these unions, including several division presidents, secretary-treasurers and business managers, have been convicted since 2001 of felonies ranging from embezzlement, falsifying official reports to government, mail fraud and conspiracy.
At least 10 members of the Boilermakers and 14 IBEW members were among those convicted, while at least 30 members of the Paper, Allied-Industrial Chemical and Energy Workers International Union (PACE) were convicted. The amounts embezzled ranged from $5,000 to more than $100,000.
WILL SOLIS GIVE IT BACK? Solis refused to comment when asked by The Examiner if she would return these contributions or give them to charity.
THE SCORE:
Number of Democrats who have given it back: 0
Number of Republicans who have given it back: 0
