Deep within the nature of man lays a compelling desire to control every­thing and everyone around. This desire is some­times moti­vated by the need for self preser­va­tion, but more often the driving push is simply to gain and keep the advan­tage over all competi­tors. Our founders under­stood this innate problem within human nature, and designed a federal govern­ment with a system of checks and balances to keep one indi­vidual or group from running roughshod over the rest. Sadly, there is no similar system of limits in our state to prevent the forces of orga­nized labor from putting a death grip on employ­ment in our Commonwealth.

I do recog­nize that in an earlier time, there was a need for balance brought on by owner and manage­ment abuses. Through the power of the polit­ical process, unions were legal­ized and the pendulum of fair compen­sa­tion and condi­tions swung back from abusive to just and then to generous. Logi­cally, the labor move­ment that gained its birthright through the polit­ical process soon moved to lock down achieve­ments and control the labor system by becoming perma­nent, signif­i­cant players in the elec­toral process. Funding campaigns through union dues, binding elected offi­cials through campaign contri­bu­tions, and control­ling the levers of power has been and continues to be the modus operandi of the union bosses in Penn­syl­vania. One need only consider the bizarre pres­ence of the prevailing wage system in our state to see that the game is amaz­ingly lucra­tive! Big labor wins and the taxpayer loses.

As we look at the state of busi­ness health and employ­ment today, it is clear that we need an explo­sion of labor freedom all across this land. Pref­er­ences must be ended and restric­tions on the transfer of labor set aside. And wouldn’t it be great to see new plants being built and “Hiring” signs going up, as investors come back to PA? Labor restric­tions have driven compa­nies south, west, and over­seas. Let’s move forward with a free-labor agenda that welcomes these employers back to our Commonwealth!

And finally, here’s a message to the defenders of the status quo: you have succeeded in driving out the heavy industry that once made Penn­syl­vania a true power­house. As a result, the only growth sector for union orga­nizers is…government workers. And so, if for no reason then your own self interest, allow some labor freedom to take root in Penn’s Wood­lands. You might find it easier to sign up new members if there were a few more busi­nesses around…think about it!

The busi­ness of the 194^th session of the state­house has now ended, and what an end it was. By tradi­tion, all departing members are given the oppor­tu­nity to address the chamber, and the chamber is gener­ally respectful toward those who speak. For those who retired this year, the time for farewells came prior to November 2^nd. But for those who were defeated at the polls, the oppor­tu­nity to speak came just a week and a half after the loss – and many were still clearly strug­gling to deal with their new reality. In moments of loss, the outer shell is stripped away, and you gain a sense of who people are at the core. Need­less to say, there were a lot of tears shed through it all. On balance the speeches were amaz­ingly devoid of polit­ical refer­ences. Some did go to issues they enjoyed working on and the back and forth nature of legisla­tive strug­gles. But most spoke of supportive wives or husbands, their chil­dren, and the staff members who helped them along the way. Most spoke of the posi­tive changes in life they desire – of regained anonymity, and a predictable personal schedule. And all expressed a love for the insti­tu­tion of the House, and extended best wishes for its well-being. As I walked toward the back door of the House chamber, a Demo­crat who is a good friend and who was defeated came up and gave me a tearful hug. There is not really much one can say at such times other than wish them the best and offer to assist in any way desired. Though at times harsh and painful, such matters are part of the polit­ical process – and one reason Harry Truman said, “If you want a friend in poli­tics, buy a dog!” In many ways, Harry was right!

One week following Elec­tion Day, I took a run for the role of Caucus Secre­tary in the PA House Repub­lican Caucus. The deci­sion came after a bit of prod­ding by a few colleagues, and I’m glad I took the plunge. The seat was being vacated by a long-time friend, and despite a bit of unease over a step into the unknown, I felt a sense of calling to that type of service. Six of us submitted letters of intent to run with Caucus Chairman and we were off! The “campaigning” took place over a four day period, and involved e-mailed info and a personal call to the cell phones of each House Repub­lican. Unlike a run for the state­house in which tens of thou­sands go to the polls, this field was before the 112 current and newly-elected members of the Repub­lican Caucus. For that reason, the whole effort took on the feel of a run for high school class pres­i­dent in some respects. Excluding the home­made posters, it was “Vote for Bobby Sue…She’ll extend lunch break for everyone!” I know all the current members, and made a huge effort to get to know the 21 newly elected (and very talented) men and women. The calls went very well…surprisingly well! Nice discus­sions with folks who are not in my closer circle of friends and acquain­tances. Some expressed support straight­away, some were honest enough to say they were supporting another, and most said they would consider my candi­dacy. All contacts were polite and courteous…which was greatly appre­ci­ated. Voting day dawned bright and clear and the new House Majority assem­bled in the now crowded Minority Caucus Room. We got under way at 9:30 a.m. as the speeches and votes, and more speeches and more votes took us well into the after­noon. Speaker – done, Leader – done, Whip – done, and on it went. Finally the hour arrived for the Caucus Secre­tary proceed­ings. Nomi­nating speeches and seconds for each of us were made, and I was honored to have Rep. Kerry Benning­hoff of Centre County and Rep. Bryan Cutler of Lancaster County deliver mine – two respected leaders who made the case in eloquent fashion. And then the votes began to roll. In simple elim­i­na­tion, I cleared the first three rounds, but then in the fourth round I fell a few votes short and my day was done at that point. The two remaining candi­dates squared off for one last vote and the victor was Rep. Mike Vereb of Mont­gomery County. Yesterday, I swung by Mike’s capitol office to person­ally congrat­u­late him on a well fought victory and to express appre­ci­a­tion that throughout it all, the candi­dates remained civil with each other and kept things on the high road. Within the realm of God’s sover­eign plan, the posi­tion was not for me to hold at this time, but it was a great expe­ri­ence in so many ways. Do I plan to run again? If God brings back that same sense of calling to such a mission, I will relish such a run! It would be wrong to say no. And in the rough and tumble world of Repub­lican House poli­tics, Bobby Sue should always have some serious conser­v­a­tive competition…