How much did unions spend on Democrats in 2014?

The 2014 midterm elections results favored Republicans—even in Washington State where the GOP managed to win an outright majority in the state Senate and gain four seats in the state House. The results came despite fierce opposition from unions throughout Washington State—as SHIFT reported in the past.

The Freedom Foundation recently released preliminary estimates of just how much unions “siphoned from workers” in order to fund attacks against Republican candidates. Here’s the list:

• Bellevue area Republican, Andy Hill, was opposed with more than $107,000 from unions.
• Tacoma area Republican, Steve O’Ban, who successfully argued before the US Supreme Court against union officials, was targeted for defeat by union officials with at least $240,000.
• Bellingham area Republican, Doug Ericksen, had at least $90,000 from unions spent to keep him from returning to office.
• Federal Way area new Republican Mark Miloscia sought an open seat, and was opposed by at least $132,000 in union funds.
• Shelton area Democrat Tim Sheldon, who is not liberal enough for Democrat leaders, had at least $223,000 from unions spent to unseat him.

In addition to expenditures in these high-profile races, unions directly transferred more than $550,000 to Democrat PACs dedicated to attacking Republicans in Washington State. So, what is the lesson learned from the 2014 midterm elections? The Freedom Foundation directs attention to an editorial written by the Wall Street Journal which states, “public-union money can be defeated when the cause is just and you stand your ground.”

You can check out the Freedom Foundation’s full analysis of election results here.