GOP says union-bashing letter a success

Friday, Jan. 9, 1998 | 11:11 a.m.

Dan Burdish, executive director of the state party, said more than 700 people have sent checks so far in response to two mailings, and the money is still coming in.

The letters dub union bosses "the Mike Tysons of American politics."

The letters cite problems at the Frontier Hotel, where the powerful Culinary Union has been on strike for more than six years.

The first mailing went out after Thanksgiving to previous party donors and a second mailing of 50,000 was sent just before New Year's Day.

"We've gotten 20 to 25 checks from Democrats," said Burdish, adding he had also received irate calls from Democrats wanting to know why the GOP was mailing to them.

GOP gubernatorial candidate Kenny Guinn is seeking the support of the unions and has reportedly met with top Republican officials in a bid to tone down the anti-union message. No decision has been made whether the party will submit to Guinn's request, Burdish said.

The question of whether Guinn might distance himself from the party if it continues bashing unions will be answered after party officials decide what stance they'll take, Guinn said recently.

"I'll make that decision when I know what they'll do," Guinn said.

Burdish expects a decision to be made this month.