HOLDEN IS THE GOVERNOR FOR ALL OF BIG LABOR

If his efforts so far are any indication, Gov. Bob Holden's attempts to be the governor who wants to heal divisive wounds have fallen flat. In particular, Holden's special favoritism for labor unions has only alienated the majority of Missourians who are not union members or supporters.

First, Holden ignored decades of legislative rejection -- supported by both Democrats and Republicans -- regarding collective bargaining for state employees. The governor issued an executive order after the legislature went home. Now his credibility is being called into question because of his statements in January that he wasn't even considering such an action -- even though the deal had already been struck with union leaders.

Last week, Holden hand-picked the political director of the Missouri AFL-CIO to be the executive director of the Missouri Democratic Party.

The message to Missourians is clear: Holden wants to be the governor of all the people who belong to unions and support collective bargaining for state employees.