The California chapter of the Service Employees International Union has been one of the more influential forces in state politics and policymaking.
In today's paper, Capitol Weekly profiles Courtni Pugh, who recently replaced Dean Tipps as political director of the powerful labor group.
Pugh takes over a labor group that has faced its own internal strife.
Anthony York at Capitol Weekly reports SEIU is considering backing Proposition 11, the redistricting measure on the November ballot:
The fact that SEIU finds itself divided, and possibly at odds with Democratic Party leadership over redistricting is the latest illustration of an internal belief that the union, which represents nearly 2 million people nationwide, is powerful enough to take its own stand, regardless of what other political or labor leaders may think.
"We're large enough to take risks," says Pugh. "We're going to do what's best for working people, and for our membership."
Pugh comes from Washington D.C., an ally of SEIU national president Andy Stern. CW reports:
"Courtni is one of the brightest and best political talents on the scene," said Roger Salazar, who worked with Pugh on John Edwards' presidential campaign in 2004. "If anybody's going to be able to step up and continue SEIU's political legacy, it's Courtni."
Salazar, ironically enough, is the communications director for the Democratic Party that SEIU might buck in backing the redistricting initiative.
Maria Elena Durazo, execuitive director of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, called Pugh "very tough."
"She's got a lot of experience under her belt, but she's young enough where she's going to learn a whole lot more, which is a good thing," Durazo told Capitol Weekly.
As for the ongoing budget fight, Pugh said, "I think there is a coalition of the willing focused on how to protect the health and human services budget."
@Nyx.CommentBody@