Catherwood LibraryILR School

Since Pennsylvania began compiling its state campaign finance records digitally, many interesting data points have surfaced. One of the more intriguing facts is that Local 98 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, a Philadelphia union with only 3,800 members, is the largest independent source of campaign money in the state. Since 2000, the union have contributed more than $25.6 million to political races, more than trial lawyers, gas companies, or teachers? unions. Just as surprising, the union contributes to candidates ranging in political aspirations from City Council members and local judges to justices of the state Supreme Court and U.S. Congressional members. The union has been led by ?Johnny Doc? Dougherty since 1993 who has made the union what experts on Pennsylvania politics call ?a major force to be reckoned with.? Pennsylvania politicians have credited Dougherty for focusing non-stop, and often gaining ground, on his key issue of jobs, jobs, jobs.