Daniels eyes ‘right to work’ in final session

Indiana Right to Work continues to move closer to reality.  From the Washington Examiner:

Gov. Mitch Daniels has long flirted with “right to work,” but it seems he can’t decide whether to take it to the big dance —  when it comes to blocking private sector unions and businesses from mandating union membership or dues, via “right-to-work” legislation next year, he’s not ready to take the lead.

“I think it’s highly likely from talking to legislators it will be in front of this next General Assembly and it has, as I thought it should, been researched, debated and vetted for a year. And I think they believe it’s appropriate now to bring it forward,” Daniels said.

But with Daniels off the list of presidential contenders, the state’s biennial budget approved and no marquee issues arising just yet, “right to work” could be poised to dominate the short 2012 session.

“It is clear to us that the votes are there to pass it. We would like to see it happen in 2012,” said Greg Mourad, vice president of the National Right to Work Committee. Mourad and other “right to work” advocates have taken to calling Daniels their “silent supporter” — he’s a big fan, but he’s not ready to declare his love in public just yet.

Rep. Jerry Torr, R-Carmel, said he’s ready to carry the issue in the House, just as he has for the last eight years. The question remains whether leadership will push it through.

Mitch Roob, then Daniels’ economic development chief, told the study committee that “right to work” was needed to bring jobs to the state. Supporters like Sen. Greg Walker, R-Columbus, see that as a signal Daniels is on board with them.