Candidates for public office must know that winning LIUNA’s support is about more than a check or a mobilization commitment. It is placing much of the well-being, hopes and aspirations of members in that candidate’s hands. Candidates have to earn the support and the commitment of the men and women who build America, and if elected they must work every day to keep it.

In addition to investigating the backgrounds and positions of candidates, union leaders often
have the opportunity to meet personally with candidates. Below are some discussion guides to
help form an opinion of a candidate beyond policy papers and speeches.

Two things should be kept in mind:

1. The following topics of conversation are not a questionnaire to be graded. Candidates’
staff generally put together questionnaire answers, providing little insight into a candidate as a human being.
2. If you include one or two interested rank-and-file members in candidate discussions, you will quickly learn how well a candidate relates to, respects and values the work LIUNA members do.

Potential Topics of a Conversation with a Candidate

• Why are you running for office?
• What do you hope to accomplish with your campaign?
• What are your main goals should you be elected?
• Do you know what work our members do?
• Have you been to a member’s worksite? If no, are you willing to visit?
• Which members do you know personally?
• What value will our members and our union add to your campaign?
• What role will LIUNA play if you are elected?
• What do you think a “good job” means to our members? What does it mean to you?
• How do you view the Davis-Bacon Prevailing Wage law?
• What are your views on universal healthcare?
• Do you support the fundamental right of workers to join together in a union without
  employer interference?
• How have you supported organizing drives in the past?
• What will you do to level the playing field so workers can exercise their right to join a
  union?
• What are your plans for developing the nation’s infrastructure in the coming years?
• Why do you think investing in construction is important?
• Do you support collective bargaining rights for public employees?

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