John Gallagher of the Free Press sorts out the complicated politics behind Proposal 6 -- a ballot initiative designed to block Gov. Rick Snyder's new bridge to Canada.
Snyder's bridge project promises construction jobs, which would normally be a no-brainer for union leadership. But labor leaders do not view Snyder as a friend because of state budget cuts and legislation that he supported to curtail union rights.
At the same time, labor organizations are trying to get voters to approve Proposal 2, which would enshrine collective bargaining rights in the state constitution. Snyder and the pro-business lobby do not support Proposal 2 but really want the new international bridge built.
And then there's the backer of Proposal 6, billionaire Ambassador Bridge owner Manuel (Matty) Moroun, who is going to great financial lengths to get it passed and gain as much support from organized labor and elsewhere that he and his representatives can muster.
