The New York Times is reporting that Senate Democrats have dumped “card check” (the plan to do away with secret ballot elections) in an effort to craft a union-pleasing “compromise” bill that would assist in Big Labor organizing. Still in the “deal” are mandatory arbitration, which is an anathema to business, as well as rules to force quickie union elections (catching unwary employers off guard and preventing them from mounting opposition to organizing efforts) and a requirement forcing employers to allow unions on their premises to organize. (Private property rights? Fuggedaboutit.)

If there is such a deal, those Red state Democrats will be back on the hot seat. With unemployment heading for double-digits, will they vote for “card check lite”? So long as Big Labor is proposing that government-appointed arbitrators would have the power to set terms and conditions of employment for first labor agreements and that employers’ right to control their private property be sacrificed, you can expect a battle royale, including a filibuster from opponents.

Once again, we can only gape in awe at the misplaced priorities of certain Senate leaders. The economy is sputtering and we are bleeding jobs, but the Senate is dreaming up new ways to pummel employers. Surtaxes, energy taxes, mandatory arbitration, and on it goes. Quite a list. (Where do they think the jobs are going to come from?) If you wanted to make America an undesirable place to locate new businesses in or to expand your payroll, you’d be hard pressed to match the agenda coming out of Congress.