Dear Indiana House Republicans,

In the past several weeks, I have heard increasing reports of threats against Republican members in the House from party leadership over the controversial “right to work” legislation. I have heard reports of threats ranging from committee assignment removal to the use of party war chests against representatives who vote against the legislation.

Many representatives who have taken the time to study the effects of this legislation in other states have seen that it has not boosted employment, it has reduced average wages, and it has reduced the percentage of working families with health insurance. This legislation is bad for Indiana’s workers and small businesses, and what is bad for them is bad for Indiana.

Aside from the damaging effects this law has been proven to deliver are the clear violations of Republican fundamentals present in it. As a lifelong Republican who has held both elected and appointed positions, I find it impossible to reconcile these violations.

The Republican Party is the party that opposes overreaching government, yet this bill brings the government directly into private organizations’ everyday operations. We should never support government limiting the types of contracts that a private business can enter into with its employees. We should never support government forcing a private organization to provide services and make it criminal to collect revenue for those services. This is not who we are.

Though the Lunch Pail Republicans PAC was formed to run candidates against incumbents who vote for overreaching legislation like “right to work”, we are prepared to use our resources to protect incumbents who are attacked for voting against this bill in accordance with their beliefs and those of their constituents. “Right to work” has serious negative consequences for working families and small businesses, so for it to be framed as a confidence vote is appalling.

I implore you to vote based on the merits of the bill, and while it may be nearly impossible to ignore pressure and threats leveled against you by your leadership, I assure you that you will not be alone if you choose to vote against this bill. Please take this pledge seriously as you consider this legislation, and if I can be of assistance to you, do not hesitate to contact me.

Respectfully,
David A. Fagan
Chairman