AFL-CIO will try to waylay McCain

The Oregon AFL-CIO is joining the Democratic Party of Oregon and the Democratic National Committee in responding to U.S. Sen. John McCain's visit to Oregon today.

While the Democrats have focused on tearing down McCain's environmental "maverick" claims in anticipation of his speech on global warming in Portland today, the AFL-CIO only wants to meet with the presidential contender... in the next room over from his $33,100-per-couple fundraiser tonight.

The union says that the Senator has yet to respond to an invitation to a round-table discussion on health care with Oregon working families, but that AFL-CIO President Tom Chamberlain will reiterate the invitation in person Monday evening when McCain arrives at the Airport Sheraton Hotel.

As part of a nationwide campaign intended to address McCain's "anti-worker record and policy proposals," the Oregon AFL-CIO will have union members "stationed and waiting" in a room in the hotel, allowing the Senator to "walk only a few steps to meet with working folks."

EARLIER on PolitickerOR.com: 

• McCain trots out his 'green' credentials in Oregon