Wednesday, September 20, 2006

Wal-Mart, Into the Political Arena?

Wal-Mart has pretty much stayed out of politics. This has changed because the Democrats started attacking it.
Wal-Mart, the nation's largest employer, is planning to launch a voter registration and education campaign this fall targeted at its 1.3 million employees in an effort to combat growing criticism from Democrats and labor unions.
The company's decision appears to be a response to several high-profile Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and four 2008 Democratic presidential hopefuls, who participated in a labor-organized anti-Wal-Mart campaign this summer.

The League of Women Voters will be helping Wal-Mart distribute voter education material to associates. However, Wal-Mart will have plenty opportunities to have discussions with associates about particular elections and politicians. I wonder how much influence Wal-Mart will have on these potential voters? What will happen if Wal-Mart decides to extend their influence to their customers? The Democrats made a serious mistake with their anti-Wal-Mart rhetoric.

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