Ohio right-wing talk show host takes position against anti-collective-bargaining law

Talk-radio personality Bill Cunningham has broken ranks with his fellow conservatives, urging his listeners to vote ‘no’ on Issue 2, which would repeal Ohio’s Senate Bill 5, a law that severely limits public employees’ right to collectively bargain, and voids their right to binding arbitration and to strike altogether.

On The Big Show with Bill Cunningham, broadcasting from Cincinnati, Ohio, the arch-conservative and self-described “Greatest American” blasted Ohio Governor John Kasich, who champions the contentious legislation.

“He was wrong in not meeting with state employees, especially those in labor unions,” he said on Friday, Oct. 28, during his daily talk show. “From my perspective, those affected by governmental decisions need to have a place at the bargaining table to determine the outcome of what’s being discussed,” continued Cunningham.

“The best people I know are cops, firefighters, and teachers,” he said. “They’re reasonable, and they are good people. I urge you to vote ‘no’ on Issue 2 despite the fact that it will cause concern to my conservative, libertarian friends.”

He added that a ‘no’ vote would force the Legislature to include union members in the discussion.

Cunningham even went so far as to make an appearance on MSNBC’s “The Ed Show,” with liberal pundit Ed Schultz.  There, he declared his support for the governor, calling Kasich his “friend” and even promising him a likely re-election vote. Nevertheless, he said SB5 was a “mistake,” and would change collective bargaining to “collective begging.”

“Let’s say you and your lovely wife … are in divorce court and we don’t agree on the custody of the kids … how would you feel if your wife went up to the bench put the robe on, and ruled in your case?” he asked Schultz, adding that “my friend John (Kasich) is wrong.”

Hamilton County State Senator Bill Seitz and other prominent Ohio Republicans have also decried SB5; voters will decide whether to keep the law on November 8 via a voter referendum, Issue 2.