The Card Check Smears

Let's not forget the true motive behind the anti-Allen card check smears: To preserve the wealth of profitable companies and those who run them.

The folks at the National Federation of Independent Business may be concerned about the Employee Free Choice Act. But they're not that concerned: Nearly 60% of their members have 1-5 employees.

So card check is hardly their top issue.

It's just happens to be more palatable, in an electoral context, for them to focus on card check than to howl for lower taxes for millionaires. Or rail against environmental standards. Or complain about the Family Leave Act.

And one of the reasons it's more palatable is that pro-business, anti-regulation groups have perfected the dark art of dressing up their card check attacks in faux-populism and disingenuous concern for the plight of average workers.

But make no mistake: These ads, four weeks before Election Day, are about rich people trying to keep more of their money while keeping the government off their backs.

If Susan Collins wins, there's a better chance they'll get their wish. It really is that simple.