After spending $85 million on the 2008 election cycle to get its candidates into office, the Service Employees International Union is now launching an approximately $50 million campaign, called "Change That Works," aimed at supporting passage of President-elect Barack Obama's economic recovery package, healthcare reform and the Employee Free Choice Act.

"When the SEIU [puts out] a goal, we move into action in a big way," Anna Burger, secretary-treasurer, told reporters on Wednesday.

Burger said the SEIU has pledged 30 percent of its staff and financial resources to the campaign, which means that the union will be spending "at least" $50 million. She added the union already has staff devoted to the campaign in 35 states and has created a campaign-like "war-room" in D.C. She also said that the SEIU will be commissioning a "multi-million" advertising campaign beginning this month that will run throughout 2009.

Earlier in the day at a briefing for reporters, U.S. Chamber of Commerce CEO Tom Donohue vowed to fight union efforts. See Congress Daily's story here. (subscription required)

                                                                                                                  -- Bara Vaida