AFL-CIO Looking to Launch Super PAC to Boost Influence

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The AFL-CIO hopes to boost its clout by launching a new political action committee that could raise unlimited amounts of money.

The move to form a labor super PAC is part of the federation's goal to build a year-round political organizing structure instead of ramping up and down based on election cycles.

It would also help steer more of labor's money to state legislative battles, where unions have been battling efforts to curb union rights in states like Wisconsin and Ohio.

Labor leaders say the idea remains subject to final approval over the next few weeks.

More than 100 super PACs have sprouted since a landmark 2010 Supreme Court ruling that allows corporations and unions to spend unlimited cash in support of, or against, political candidates.