Neb. Democrat joins GOP to oppose labor nominee

(AP) — Nebraska's Democratic senator says he will join Republicans in opposing a union lawyer's nomination to serve on the National Labor Relations Board.

Sen. Ben Nelson is the first Democrat to come out against the nomination of Craig Becker. His decision likely means that Democrats cannot find the 60 votes needed to overcome a GOP filibuster of the nominee.

Nelson says some of Becker's statements strongly indicate he would take an aggressive personal agenda to the NLRB. The board referees disputes between unions and management.

The tussle over Becker is part of a larger fight between business and labor over a bill in Congress that would make it easier for unions to organize workers.