Raleigh rally draws support, opposition for Wis. workers

RALEIGH -- Wisconsin's battle over collective bargaining rights spilled over into Raleigh's streets today.

Hundreds of supporters of Wisconsin public employees in their dispute with Gov. Scott Walker waved signs and heard speeches on the south lawn of the Capitol, while a smaller, but loudly outspoken group of opponents shouted their own slogans from the other side of Fayetteville Street.

The pro-union rally was organized by the State Employees Association of North Carolina. SEANC doesn't have formal negotiating rights, because North Carolina is one of two states that ban collective bargaining for public workers.

"If Wisconsin goes, everything goes!" Linda Suggs, a special education teacher in Wake County, said to the pro-union crowd gathered facing Fayetteville Street.

Some among the crowd of about 150 opponents to the pro-union group said they were affiliated with the Tea Party movement.

"We're trying to get all the sickness out of this country so we can get back to the foundation," said Roy Musser, who traveled from Morehead City for the rally.