Labor Day is considered a picnic day, so it makes sense that organized labor organizations would hold a barbecue to celebrate the achievements of the American worker. For the West Central Florida Federation of Labor AFL-CIO, it also is a day to invite political candidates to meet their pro-union constituents at Boggy Bottom Bar-B-Que Ranch.

The event is held every other year in the woods off State Road 39. Monday's picnic attracted about 2,000 participants who got a chance to meet local, state and national candidates such as Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, who is running for re-election against Republican Congressman Connie Mack IV. Federation President Lynne Web said the picnic is not about politicians making speeches.

"It's more a day for mingling on a one-on-one basis with the voters," said Webb, who also is president of the United School Employees of Pasco. To read more by Jeff Houck, Click : The Tampa Tribune