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John Dougherty and Local 98 remain political forces. Will his trial change that?

The union is still a big spender in elections, and few politicians dare speak out against Dougherty. But he’s been quieter of late. “I don’t feel his presence over my shoulder,” said one consultant.

John "Johnny Doc" Dougherty, shown here shortly after his February 2019 arraignment, still has sway but some have learned to separate him from his union. "The power of unions comes from its workers, the workers of all the building trades," said the political director of one Philadelphia progressive group.
John "Johnny Doc" Dougherty, shown here shortly after his February 2019 arraignment, still has sway but some have learned to separate him from his union. "The power of unions comes from its workers, the workers of all the building trades," said the political director of one Philadelphia progressive group.Read moreTIM TAI / Staff Photographer