"There is only a harm if the union sees it as a harm," the governor added.
An agency shop agreement allows the employer to hire both union and nonunion workers without harming the trade union; the practice is considered to be a form of union security.
Washington has said that the harm done to the union by the tax breaks is closer to $1 billion.
Opponents complained about the timing of the vote (during a fall session before newly elected legislators arrive) and said they feared civil union legislation might ultimately harm the institution of marriage.
But in a sign today that the political confusion could harm Turkey's ties with the union, the European Commission president, Romano Prodi, canceled a visit to Turkey scheduled for this month, citing the government crisis.
It claimed that the union would suffer "irreparable harm" if the task force were allowed to negotiate with the producers' alliance.
Kessler, in his closing argument, suggested that the union would be substantially harmed from such a verdict — particularly as it prepares to withstand a possible owners' lockout before the 2011 season.
The European Union said last week that further deaths could harm relations with Turkey, which wants to join the union.
The Marist poll found that 55 percent of adults believe that the union does more good than harm.
