NEW YORK, NY August 28, 2009 —A Republican Senator from Wyoming wants President Obama to withdraw his nominee, Patricia Smith, for Department of Labor Solicitor. Smith currently runs New York State's Labor Department. Senator Mike Enzi opposes a program Smith started that uses immigrant groups and unions as community watchdogs, who can refer labor violations.

But Jeff Ichler from the Retail Wholesale and Department Store Union, is taking part in the program, and says its simply trying to educate workers about their rights, and businesses about their responsibilities.

ICHLER: So it's very important actually in terms of small businesses that this program exist because it's a way to help make sure their illegitimate competitors are identified and dealt with.

REPORTER: Senator Enzi's office did not return a call for comment. The State Labor Department would only say the program is a pilot that will be assessed in October.