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Attention Republican Officeholders: Avoid this story at all costs
Guest Post by Citizen Seeker
“Lindsey Graham is all 5-foot-7 with his shoes on, but these days he towers above his Senate colleagues.” – Dana Milbank, Washington Post, after Graham’s vote in favor of Elena Kagan
If you are a Republican officeholder in the current environment and the above words are written about you, prepare for a career beyond politics. It’s over.
Very little is so damning for any politician as exalting praise from committed partisan enemies for selling out your own team – and few things are considered as unforgivable by either party’s base. With our own base completely out of patience these days, Republican officeholders need to understand that while they are still at liberty to take their 30 pieces of silver, their careers will not long survive the exchange.
Looking ahead to 2011, when the Washington Post‘s editors are making endorsement decisions in over 100 local and state races in Northern Virginia, this is a lesson worth bearing in mind locally, too.
While the Post occassionally endorses a Republican because they are thoroughly embarassed by the Democrat and there are some districts where a Post endorsement can be a benefit, it is worth remembering that praise from the Washington Post is as often poisonous. With the WaPo’s already tarnished reputation suffering further under Weigelgate, the New Black Panther story, the JournoList story, and others, the ideal outcome for a Republican may well be the one achieved by Ken Cuccinelli in 2007: the Post was too embarassed by Oleszek to endorse her, but could hardly bring itself to endorse a man who presented such a legitimate and unwavering threat to their agenda.
Oscar Wilde once wrote that “you can judge a man by the quality of his enemies”. The nakedly partisan Washington Post is as worthy as an enemy can get for any Republican – and your own friends and supporters make for poor substitutes.
Sen. Stuart Smalley: The Right Choice for Felons
Minnesota felons love Al Franken (a.k.a., Sen. Stuart Smalley). They loved him so much that they turned out to help him ensure a narrow victory over Norm Coleman in 2008, according to a recent study by Minnesota Majority. They voted illegally and “Sen. Smalley” went to Washington.
This is interesting, because voter fraud is occurring all throughout the country. Should there be an investigation by the Department of Justice and the State of Minnesota? Yes. Will there be? It will be highly unlikely.
RIP Senator Robert Byrd
This morning, U.S. Senator Robert Byrd died at the age of 92. My thoughts and prayers go to his family during this difficult time. He served his country and West Virginia in Congress for 60 years. Even though, I did not agree with his positions, his long service is admirable.
His death leaves a vacancy in the U.S. Senate. There are two questions about what will happen to his seat:
-Will West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin declare an immediate vacancy today?
-Will Manchin wait until after July 5 to appoint a successor to the seat?
If a special election is declared, this could favor the GOP. One of the strongest contenders for the GOP would be Rep. Shelley Moore-Capito. Moore-Capito has strong recognition in her district, as well as throughout the state.
If Manchin appoints someone to fill the seat, will he appoint himself? If not, who has the recognition to represent West Virginia in the open Senate seat?
Victory in Massachusetts
Welcome U.S. Senator Scott Brown! This has been a long time coming, as Republicans have not elected a U.S. Senator from Massachusetts since Edward Brooke in 1972. He brings the total number of Republican Senators to 41, thus putting a thorn in President Obama and Harry Reid’s side.
This also sends a sign that people are growing further disenchanted with the President’s policies.
It is a good night for Massachusetts and America! Now, it is time to seat Senator Scott Brown!
The Drunk Side of the U.S. Senate
Gee, I guess addressing the issue of health care reform drives one to drink. Just ask Senator Max Baucus (D-Mont.). All I can say is…Wow!
Let the Fighting Begin…
Perhaps, this health care reform bill will hit the skids as it reaches the conference committee between the House and Senate. According to Fox News, the U.S. Senate is urging the House committee to use their version of the health care bill. While the Senate version is slightly better due to the fact that it does not have the public option portion in its bill, the House version had the government-run public option. Aside the options mentioned, there are other differences including how the health care plans would be paid for, etc.
With both the House and Senate meeting in conference committees to discuss the final version of the health care bill, there is a chance that there will be enough infighting to prevent the health care reform legislation from becoming reality.
Welcome to Socialized Medicine, America!
It is 1:21 a.m., and the U.S. Senate just voted in a party line vote, 60-40, to approve cloture on the manager’s amendment. All of the usual so-called Moderate Democrats voted with Harry Reid (D-Nev.) to approve cloture: Sen. Evan Bayh (Ind.), Blanche Lincoln (Ark.), Claire McCaskill (Mo.), Ben Nelson (Neb.). This is the deal that will serve as a substitute for the 2,074-page health care bill that the Senate has been debating for weeks. Ironically, Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.) voted to approve cloture.
What a sad day for liberty in America? After all, this will not be the end all solution to America’s health care crisis. In fact, this legislation will impact medical advancements, create longer waits to see a physician, and will pass along more debt to our future generations.
We still have time to stop this health care travesty bill from being passed. There will be more procedural votes with the final vote for passage on Thursday. Call your Senators today 202-224-3121!
Giuliani Rumored to be Considering Senate Run
Fox News reports that former New York mayor and one time Presidential candidate, Rudy Giuliani, is considering a run for U.S. Senate in New York.
This does not surprise me, but I think Giuliani would be better suited to challenge current N.Y. Governor, David Paterson. The Governor’s race in New York is could be winnable for the GOP considering the unfavorable opinion of Paterson.
On the other hand, I can see Giuliani in the Senate. There is no doubt that he would drive the liberals crazy in the U.S. Senate.
Save the Date: The Senate will be Debating Health Care
The Hill reports that Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) has put the House health care bill (H.R. 3962) on the Senate calendar for debate and a possible vote. This comes after former President Bill Clinton met with Democratic senators yesterday during their caucus lunch.
So, you know what that means…
FLOOD your Senators’ phone lines (202) 224-3121 with calls and flood their emails with your opposition to the monstrosity that is Obamacare.
