[jveritas]

So with the absence of Delay as a majority leader we cannot twist the arms of the rebels. How about if President Bush make the calls next week or the week after when the second vote will come after the House-Senate bill negotiations? Will he be able to twist the 25 RINOS arms?

[Pukin Dog]

It appears that not a single one of you know how this game is played. These drilling options will be in the final reconciliation bill. This is just a stupid maneuver to allow vulnerable politicians to claim that they voted against ANWAR. Their votes will not be needed in the final bill, which only requires 50% approval. The budget will pass and ANWAR will be in it, but FReepers are still falling prey to MSNBC bull$hit, and it is getting embarrassing.

[Soul Seeker]

The President has twisted arms in the House before successfully with the appropriate bribes of pork.

However, I didn't say without Delay they couldn't twist the rebels. I noted that the problem with the House came in his absence. In short, the new "leader" is being tested by the RINO's. break their backs and they'll walk in line like good boys and girls, as they did with Delay. Give them an inch, and they'll take more. The question isn't whether they can do it, but whether they WILL do it.