Posted on 06/07/2007 9:00:14 PM PDT by LdSentinal
Two weeks ago, when the immigration bill landed on the Senate floor, Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) voted against an amendment that targeted one of its key provisions: a guest-worker program that President Bush and many U.S. companies have sought for years.
Shortly after midnight yesterday, DeMint returned to the floor, and along with three conservative Republican colleagues, voted in favor of the same measure he had opposed, to sunset the program after five years. Not that DeMint has anything against guest workers. He supports the idea. But weakening the guest-worker program would leave the bill in tatters -- and in the twisted logic of the Senate, that served DeMint's greater goal of derailing the legislation.
"If it hurts the bill, I'm for it," DeMint explained matter-of-factly.
The early-morning vote shocked members of the bipartisan coalition who have struggled to pass an immigration bill, one of the most complex and controversial issues that Congress has tackled in years. Leaders in both parties condemned the GOP switchers for conspiring to sabotage legislation that had taken countless delicate negotiating sessions to craft. And that was exactly the intent. The four new votes were the result of an aggressive last-minute lobbying campaign by the legislation's Democratic and Republican critics.
"I'm embarrassed to say they were trying to kill the bill, and I'm ashamed of it," Republican Whip Trent Lott (R-Miss.) said of DeMint and his associates. He fumed that the senators had voted against their principles and on an amendment offered by Democrats, no less.
But that's the Senate, where tactical voting is par for the course, and where a single disgruntled lawmaker -- or in this case, four -- can run even the most artful compromise aground. And that was the ultimate conclusion of their vote, leading to the legislation's demise last night.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
Gramnesty 0
wonder if he was the one crying in Dingy Harry's office?
He,He,He!!!!
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
If DeMint did orchestrate this assault on the amnesty bill, good for him. Lott should resign in disgrace and DeMint should replace him. DeMint apparently has more leadership capabilities than Lott.
Your shame is seriously misplaced, Sen. Lott!
Interesting for all kinds of reasons, the most petty of which is that Nancy can't bring the bill up at all, let alone back up, until the Senate passes it and sends it to the House. But I believe this is the key to what is going on.
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
Anybody got some champagne?
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
I’m not sure what Lott is complaining about here. That he wanted no guest worker program? Given Lott’s history, I don’t trust him to stand up for his base. I called him myself and blasted him for the poor Republican leadership we have at the moment—the leadership intent on ignoring its constituents.
That said, DeMint and Jeff Sessions have become by far my favorite US Senators we have representing us. But again, we need a strong voice condemning this amnesty nonsense from the Chief Executive Office. We aren’t going to be getting that from Jorge. Not that we ever did with him. *sigh*
I heard a short clip of trent yelpin like a scalded dog on the radio news and figured something like this was goin on!
Hooray Jim DeMint! BTTT!
I am quite confident he was the one crying in Dingy Harry’s office.
"I've about had it," declared Minority Whip Trent Lott (R-Miss.). "I will not be a part of a protracted filibuster. We are not going to let this bill die by endless amendments."
The Compost is laying it on with so much melodrama I actually laughed out loud reading this.
Oh those wascally mean-spirited conservatives!!!
Boo Hoo, it's soooooo sad. All those countless delicate sessions...
What cry babies.
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
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