McConnell avoids immigration bill deliberations

The Washington Times ^ | June 28, 2007 | Stephen Dinan

[Oliver Optic]

As the Senate Democratic leader pushed his immigration bill through the chamber yesterday, Republican leader Mitch McConnell took a pass on the debate and left his rank-and-file members to fend for themselves.

Mr. McConnell finds himself in the crossfire between a majority of his own senators, who oppose the bill, and President Bush, who desperately wants it to pass. The Kentucky Republican's solution has been to go underground, leaving his party's senators to fight among themselves and with Democrats.

During all of yesterday's back-and-forth and procedural maneuvers, he did not utter a word, even eschewing the usual duty of helping open the day's proceedings.

"I've been very, very disappointed, but there's nothing to be gained at this point" from making him angry, said one of the 25 Republicans who voted earlier this week to block the bill but who said making their dispute with Mr. McConnell public would not help Republicans in the future.

Mr. McConnell's disappearance has been stark — particularly in comparison to Sen. Harry Reid, Nevada Democrat, who was on the floor virtually all of yesterday, using his position as majority leader to control the proceedings and prevent amendments.

And that's exactly what irks Republicans.

[Excerpted ... click link above for full article.]

[Oliver Optic]

Doesn't this just warm the cockles of your heart?

[mdittmar]

So does Republican leader Mitch McConnell have a plan?

[television is just wrong]

too many of them are up for reelection next year. WE will not forget...

[bybybill]

Mitch isn`t stupid

[goldstategop]

I don't give a damn what the President wants. I took an oath to my country, not to any political party or any particular President. I will defend her to my last breath.

"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

[truthkeeper]

I've been hearing all day how this sudden turn is all part of McConnell's brilliance...a grand strategery on his part to kill the bill.

Sure doesn't sound that way from reading this article.

[CaptainK]

Spector is so full of himself. I hope he has to choke on defeat tomorrow.

[SirJohnBarleycorn]

He does look nervous these days.

[postaldave]

his plan is to be the spineless coward he always is.

ditch mitch McCoward. it is time for new leadership!

[Oliver Optic]

Heh ... you gave me an idea for a new tagline.

[postaldave]

“Never blame on strategery that which can be fully explained by stupidity.”

brilliant!

[truthkeeper]

Glad to have helped. :-)

[Aria]

Just a veritable profile in courage.

[California Patriot]

Gutless krap. I’d hoped for better from “Leader” McConnell.

[goldfinch]

What a coward. If you are going to vote for this bill, stand up and say so. McConnell has shown his true colors...and all of them are yellow.

[c-b 1]

I took an oath to my country, not to any political party or any particular President. I will defend her to my last breath.

What a concept, too bad it's lost on those in the District of Criminals.

I'll be joining you!

[Plutarch]

A pivotal day, and McConnell heads for the tall grass. Like Henry V's St. Crispin's Day at Agincourt, it will be forever remembered what our Senators did today.

And gentlemen in England now-a-bed
Shall think themselves accurs'd they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day

[Political Junkie Too]

No article mentions it, and McConnell is abrogating his leadership responsibility because of it.

Mitch McConnell is married to Bush's Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao.

He has familial reasons for seeing this pass, despite his alleged personal beliefs on the issue. Furthermore, if I recall correctly, McConnell was in charge of Bush's second-term inaugural committee.

-PJ

[California Patriot]

You said it, bro!!!

[WOSG]

Darn.
I know Mitch has a spine, unlike jellyfish Lott.
It must be ‘nuts in a vice’ disease. Hard to talk when you’ve got that.

Always some medical condition or other for these senators.