poor Bobby!
Posted on 10/29/2008 5:21:04 PM PDT by Morgana
Charleston -- Senator Byrd's standing in Washington has helped West Virginia secure federal funding for such projects as widening Route 35 in Puntnam County. Now his position as Chairman of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee is being questioned because of health reasons. Published reports say a move is on by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to ease Senator Byrd out of that position.
"If they do, they are making a big mistake, huge mistake. He's an outstanding man outstanding West Virginian," says Nate Henderson of Huntington. "I don't think you can go on someone's health. As long as they still have their wit, their ability to do it, I don't think age should be an issue," says Daraunta Fisher of Dunbar.
Governor Joe Manchin questions the credibility of the report. "Would we get the same attention because of his longevity and seniority? Senator Byrd is doing extremely well. I work with him on a daily basis and call him whenever I am in need," says Governor Manchin, (D)-West Virginia.
Others, however, say efforts to remove Senator Byrd as committee chairman would never become a reality.
"Senator Byrd is quite savy, politically savy. He's been there many years. Had these whispers and rumors a few years ago, and he put them to rest, and I think he'll put them to rest again this year quickly," says Senator Truman Chafin, (D)-Mingo County.
Given Senator Byrd's drive for the citizens of West Virginia, Governor Manchin says he's waiting to see his campaign plans for re-election.
A statement from Senator Reid's office says quote unless something changes, Senator Byrd will continue to be Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee end quote.
The people of WVA will stil be voting for this guy 10 years after he's gone.
poor Bobby!
I believe it would be possible to sue the congress to reform itself so that each American has an equal chance of getting pork sent his way.
If we eliminated the benefits of seniority, then we could implement term limits and we could flush out the cesspool in Washington a bit more often.
How can Reid be serious about keeping this doddering old man in this position? What a joke he makes of being in Congress.
This is what happens when you have ‘career politicians’.
Term.
Limits.
Here’s my plan. Put the liberetarians in charge of everything except for national defense. In 6 months, the federal government would be cut 50% in size and cost.
there , fixed it
Appropriations? How about President Pro Tem? Sorry, nothing personal, nothing even partisan, but the guy’s clearly not in any condition to step into the presidency if it comes to him. And he hasn’t been for some time.
“Published reports say a move is on by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to ease Senator Byrd out of that position.”
My money is on Byrd in that fight. Not that I am a fan of his, but he is a tough old bird (no pun intended) with a lot of connections. Reid had best walk lightly.
"..of Pork, that is."
I hate these jerks.
Byrd has built so many freaking monuments to himself in W.Va. with our tax money.
There’s more projects named after him than streets named for MLK.
I used to drive up through WVa periodically to visit kin in Pittsburgh - used to take U.S. 19 to bypass Charlston during the time when they were widening it to 4 lanes. They literally moved mountains to make room for the extra lanes - never saw so much huge earth-moving equipment in one place in my life. Must've cost gazillions to do this.
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