Posted on 09/09/2009 11:59:25 AM PDT by RobinMasters
Democrats in the Senate may have a filibuster-proof 60-vote majority when healthcare reform comes up for a vote, but at least one Democrat is telling party leaders not to count on him to be the 60th vote.
Sen. Ben Nelson of Nebraska told The Hill newspaper: "I'm not going to commit anything at this point in time on procedural votes, neither pro nor con, because it will depend on the circumstances.
"I can't make those decisions in advance because it depends on what the bill is and what the circumstances are at the time. Otherwise you're just giving away your vote no matter what the underlying circumstance is, and I'm just not prepared to do that."
The Senate currently has 40 Republicans and 57 Democrats, plus independent Democrat Joe Lieberman of Connecticut and independent Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who both caucus with the Democrats. Sen. Ted Kennedy's seat from Massachusetts is vacant.
(Excerpt) Read more at newsmax.com ...
Ping.
Oh yeah, and the RATs didn’t have enough votes the first time around for the bailout plan. Once a RAT ...
I don’t think t Joe Lieberman is a sure thing. he said the economy can’t afford ObamaCare. He owes the left - especially Dodd - nothing. This would be excellent payback for him.
And in order to do that... you have to READ the bill.
Uh, no, they don't, ever since Ted the Swimmer croaked.
READ THE BILL, READ THE BILL SENATOR!
WE DO.
Smoke and mirrors. The Dems will put up a compromise bill. Keep the calls, faxes and pressure on.
“I’m not going to commit anything at this point in time on procedural votes, neither pro nor con, because it will depend on the...” AMABASADORSHIP I RECEIVE FOR MY VOTE.
Don’t celebrate yet E.”Ben” Nelson was a BIG TIME Obambi supporter during the election last year. He is a Dem Squish!
Pretty sure their 60th vote was buried about a week ago.
This is usually politician code language for throw more pork my way and fill the reelection coffers before I commit.
“at this point in time”
weasel words.
Why do articles keep assuming that Lieberman would be part of the ‘60 vote club’ for Nobamacare? Even though he usually caucases with the Dims, he’s made it clear that he doesn’t think that now is the time to push for this plan, and he’s also very against the public option. Assuming his support is a mistake.
“I’m not going to commit anything at this point in time on procedural votes, neither pro nor con, because it will depend on the circumstances.”
He’s just telling us that to lessen the pounding he’d get if he actually announced his intentions. In the end, a ‘rat will still just be a ‘rat.
“Why do articles keep assuming that Lieberman would be part of the ‘60 vote club’ for Nobamacare”
Lieberman supports the idea of the government-option “trigger” idea, i.e., an incremental approach to socialized health care, rather than all at once. Aside from support of the WOT, Lieberman is still a dyed-in-the-wool liberal... a decent guy in many respects... but still a liberal.
I can’t make those decisions in advance because it depends on what the bill is and what the circumstances are at the time. Otherwise you’re just giving away your vote no matter what the underlying circumstance is, and I’m just not prepared to do that.”
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WOW what an original concept...
For the dazed ...the obligatory /s
Let me guess, Al Franken?
Sen. Ben Nelson Huh? Whatever. Just out to make himself look thoughtful in the process and that is what he will say.
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