Republican Lamar Alexander calls out the Tea Party

Washington Post ^ | Aug 20, 2013 | By Chris Cillizza

[Jim Robinson]

Tennessee Sen. Lamar Alexander struck the latest blow in the ongoing Republican intraparty squabble between ideologues and pragmatists – or, in Chris Christie-speak, “winners” and “college professors” — in an op-ed published in the Tennessean newspaper Tuesday.

The entire piece, which was written in response to calls from tea party groups for Alexander to step aside due to his willingness to work across the aisle, is worth reading but one paragraph stood out to us. Here it is:

“I learned to count in Maryville City Schools. So I know that if you only have 45 votes and you need 60 senators to get something important done like balancing the budget and fixing the debt, then you have to work with other people — that is, IF you really care about solving the problem, IF you really want to get a result, instead of just making a speech.”

That’s as good an explanation of the philosophy that animates the pragmatist wing of the Republican party as we have read. It’s based on a belief that prizes the accomplishment even if that accomplishment is short of your preferred goal. It’s based on the belief that the goal of governing is to address — via legislation — the problems facing the country.

[oldbrowser]

I know that if you only have 45 votes and you need 60 senators to get something important done like balancing the budget and fixing the debt, then you have to work with other people — that is, IF you really care about solving the problem

Republicans try to keep the status quo, Marxists ask for the stars and settle for the moon.

The Marxists always manage to out maneuver the republicans.
Republican senators who are always willing to work with the other side undermine the negotiating position of the conservatives.

Getting something done is not the same as getting something right.

[unixfox]

This is the same Lamar Alexander who said:

“Getting rid of the IRS and the Income Tax is just a nutty idea”

He’s a friggin MARXIST.

[lormand]

Ill bet he is twice as wealthy now since becoming a senator.

[ilgipper]

If I was in Tennessee, I’d stay home with Lamar on the ballot, and I used to be a fan.

[Future Snake Eater]

“I can’t stand you people, but I need your votes, so get out and vote for me, you yokels!”

[Ann Archy]

Democrats are Law-Less while

Republicans are Ball-Less

[don-o]

It's ON!!

Tennessee GOP Senate Race Heating Up: Joe Carr to Speak at BEAT LAMAR Forum in Nashville

[fieldmarshaldj]

“Two terms and out.” — Lamar! (now running for his third term)

[Hugin]

to get something important done like balancing the budget and fixing the debt, then you have to work with other people

If that's what the RINOs were "working across the isle" to do, there would be no problem. Unfortunately they tend to do it on stuff like expanding the debt, bailouts, and amnesty for illegal aliens.

[COBOL2Java]

The way the GOP-E is pissing off the conservative base, they'll be lucky to get a dog-catcher elected.

Well, Rove is convincing them that they can still get enough low-information Republican voters who will be cajoled into pulling the lever for the "R", regardless of who it is.

[VRWCarea51]

Hey Lamar, you jellyfish how’s that balancing the budget and deficit reduction coming you sniveling coward.

17 Trillion in debt and now growing so fast the administration refuses to release up to date numbers. What say you? Blame the tea party?

You’re nothing but a foggy bottom elitist looking to retain power for the sake of power.

Your time has come and gone. You failed this once great Nation, your founding Fathers, every man and woman that fought to give you that power.

I hope when you and the rest of your ilk pass on and meet your maker some of those Heros and Patriots are there to kick your sorry ass for eternity!

[Jane Long]

The way the GOP-E is pissing off the conservative base, they'll be lucky to get a dog-catcher elected.

Speaking of GOP-E...I was reading a Drudge article about how OFA is now supporting Lyin' Paul Ryan for his *immigration reform (aka AMNESTY)* position.

At the linked article, someone posted how all of these Pub reps are being promised that their future campaigns...for whatever office they run for...will be financed by global/Big business $$.

As an example, there was a link to Rep. John Carter's (R-TX) OpenSectrets page....noting how MUCH of his donations were from BIG Bus $$ and how FEW donations were from individuals/constituents.

I then clicked on my (Repub) Rep's page....his biggest donor was Koch Industries...Big Amnesty supporters :(

/Rant off. Dog catcher is right.

[RedMDer]

DEFEAT TYRANNY!
START HERE.
Please Contribute Today!

[Viennacon]

I will donate to his opponent happily. F U Lam(e)ar.

[Billthedrill]

Good grief, is that tedious old nonentity Lamar! still alive? Practical politics and compromise only happen if both sides are willing to give a little, not if one side agrees to surrender a little at a time instead of all at once. That isn't compromise, it's cowardice.

Will somebody please primary this stupid drone? Anyone who wants to know why the Dems are walking all over the Republicans any time they want to need only look at Lamar! for the reason.

[cva66snipe]

I knew Alexander when he went from one end of the State to the other walking and wearing a plaid shirt and before he became one of the elitists in Washington, D.C. He stayed at my Uncle's home for a night and we were on his election committee. He no longer is that man. He is a sell out and has sold us out repeatedly. I was there when Attorney General Leech removed Blanton early and replaced him with Alexander. Alexander had integrity then. He's also lost touch with the average Tennessean.

Alexander's political boost came from replacing the most corrupt felon governor in Tennessee History. By his second term he was an establishment RINO. The Skeleton Closet has the goods on him.

When his named popped up as Fred Thompson's replacement before Fred hardly had the words out of his mouth I knew we'd been had. He's basically an EPA Shill on coal & other issues as well.

[21st Century Crusader]

This whole approach of attacking the Tea Party is no way to take control of the Senate. It seems that the washed up has beens of the so called GOP “establishment” are like tag team wrestlers, each scripted to take their shot at The Tea Party. They’re a succession of losers who want to continue their losing policies. I’m not sure who they think they have any influence with, but it sure the hell ain’t me, and the GOP won’t get one red cent from me.

[JRandomFreeper]

low-information Republican voters who will be cajoled into pulling the lever for the "R", regardless of who it is.

There's more than a few here on FR.

Lesser of two evils, doncha know.

/johnny

[JRandomFreeper]

There are some here on FR that will call you stupid for having principles, and in the next breath demand that you vote for their liberal(R).

Not much of a sales pitch, bullying.

/johnny

[SC_Pete]

Lamar has been in Washington too long.