We didn't even have to wait for the left. Immediately following Pantano's victory in the Republic primary his leading Republican opponent attacked him over his actions in Iraq - terming him a loose cannon and a murderer.
Mike McIntyre is a good and decent man. I know him personally and have worked with him on various issues. He is, unfortunately, a captive of the Democrat machine both here and in Washington. He will vote mostly conservatively on most issues to please his constituents, but on those big, critical national issues which revolve around and determine which party will control and set the national agenda he will always fall in line and follow whatever orders Pelosi requires of him.
That evil lock on power must be broken. As his first campaign slogan stated "I like Mike!", but for the good of my country I'll be voting for Pantano.
He is, unfortunately, a captive of the Democrat machine both here and in Washington. He will vote mostly conservatively on most issues to please his constituents, but on those big, critical national issues which revolve around and determine which party will control and set the national agenda he will always fall in line and follow whatever orders Pelosi requires of him.
How many many people do not understand this. Not only in this case but in all cases. That is exactly what the Party "whip" is for - to count the votes and ascertain who can be "permitted" to show an accommodating image to the constituency while insuring overall the Party agenda.
Objectively it is not simply the voting record as a reflection of one's principles, but the voting record in the context of close contests. The times when one's principles come up directly against Party support, that which keeps one in their privileged political position. Stupak and Nelson the obvious examples.
Because of pusillanimous character (and we all fall victim in pressing circumstances) it is the Party which determines our national fate. Just as in Nazi Party, Communist Party, etc.
This is why we support the Tea Party, which ideally is beyond the existing Demo and Repub parties, and why additional political parties are needed. Initially at least, member politicians of those outlaw minor parties would be outspoken and truthful. And it only takes a few in the national debate to expose the whole corrupted process of Party Politics.