There are some calls out there right now to boycott the NRCC over the 8 cap-and-trade votes cast by the GOP.
Are we going to seriously punish Dave Reichert for voting for cap-and-trade when he barely won his district in 2008 and something like 70% of his district both supports cap-and-trade and thinks environmental issues are the most important issues in Congress? If so, don’t delude yourself into ever thinking we’ll get the majority back.
Some Republicans have to vote in ways the majority of us find detestable in order to stay in Congress.
But then there is Bono Mack, Castle, and Kirk. They did not have to vote that way. I am most troubled by Congresswoman Mack and think we should beat both her and her useless husband.
Of note, and one reason I do not think we should do to the NRCC what we are doing to the NRSC (in addition to a boycott of the NRCC totally obscuring exactly why we need to punish the NRSC), even the House GOP leadership quickly threw the eight yes votes under the bus.
When is the last time you have seen the Senate GOP do that?
On Friday night, the House GOP sent out a press release blasting the passage of H.R. 2454 and listed the names of all eight Republicans who voted for it. The Senate GOP would never do that.
Not only that, but John Boehner took to the floor of the House to engage in a quasi-filibuster of the legislation. Please note that those criticizing Boehner for not making it a full filibuster are under the impression that he could have done so. Boeher was speaking with “unlimited” time, which actually meant he was speaking for as long as the Speaker would allow him — a big difference and something he cannot afford to abuse.
Boehner tied up the House for an hour by daring to read the legislation and then the House GOP Leadership sent out a release blasting the eight Republicans who voted for cap-and-trade. I dare Mitch McConnell to be so bold.
McConnell’s typical idea on something like this would be to get an amendment allowing drilling for oil in one square inch of ANWR, then declare compromise a success and vote for the thing. Hopefully, in this battle, he will be a fighter not a squish. He should remember what John Boehner did both before and after the vote, then act the same way.
KnightsofMalta
Dan Spencer
Moe Lane
Steve Maley
Dan McLaughlin
Caleb Howe
Calls out there right now to boycott the NRCC
tomllewis (Diary) Sunday, June 28th at 12:07PM EST (link)I know it’s a fine line, but I’m glad you don’t advocate boycotting the NRCC.
I believe it’s in our interest that NRCC succeeds in getting more Democrats defeated and getting back the majority. The hard part is finding candidates who are both electable as well as Conservative true believers.
tomllewis
Erick, I'm not wise and privvy to all the ins & outs of
eburke (Diary) Sunday, June 28th at 12:24PM EST (link)what constitutes ‘calling someone out’ in the world of politics but I guess I’m wondering what the significance is of attaching the 8 names to the press release.
Maybe I’m missing the symbolism of that but how does that help to enforce party discipline? Again, not trying to be snarky. I’ve seen this kind of ‘stuff’ pulled with no seeming consequences for years and I guess I’m just thirsting to believe that finally someone in our leadership gets how frustrating this is to the rank & file.
Any insights you can provide would be most appreciated. Thanks!
“All that need be done for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.”
Unified Patriots
Simply because it is not done
Erick Erickson (Diary) Sunday, June 28th at 1:07PM EST (link)That the GOP would highlight the 8 that did not toe the party line can be seen as a signal that the leadership does not care what happens to them.
It just simply is not something leadership ever does. The members have to know the symbolism.
Who will stand on either hand and keep this bridge with me?Follow @EWErickson
Thanks much for the insight.
eburke (Diary) Sunday, June 28th at 1:57PM EST (link)Guess it didn’t seem like too big a deal to me but as long as it means something to *them*, that’s what matters.
“All that need be done for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.”
Unified Patriots
I WILL STAND!
Daezy Sunday, June 28th at 9:18PM EST (link)If congressional conservatives can’t be true to their principles, they must be called out. We have entrusted them to help govern our country, and if they turn coat …. GET THEM OUT.
All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent. ~ Thomas Jefferson
Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. ~ Ronald Reagan
http://uslibertyjournal.blogspot.com/
It is *very* rare
Thrhheggeegwc Jjtkylkfofud (Diary) Sunday, June 28th at 1:24PM EST (link)for someone high up in the GOP leadership to not cover a– for a fellow Beltway Republican.
Good analysis
BrianGarst (Diary) Sunday, June 28th at 1:36PM EST (link)I agree with your analysis here. On the filibuster thing, it’s worth pointing out that there is no such thing as a real House filibuster, It’s a tool unique to the Senate. So it’s particularly silly for anyone to criticize Boehner for not doing a “full filibuster.”
Conservative Compendium
yes, and my only criticisms of Boehner is his lack of clarity in the past
Mike gamecock DeVine (Diary) Sunday, June 28th at 2:38PM EST (link)There needs to be more moral outrage at the actions of the ObamaDems every day and not just intermittent. McConnell has also had good moments as have others in Congress, but
the consistent ones are rare (Sessions, DeMint, Ryan….others?)
Mike DeVine’s Examiner.com, Charlotte Observer and The Minority Report columns
“One man with courage makes a majority.” – Andrew Jackson
I agreee.
The Grognard (Diary) Sunday, June 28th at 2:05PM EST (link)Mostly.
I think Boehner has done a decent job of keeping his flock in order. I like the fact that he used his “unlimited time” to read from the legislation and annoy the Dems. I think its good that the 8 votes were thrown under the bus.
Its the eight fools who voted for this boondoggle who need to be hammered, and that includes Dave Reichert IMO. Even if you are in a “pro-environment” district, its very easy for a politician to address that issue. Simply saying, “I appreciate the desire to address environmental issues, but this legislation was not going to do that, and is absolutely the wrong solution. I’d be glad to work on other legislation that deals with environmental issues, as long as it is not going to hamstring our economy by taxing the energy industry and consumers of energy.”
There are times to take a principled stand against a bill, even if you’re constituents support that bill. That is exactly what politicians should be doing; explaining to their constituents that some bills sound good, but don’t really do what they claim.
What’s worse, for Reichert to explain now why he voted against a bad bill despite support for it back home, or explain to his district why all the jobs have dried up and half his district is on welfare once the bill goes into effect?
These 8 congressman need to be browbeaten for their role in this travesty of a bill, and maybe, maybe, the Rs in the Senate will get the message (although I doubt they will).
Wait a minute...
Bill Higgins (Diary) Sunday, June 28th at 9:51PM EST (link)If most of Reichert’s constituency is in favor of the bill, I believe that he should do the will of those he was elected to represent, regardless if it doesn’t follow the “party” line.
That should be the duty of every member of Congress. They are there to represent THE PEOPLE. Not a political party, and certainly not themselves.
Unfortunately, it never works out that way, but it should.
Bill
Follow me on Twitter!
www.twitter.com/BillHiggins1968
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www.billhigginsonline.wordpress.com
It's a fine line
tanstaafl1019 Wednesday, July 1st at 4:48PM EST (link)I agree with both sides of this issue–a member of Congress should represent the constituents AND the party. Sometimes that’s easy to do and sometimes it requires a very deft hand.
I do believe the elected should primarily represent the electorate, but we should also remember that Congressional races are not run on votes alone. They’re also run on cash, and a lot of that cash comes from the party and its members.
Also, at what point does “representing the constituents” cross the line into “at the whim of the polls”? I respect a politician who stands on principle rather than on the always-changing wind of public opinion.
The two highest achievements of the human mind are the twin concepts of “loyalty” and “duty.” Whenever these twin concepts fall into disrepute—get out of there fast! You may possibly save yourself, but it is too late to save that society. It is doomed.
Be wary of strong drink. It can make you shoot at tax collectors–and miss.
Party or Policy?
briann (Diary) Sunday, June 28th at 2:19PM EST (link)Some Republicans have to vote in ways the majority of us find detestable in order to stay in Congress.
Sorry Eric, but I don’t agree with this. A Republican majority that spends money they don’t have, raises taxes in a recession and regularly violates the law is indistinguishable from what we have now. I’m more interested in a successful United States that Republicans in charge of a mess.
-Bri
See Swamp_Yankee below
Erick Erickson (Diary) Sunday, June 28th at 2:47PM EST (link)Were the caucus full of these people, I’d agree with you.
Who will stand on either hand and keep this bridge with me?Follow @EWErickson
To compare the GOP majority and what they passed
Bill S (Diary) Sunday, June 28th at 3:25PM EST (link)to this disaster coming from the Dem WH and Congress is a stretch of the grandest scale. Virtually no one here agreed with a lot of that stuff, but all one must do is look at the graphs of Obama/Reid/Pelosi’s spendfest to see that there’s no comparison between now and the Bush years.
Nice try.
“It’s such a fine line between stupid, and clever.” – David St. Hubbins
Of Reichart and the Tr-8-ors
Swamp_Yankee (Diary) Sunday, June 28th at 2:25PM EST (link)I’m glad others see the suicidal nature of discarding everyone who is not a “solid Red” conservative. Sure, our pols can use their office as a bully pulpit for the purpose of persuasion, but in the end they are exactly what their title says they are – “representatives”. They were voted into Congress to represent the interests of their constituents; the people who voted for them; their neighbors – not ideologues located a thousand miles from their district or to be masters to their party bosses. That’s how our Republic was organized.
And I don’t care for the eight. It’s just refreshing to read a different perspective.
Conservatives should have been thrilled with Sununu (a 93% lifetime ACU rating), but he showed his independent streak from time to time (often rhetorical and not substantive) to show NH voters that he was no a lackey for the GOP bosses (NH voters are very indpendent) and he was treated like an afterthought by the base out West and down South.
He voted to the Right of the NH populace and what’s he got to show for it; a kick in the teeth from the self-righteous base and a punch in the stomach from the NH voters.
There will be a handful that will betray the Party line on environmental issues; there will be a few that betray the party line on abortion; there will be a few that betray the party line on Iraq; and so on and so on.
And they will not always be the same people. We are not monolithic. Insisting on complete party discipline all the time is nearly impossible. If we throw five or ten defectors out after every key vote, they will be no party left.
Educate, not excoriate.
Also Boehner and McConnell
Swamp_Yankee (Diary) Sunday, June 28th at 2:46PM EST (link)Boehner:
I was impressed wit him on the floor, but I am still disappointed by the lack of organization preceding the vote. The official schedule and Pelosi’s staff confirmed that a vote would take place by the end of the week last Monday. It would have been nice to see some leadership before Thursday afternoon.
McConnell:
Isn’t it a bit unfair to compare the two? The Senate is known as the most exclusive club in the world. That may suck, but it’s the nature of the body. There are only 100 seats; incumbents are so hard to unseat; and six years terms make long term relationship building natural and essential.
McConnell does have a reputation of being a master of Senate procedures. I know all the cheerleading, but in reality our best weapons during these precarious years are delaying, stalling and sabotaging legislation. He may not be glamorous, but he may be useful.
None of this excuses Bono Mack though (nt)
Neil Stevens (Diary) Sunday, June 28th at 2:51PM EST (link)RS contributing editor, technical administrator, and “a hardy variety of crabgrass.”
Read the RedState Posting Rules
Unlikely Voter: Poll Analysis, Election Projection.
“I rejoice that America has resisted.” – William Pitt, the Elder
It Doesn't Excuse Reichert Either
IJB Sunday, June 28th at 3:36PM EST (link)If the District is so far Left that a reasonable approximation of a Republican can’t win there, then let the Dems have it.
What we should be doing instead, is trying to win back all the truly Red & Purple districts.
If this is the price of keeping a ‘Blue’ district, I’d rather punt.
I'm not so sure about that
Neil Stevens (Diary) Sunday, June 28th at 3:44PM EST (link)I’m all for fighting hard for seats that we can demand certain standards for (Florida Senate is another), but I’m not about to start being an intruder into some of the left fringes of the country and demand they elect Barry Goldwater’s ghost.
RS contributing editor, technical administrator, and “a hardy variety of crabgrass.”
Read the RedState Posting Rules
Unlikely Voter: Poll Analysis, Election Projection.
“I rejoice that America has resisted.” – William Pitt, the Elder
Well, I'm All for Ceding The Left 'Fringes' Of The Country...
IJB Sunday, June 28th at 3:55PM EST (link)…And focusing on places we can/should win.
Trying to elect Republicans in places like San Francisco & Cambridge, MA is a total waste of time and effort – what you end up with are guys not worth having in the first place.
Rather than wasting time keeping losers like Reichart afloat (it’s a waste of time, money and effort), I’d rather concentrate efforts on taking people like Pomeroy of ND *out* – places like ND is where we *should* be winning.
I'm not about to give the Democrats a break
Neil Stevens (Diary) Sunday, June 28th at 4:09PM EST (link)I want to compete in 435 House districts and for 100 Senate seats. We won’t win them all, but we won’t let the Democrats just go unopposed, saving their resources to attack *our* seats.
RS contributing editor, technical administrator, and “a hardy variety of crabgrass.”
Read the RedState Posting Rules
Unlikely Voter: Poll Analysis, Election Projection.
“I rejoice that America has resisted.” – William Pitt, the Elder
I'm not for ceding anything.
mbecker908 (Diary) Sunday, June 28th at 4:10PM EST (link)We should have credible House candidates in EVERY district, including every district in MA. If we took them all and have a solid majority in the House it won’t matter if they stray occasionally. It’s when we’re in the woods that it matters.
For example, neither Snowe or Collins has ever cast real vote that hurt us until Specter went totally off the reservation and they followed. I’m reasonably sure that if Specter had voted NO, they would have as well. Leaders they ain’t. And they’re not fighters either.
If House and Senate Rs understood that the legislative priorities had to be held and that there would be serious consequences for squirreling on those, squishies from lefty districts would not be an issue. But, of course, that would require leadership. Something I’ve only seen twice in my life – Reagan and Newt. Neither of the Bushes could lead an addict to drugs, nor could any other national party “leader” we’ve seen.
Why?
Next93 (Diary) Monday, June 29th at 12:30AM EST (link)This isn’t some higway bill or an earmark to build a new community center in East Earache; this bill will effectively delare that the industrial revolution has ended in America. I’m not being hyperbolic here – this was the Hill to Die On if ever there was one.
If we can’t count on someone with an “R” after his name to vote against an econonmy destorying bill like this, then what difference does that letter make?
If he’s going to vote like a democrat when the going gets tough, there might as well be a democrat fanny filling the seat. At least then the Democrats will have to take full blame of the effects of tragically bad legislation forced on the voters over the objections of the Republicans.
Seems to me that limited party resources would be better spent winning seats that can be counted on rather than securing “dem lite” seats for RINOs.
Obama was The One in 2008.
He’ll be a BIGGER one in 2012.
- Quitting And Hyperbole Are Not Answers
Swamp_Yankee (Diary) Sunday, June 28th at 3:58PM EST (link)What good does just quitting do. If nothing else force them to use resources. I’d rather have a viable Republican Party in a Blue state like Michigan than take your advice and just not show up like Massachusetts.
One, you force the Dems to use valuable resources and that helps in other races.
Two, you never know what the future holds. States do turn, just not in one election cycle. You have to go Purple before you go Red. See how the Dems captured Red states, not by insisting that they run and vote like New Yorkers.
Three, states are the laboratories of democracy. We get to see what works and what doesn’t by watching races and politicians in other states Wisconsin is a Blue-purple state, but they taught us how to win welfare reform. California is a Blue state, but they taught us how to win gay marriage. Jodi Rell maintains extraordinarily high approval numbers for a Republican in New England; her tone, style, approach and popularity can help Simmons defeat Dodd. Gov. Carcieri won twice in RI even though he is pro-life and can show the way for pro-lifers to run and win in Blue states.
John Boehner
edward_cropper Sunday, June 28th at 6:22PM EST (link)John Boehner is a congressman from a very safe Republican district in Ohio. A district next to the one I have lived in all my life.
He has been a fence rider most of his time in office and has been House Republican leader during the slam dunk victories by Democrats the last few years.
He seems to always know when to act tough when personal political hay can be made, but saddles up to his Democrat opponents when the bullets are flying.
I find it amazing how those “conservatives” who only know what they know about current politics is what they glean from blog sites are anxious to make this guy king of the hill when he is only doing now what he has always done when the opportunity presents itself.
Edward Cropper
What Would The Gipper Do...?
reaganiterepublicanresistance Sunday, June 28th at 6:37PM EST (link)Obama claimed that the average American would not bear the brunt of this historic tax-increase: he stated that instead ““It is paid for by the polluters who currently emit dangerous carbon emissions.”
Just compare this outrageous falsehood to Ronald Reagans’ famous quote:
“The most dangerous myth is the demagoguery that business can be made to pay a larger share, thus relieving the individual. Politicians preaching this are either deliberately dishonest, or economically illiterate, and either one should scare us.
“Business doesn’t pay taxes, and who better than business to make this message known? Only people pay taxes, and people pay as consumers every tax that is assessed against a business.”
And after the way the rammed this through the House with little debate, without legislators even reading it… and while quarantining the GOP from any meaningful input whatsoever, any foolhardy individuals who still believe Obama’s threadbare “bipartisanship” spiel ought to have their head examined.
http://reaganiterepublicanresistance.blogspot.com/
The Reaganite Republican
BTW here are the home&DC contacts of the 8
snewb098 Sunday, June 28th at 7:31PM EST (link)They are home now on vacation after stabbing us in the back.
Bono Mack (CA) (home office) 760-323-8810 (DC) 202-225-5330
Castle (DE) (home office) 302-428-1902 (DC) 202-225-4165
Kirk (IL) (home office) 847-940-0202 (DC)202-225-4835
Lance (NJ) (home office) 908-518-7733 (DC)202-225-5361
Lobiondo (NJ) (home office) 609-625-5008 (DC) 202-225-6572
McHugh (NY) (home office) 315-782-3150 (DC)202-225-4611
Reichart (WA) (home office) 206 275-3438 (DC) 202-225-7761
Chris Smith (NJ) (home office) 609-585-7878 (DC)202-225-3765