Brown opposes Obama nominee in first big vote

thehill.com ^ | Feb. 9, 2010 | Eric Zimmermann

[Free ThinkerNY]

Sen. Scott Brown (R-Mass.) cast his first major vote today, helping Republicans maintain a filibuster against President Obama's nominee to the National Labor Relations Board.

Brown opposed ending debate on the nomination of Craig Becker, a former lawyer for the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) who has received stiff opposition from business groups and Republicans.

The final vote was 52-33, falling short of the 60 needed to end debate and move to a final vote.

President Obama has blasted Republicans for filibustering nominees like Becker. The vote suggests Brown will stick with his caucus on controversial party-line votes.

Many suspect that Brown asked to be sworn-in last week--earlier than originally planned--so he could be present to add a crucial vote against Becker, whose nomination has been pending since the summer.

[S.O.L.]

How did Snowe and Collins vote?

[Senator Goldwater]

Good job, Senator Brown.

More of this, please. Becker is a communist.

[rjp2005]

“President Obama has blasted Republicans for filibustering nominees”

You did it for years with Bush. Now it’s your turn, Crats!

[digger48]

looks like we can thank the snow for part of this one.

only 85 Senators present?

[massmike]

Thank you,fellow Massachusetts voters! :-)

[Question Liberal Authority]

The final vote was 52-33

Dang. We're down to 85 senators.

[carolina71]

Don’t know about Snowe and Collins but, along with Scott Brown was Blanche Lincoln and Ben Nelson.

[taillightchaser]

The muslim-in-chief will make a recess appointment to get his SEIU buddy in the office.

[fortheDeclaration]

They voted with the GOP. As did two Democrats.

So, Brown is already having a positive effect.

[onyx]

SENATOR SCOTT BROWN SAID of his “no” vote on Becker,

“Craig Becker’s theories about how the workplace should function, if ever put into practice, would impose new burdens on employers, hurt job creation and slow down the recovery.”

[Constitutions Grandchild]

“The vote suggests Brown will stick with his caucus on controversial party-line votes.”

You know, it could be that he just didn't like Mr. Becker for the job. It seems there were others, including Democrats, who weren't enchanted with the idea, either.

It isn't all about politics. It's about listening to those who might be most affected by the choice and seeing what they have to say. Sometimes, it's best stick with those who brought you to the dance, and other times, it's only right to vote your conscience. I know that's what I'd do.

[TexasRedeye]

The muslim-in-chief will make a recess appointment to get his SEIU buddy in the office.

Yep. First recess appointment. In two weeks. He's already said he would do it. IIRC, Reid "kept the Senate in session" even during Christmas when Bush was in office. It was done specifically to keep him from making recess appointments.

[wbarmy]

I agree. The media is painting this as Brown and the Republicans sticking it to the nominee, but Democrats voted against him also.

[dearolddad]

Don’t know about Snowe and Collins but, along with Scott Brown was Blanche Lincoln and Ben Nelson.

Shouldn't that be; Has Ben Nelson?

[GailA]

SNOW! Let it SNOW, Let it SNOW! A lot of them got out of town before the airports shut down.

[carolina71]

True but he’s working on changing his image, uh, saving his butt !

[pickupman]

That a boy. I am glad to see my donation to his campaign is paying off.

[Ann Archy]

Good start!!

[onyx]

Yes!