Posted on 11/15/2006 2:48:35 PM PST by shrinkermd
With 24 hours to go before House leadership elections, the race is boiling down to two main storylines.
The first involves a 26-year-old story that began to emerge once again yesterday: Rep. John Murtha's past. After being a little too involved in Abscam for his own good (some accounts have former Speaker Tip O'Neill personally bailing Murtha out of trouble) and what Washington Post's Marcus calls a "one-man earmarking factory," Murtha has a number of good gov't types on his case, including Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Gov't. The Hill even reports that, because of his penchant for doling out earmarks, some defense industry lobbyists hope he loses and retains his chairmanship, this time in the majority.
The second continues from 11/12, when Speaker-to-be Nancy Pelosi injected herself in the race. While her inital letter backing Murtha was initially seen as simple loyalty, but now, she's making phone calls and button-holing members for their support. Baltimore Sun's Hay Brown reports the speaker-in-waiting is playing hardball: She summoned Rep.-elect Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) to her office to ask why Gillibrand was supporting current Dem whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD), and, completely coincidentally, asked for Gillibrand's committee preferences.
Pelosi's efforts have gotten attention throughout the caucus as, according to Hay Brown, Hoyer "fought to hang on to his support" 11/14. Uncommitted Rep.-elect Tim Walz (D-MN): "To be honest, I was waiting for the Speaker. When the Speaker speaks, you listen. I take that into heavy consideration" (Hearn, The Hill, 11/15)...
(Excerpt) Read more at hotlineblog.nationaljournal.com ...
Welcome to the majority Mr. Walz.
"Even though I think it's total crap, I'll vote for it and pass it because that's what Nancy wants,"
John Murtha
See No. 20 that I just posted. Looks like Murtha got gamed...
Thanks...
And if the House members are happy with a Speaker of the House that pulls those kind of games before she even takes office...then they are a more pitiful lot that I previously thought.
Agreed. Power trumps all. Look what 12 years in the majority did to so many GOP members. *sigh*
pubs do not have the guts for that or most anything else except stealing our money.
Where is Sen. Jefferson? I want my cut of the frozen clams
unfortunately.... the won't
Republican's are too ..... to play hardball
That is Helen Thomas, circa 1918.
Swiftees, sorry that Kerry self imploded, but the good news is that Murtha might be #2 in the House.
Time to crank up your troops for fun and enjoyment for the next two years!
***I doubt that Pelosi, Reid, Murtha, Kerry, or any of the terrorist sympathizers can calm the masses should we suffer another attack due to their inept cowardly policies. I bet not.***
Of course you are correct, but do you really expect the truth from the media? If another attack comes the spin doctors will be out in full force and trying to blame it on George Bush. They will probably get away with it.
Rush endorsed Abscam Murtha today.
That should push him over the top! LOL
Update. Murtha on Hardball tonite has said he's "got the votes". See link at Drudge if you like. In any event, we'll find out tomorrow....
I am waiting for the thunderous headlines tomorrow from the MSM: "Top Dem Calls for SS Benefit Cuts, Tax Hikes."
Maria, once they redefine the meaning of "corruption", it'll be jest fine.
l-o-l!
I just watched the repeat of the Harball with Murtha.
He looks like he has had botox in his jowls....
I heard on Fox News that there was a type of "debate" that went on between he and Hoyer with the reps...and that Murtha was horrible...that is where he called Nancy Pelosi's ethics legislation 'A BUNCH OF CRAP"...LOL
Well, like you said, we will find out tomorrow.
When they take the payroll taxes off everyone making less than $30,000 a yaer and hiking up to 70% of everyone else's, it will be a called a tax cut.
He has mannerisms and speech suggesting he is quite familiar with alcohol or has been familiar in the past.
LOL...I do believe you are correct!!
Give him a red nose...and he would look like WC Fields...or Teddy Kennedy...LOL
So true! LOL
Thank you Tim Walz, you are now officially a "Nancy Boy Democrat", and we've got our 30 second attack ad quote lined up for 2008 already ... ANything Pelosi says, you follow. Gotcha.
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