Morning Plum: Ted Cruz goes to war over deportations

Washington Post ^ | November 10 at 9:14 AM | Greg Sargent

[SoConPubbie]

President Obama has nominated Loretta Lynch, an African American woman and federal prosecutor, to the post of Attorney General. Republicans have expressed muted support for the nomination.

But now Ted Cruz wants the new GOP Senate majority to go to war against her over immigration. He and Senator Mike Lee are insisting that her confirmation vote must wait until the new GOP majority takes over, and are pushing her to reveal her stance on Obama’s expected executive action to defer the deportations of potentially millions of people. In a statement, Cruz and Lee say:

“President Obama’s Attorney General nominee deserves fair and full consideration of the United States Senate, which is precisely why she should not be confirmed in the lame duck session of Congress by senators who just lost their seats and are no longer accountable to the voters. The Attorney General is the President’s chief law enforcement officer. As such, the nominee must demonstrate full and complete commitment to the law. Loretta Lynch deserves the opportunity to demonstrate those qualities, beginning with a statement whether or not she believes the President’s executive amnesty plans are constitutional and legal.”

Roll Call’s Steven Dennis observes that this could complicate GOP efforts to improve its appeal among key voter groups that will matter more to the GOP’s chances in the 2016 elections than they did in last week’s electoral rout:

It’s…unclear yet how many Republicans would actually vote to block Lynch over the issue. A number of Republicans face potentially difficult re-election bids in 2016 in blue states. And the party would be blocking the first African American woman attorney general over immigration when party leaders have professed a desire to do more to appeal to African Americans, women and Hispanics.

[stephenjohnbanker]

Loretta Lynch IS A PERSONAL FRIEND of Holder. Lynch is being brought in to destroy evidence of Holder’s criminal conduct, and cover up what can’t be destroyed. End of story.

[duffee]

Forgot to proof read, “Senator Cruz”, as correctly presented here should have been capitalized.

[Conscience of a Conservative]

He and Senator Mike Lee are insisting that her confirmation vote must wait until the new GOP majority takes over, and are pushing her to reveal her stance on Obama’s expected executive action to defer the deportations of potentially millions of people

I like it. The only problem with this plan, though, is that Obama hasn't publicly (or even privately, to my knowledge) announced the full scope of whatever "executive action" he's planning. That gives Lynch an obvious response to Cruz/Lee's question - that she cannot comment on the proposed executive action until she knows more about what the action would entail.

[Junk Silver]

“Roll Call’s Steven Dennis observes that this could complicate GOP efforts to improve its appeal among key voter groups that will matter more to the GOP’s chances in the 2016 elections than they did in last week’s electoral rout:”

Is there anyone in the Republican party stupid enough to fall for that bullsh*t after last week? (I’m afraid the answer is an emphatic YES.)

The real story here is the Left’s brazen attempt to legalize 30 million new progressive voters while sneaking the “National Popular Vote” initiative in while no one’s looking.

[Conscience of a Conservative]

Does this idiot not realize that Republicans won without these "key" voter groups?

True, though those so-called "key" voter groups tend to be "key" groups in Presidential elections, not midterms. Midterm electorates tend to be older, whiter, and more conservative than in Presidential years.

[okie01]

That gives Lynch an obvious response to Cruz/Lee's question - that she cannot comment on the proposed executive action until she knows more about what the action would entail.

Fine. So, her confirmation hearing can wait until the executive action is taken and she reveals her response.

[Defiant]

I love how Republicans, particularly conservatives, are always portrayed by the press as angry, at war, battling and with other violent imagery when they are contesting an issue civilly in our legislative process.

[EQAndyBuzz]

“Roll Call’s Steven Dennis observes that this could complicate GOP efforts to improve its appeal among key voter groups that will matter more to the GOP’s chances in the 2016 elections than they did in last week’s electoral rout:”

It’s 2 years off and the only way this will have an impact on republican senators is if the MSM keeps this on the front page for 2 years. The day another Trayvon/Michael incident occurs, the media will be off on another story.

[Kenny Bunk]

GOP efforts to improve its appeal among key voter groups

How many more years must this delusion continue? The various odd fellows and random perverts who creep into the Democrat Big Tent cannot be allowed to run the country! If the "Republicans" (Whatever TF that is nowadays) fail in the next 60 days, The Republic will fail. Yes, it is that simple.

The GOP must have a registration drive never before seen in the country. Federal funds for various boondoggles (Highways, etc) must not go to states which refuse to clean up the voter rolls, which are a disgrace that would shame Ruanda-Burundi. And we definitely need a Constitutional Convention of the States.

We are getting within 20 years of the point at which these matters will only be resolved by CWII.

[definitelynotaliberal]

It’s brilliant, but it depends on good will. Dumbcrap has only ill will.