[Luis Gonzalez]

What exactly is the definition of "conservative"?

Is this part of that definition?

Pat Toomey on Free Trade

Voted YES on implementing free trade agreement with Chile.

United States-Chile Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act: Vote to pass a bill that would put into effect a trade agreement between the US and Chile. The agreement would reduce tariffs and trade barriers between the US and Chile. The trade pact would decrease duties and tariffs on agricultural and textile products. It would also open markets for services. The trade pact would establish intellectual property safeguards and would call for enforcement of environmental and labor standards. Reference: Bill sponsored by DeLay, R-TX; Bill HR 2738 ; vote number 2003-436 on Jul 24, 2003

Voted NO on withdrawing from the WTO.

Vote on withdrawing Congressional approval from the agreement establishing the World Trade Organization [WTO]. Reference: Resolution sponsored by Paul, R-TX; Bill H J Res 90 ; vote number 2000-310 on Jun 21, 2000

[joanie-f]

My personal definition of a ‘conservative’ is one who (1) seeks to hold fast to the Founders’ vision of government – limited (regarding intrusion into the lives of its citizens and exhibiting fiscal responsibility) and specifically defined, (2) believes in the timelessness and necessity of adhering to Judeo/Christian moral values, (3) reveres individual liberty, (4) believes in individual responsibility and willingness to accept the consequences of one’s own (in)actions, and (5) believes that our national (physical and economic) sovereignty must be defended at all costs.

I am not familiar with the free trade agreement with Chile, so will not comment on it, except to say that the mainstream ‘Republican Party’ of which you would urge me and others to be stronger supporters apparently voted overwhelmingly for this bill as well (195 ayes, and 27 nays).

As for his voting not to withdraw from the WTO, I admit surprise at that vote, but again would not comment until I find out the reasons for his voting against it (and I intend to inquire about it). Also, again, it appears that the bulk of the GOP voted as he did (33 ayes, and 182 nays).

You can’t have it both ways, Luis. You can’t criticize him and his supporters for being on the ‘outer fringe’ of the party, and then come up with two votes (cast during three congressional terms) as an example of his supposedly not fitting the conservative mold – and yet they were votes which seemed to mirror the GOP stand on both issues (not necessarily characteristic of Toomey, but certainly not either supporting your contention that he is on the fringe of the party).

[bvw]

That is a lie. From a poster known to be a deceiver.

It is not "Pat Toomey on Free Trade": it is two votes on related issues, but that is not necessarily a good indicator or his position on Free Trade. And from you, Luis, NOTHING is to be trusted. That is your posting legacy.

[BillyBoy]

>> What exactly is the definition of "conservative"? Is this part of that definition? Pat Toomey on Free Trade Voted NO on withdrawing from the WTO. <<

Well, I disagree with Pat Toomey on that issue and I supported him ANYWAY. What does that say about Toomey supporters? I thought we were all "intolerant purists" who supposedly have a "fringe ideology" of only voting for candidates who agree with us on EVERY issue. Apperently not, eh?

You ever stop to think I'd be supporting Specter right now if he didn't vote with Daschle the MAJORITY of the time? If that's "acceptable" to you, then will you support support Brad Carson (D) for the Senate in Oklaholma? Would you support having him chair in the judiciary committee in the Senate? His "conservative" rating is EXACTLY the same as Specter's -- lifetime 42%. NO Republican could stomach Carson chairing that committee, yet you're asking people to support someone with an IDENTICAL voting record for the committee.

If you don't want a Dem Senator from PA, then you should have been promoting Toomey in the primary. Now Pennsyvanians will end up with a Democrat no matter WHO wins. Like I said, I didn't make this bed.

[Sun]

Free trade should be for free countries - Chile is a free country.

Don't ever expect a candidate to agree with you 100%. The only way for that to happen would be if that candidate is YOU!