Senator aiming for key post wants sit-down with GOP

Chicago Sun Times ^ | November 11 | Jesse J. Holland

[Crusher138]

Call the Viking Kitties?

Since 9-20-2004

So a baby is now a parasitic growth?

Dude, you need help.

[Republican Wildcat]

I love you throw-your-vote-away guys.

You have me mistaken for someone else. I don't throw my votes away. I'm also not a communist.

[NittanyLion]

Is Barlowmaker really Arne?

[Rocky]

"I believe Sen. Cornyn is sending a not-too-subtle message that Sen. Specter can either get with the plan or get out of town."

No, Cornyn is providing cover for Specter. Specter is, according to Cornyn, going to be a good boy now, so there is no reason to be mean to him. We Senators have to stick together, you know.

This isn't about principle, or doing what's right. It's about playing to the other Senators, being a team player, and making the big shots in the Republican Party happy. Specter is going to be an obstructionist, no matter what he promises.

He has promised to others before the election that he would obstruct Bush's appointments, and he will, because it is in keeping with his long-standing position. He will not be running for reelection in six years, so there is no leverage to make him keep his word to the conservative part of the Republican Party.

[TradicalRC]

Did you really not understand my post?

[MeekOneGOP]

Yep! The Cowardly Lion!

[reformed_democrat]

Believe me, Rocky, I'm all for getting rid of Specter. I'd love to see him off the Judiciary Committee altogether. But before that happens, I'd like to see him twist in the wind, publicly fighting for his career (sort of like Bork -- not that I'm a vengeful individual . . .).

I'm not familiar with Cornyn, and don't know what his motives here might be. I believe he is fairly new to the Senate, and was a prosecutor before being elected, so it seems he wouldn't owe Specter anything. Maybe he's toying with him, maybe he's looking to get in the papers . . . hard to say.

I'm comfortable with the knowledge that the committee votes secretly, then it goes to the entire caucus, who also has a secret ballot. Specter doen't have many friends, and I think his chickens may be coming home to roost at last.

[Rocky]

Someone on another thread the other day wrote that the committee Republicans vote in an open election, not secret ballot. And then the GOP Senators then vote by secret ballot to accept or reject the proposed chairman.

[Mark in the Old South]

Too bad. I am not living, voting or expressing myself for your approval, never have never will.

[ServesURight]

I never said that I was a rank-and-file Republican, I said that lots of rank-and-file Republicans are upset over Specter. (Thanks for linking that thread, brings back memories!)

[jmc813]

Is Barlowmaker really Arne?

I'd be willing to stake $10,000 on it. Not a doubt.