Reply #35: They are rare and would embarrass the Dem leadership but expose the GOP for wanting the war to go on

[EVDebs]

"The modern discharge petition requires the signature of an absolute majority of House members (218 members)...

Discharge petitions are rare. A successful discharge petition embarrasses the leadership; as such, members of the majority party are hesitant to support something that would make the Speaker and their own leaders look bad. (Naturally, the minority party will often support discharge petitions precisely to embarrass the leadership.) Furthermore, since the signers of a petition are not private, majority party members are pressured not to sign, and open themselves up to retribution from the leadership should they disobey.<7>"

Discharge Petition
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discharge_petition

BTW, Dennis Kucinich must know this too, but has, like Rep David Obey, suddenly found the courage to embarrass the Pelosi leadership

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x2014161

Godspeed, Rep Kucinich !