X-post: Smith plans to join Republicans on filibuster vote

[funflower]

5/18/2005, 12:31 a.m. PT
The Associated Press

Sen. Gordon Smith, R-Ore., says he will vote with Senate Republican leaders to end the right to unlimited debate on judges and other presidential nominees.

Smith said he had decided over the weekend that he would vote to change Senate rules that allow members to block nominees by threatening to filibuster.

"I think to do otherwise has a chilling effect not only on the meaning of elections, but as to the intellectual vigor of the judicial branch of the government," Smith said in an interview with The Oregonian on the Senate steps in Washington.

more....

http://www.oregonlive.com/newsflash/regional/index.ssf?/base/news-10/111640081086160.xml&storylist=orlocal

[bluestateguy]

1. RINO's: Their votes are availible to the leadership when they need it

Sure they vote with the Democrats when it doesn't count, but when Trent Lott and Billy Frist come knocking, the Gordon Smiths, Susan Collins and Oly Snowes are always availible if a vote is needed.

[funflower]

2. I think Gordy's a little bit beyond being just a RINO.

He just plays one occasionally in TV ads or when it really, really doesn't matter anyway. You are right that one it comes down to it, he's with the leadership.

[The Magistrate]

3. And For That Reason, Sir, They Must Be Defeated In Elections

Democrats in the Northeast and Northwest are going to have to get over the idea that "their" Republican is all right: it is essential that the "moderates" of the other side be removed from office, and replaced with reliable Democratic office-holders....

[Paul Dlugokencky]

4. Right...

so long as all votes are received and counted, it is possible.



http://www.cafepress.com/kickindemocrats

[Rowdyboy]

6. Right now ten "Blue" states have Republican governors

and 7 Republican senators come from state that "should" vote for Republicans. Until New Englanders learn that Republicans no longer have a "moderate" wing, we're stuck witht he like of Frist and McConnell as national leaders.

[Boo Boo]

5. Weasel. /nt

[annabanana]

7. I hope everyone is letting him know

that this is NOT ok... Oregon has the "blue" numbers to get him to change his mind. It's not too late.

[Blue Belle]

8. Big Freakin' Shock.

WHen I called his office you could practically hear the smirk over the phone from his staff member.

Who are we getting to run against him in '08 again??

Kitzhaber?
DeFazio?

[0rganism]

9. A caller to Hartman's KPOJ show proposed Gen. McPeak

Could be an interesting choice, and it would definitely set him up for a potential presidential bid later on if he won. Another offbeat candidate would be Deborah Coleman, former CEO of Merix.

I really don't like the idea of risking DeFazio's house seat, and I doubt that Kitzhaber is going to get back into politics. We should look for an outsider.

[wakemeupwhenitsover]

10. Ooh,

I like General McPeak.

I'm not crazy about risking DeFazio's seat either. Or DeFazio. Kitzhaber won't go back in, I agree. I thought of Vera. She could carry Portland maybe well enough not to need the rest of the state.

god know's we need someone to run against gordo puke puke

best

[anitar1]

11. This guy just has to go.

But I don't have a clue who will run against him.