Sen. Spector (R-PA) against Telecom Immunity

[DWilliamsamh]

I just got off the phone with Senator Spector's office. A gentleman by the name of Samuel said the Senator thinks the immunity clause should be stripped out of the FISA bill. He plans on offering his own amendment to do just that. Of course he couldn't just support the Feingold/Lahey/Dodd amendment, but he is against immunity. We'll see how he votes though.

[yardwork]

1. We'll see what the good senator proposes in its place.

[MiniMe]

2. He and Feingold were speaking about it on the Senate floor about 10 minutes ago

Spector looks terrible by the way, losing his hair again.

[madokie]

3. he seems to always be against something before he votes for it

my bet is when it comes down to the nut cut'en he'll vote for immunity.

[DWilliamsamh]

7. I know he has that kind of history

Which is why I said, we'll see how he votes. But speaking against it is better than speaking in favor of immunity. And he does command a certain level of respect in the senate... even if his voice only gives cover to some more junior members, it could be a good thing.

I know Spector is no maverick, but on this he's better than Reid and the rest of the so called Democratic leadership.

[madokie]

9. well at least with one bullet I know he'll always say what I want to hear him say

but vote the other way, most times. I agree with what you said I was just making a comment about his track record

Our Dem leadership is all but none existent at the present time.

[KharmaTrain]

4. Sounds Like He Wants A Full Briefing

Sounds like another punt, but we'll see if Magic Bullet Arlen gets his leashed yanked at lunch and does his usual fold.

He is calling for a full brieifing of all Senators on the program before a vote...so far only 30 have gotten that briefing.

Rockafeller looks scared shit. He's so damn compromised in this mess...his tenure on Intel has been a disgrace.

[MiniMe]

5. Spector got up while Rockefeller was speaking (JR is for immunity)

Spector said I understand that 70 Senators will not be briefed on the program, and asks how they can grant immunity when they don't know what they are granting immunity for.

[Hydra]

6. I remember this show from before

Spector, McCain and one other repub "Standing against torture"...and then folding.

It was a nice song and dance with a disappointing ending.

[Inuca]

8. Last time around

he proposed an amendment where the government would take the place of the telecoms in the suits, as a way to nullify the argument that the telecoms will be financially destroyed by the suits. To me it seemed to make perfect sense, but I am no lawyer.

[bdamomma]

10. a thread was started earlier on this if you guys want to join us

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=3580531&mesg_id=3580531