Lindsay Graham Supports Kerry's Climate Change Bill

[babylonsister]

http://www.mydd.com/story/2009/10/11/13130/463

Lindsay Graham Supports Kerry's Climate Change Bill

by Nathan Empsall, Sun Oct 11, 2009 at 01:31:30 AM EST



John Kerry has done for climate change what Max Baucus was unable to do for health care: he has found bipartisan support.

Kerry and Sen. Lindsay Graham (R-SC) co-wrote an op-ed for today's New York Times in support of the Kerry-Boxer climate change bill:

We refuse to accept the argument that the United States cannot lead the world in addressing global climate change. We are also convinced that we have found both a framework for climate legislation to pass Congress and the blueprint for a clean-energy future that will revitalize our economy, protect current jobs and create new ones, safeguard our national security and reduce pollution.

Our partnership represents a fresh attempt to find consensus that adheres to our core principles and leads to both a climate change solution and energy independence. It begins now, not months from now -- with a road to 60 votes in the Senate.

It's true that we come from different parts of the country and represent different constituencies and that we supported different presidential candidates in 2008. We even have different accents. But we speak with one voice in saying that the best way to make America stronger is to work together to address an urgent crisis facing the world.

Say what you will about bipartisanship, but this is great news. With luck, John McCain and Lamar Alexander will follow suit. Climate change legislation must pass this year - this is the one issue where Jack Bauer's ticking time bomb actually exists. To pass a bill before that bomb goes off, we will need Republican votes - there is no budget reconciliation for the environment, but there are Democratic nay-saters. For every Evan Bayh, we will need a Lindsay Graham.

[karynnj]

1. In his SFRC hearings, Kerry has been working very hard to build that consensus

with hearings including businessmen, even some form energy companies and with military people. In addition, the administration early on has been working with him - starting with a huge meeting at the Kerrys' Georgetown mansion.

The other thing is - just as was said, but not done on health care, if Kerry gets 4 or 5 Republicans, it gives the Bayhs cover to vote for it. (In fact, if Bayh still has Presidential inclinations he will almost have to - if most Democrats and a sufficient number of Republicans are.

[Are_grits_groceries]

2. See what happens when you bomb the moon??

Some LUNAtics get the message.

[rurallib]

3. "tis sad that Lindsey Graham is the most sane voice in the

Greedy Old(& white) Party.