"The Referees Are Back On The Field"

The House passed a sweeping Wall Street reform bill yesterday including the formation of a Consumer Financial Protection Agency. The vote was along party lines with zero Republicans voting to reform the very sector that damn near brought this country to its knees last year. And joining the Republicans were 27 bought and paid for Democrats including Dan Boren who I would just LOVE to see tossed out on his ass this year, even if its by a Republican.

Next step of course is for it to get eviscerated in the Senate as Harry Reid "negotiates" with the bought and paid for Democrats there....

Ladies And Gentlemen, We Got Em!!!

By a count of 220 to 215 the House just passed their version of a health care reform bill. One Republican, Anh Cao of New Orleans, joined 219 Democrats to give us change we can believe in!!!

Now its on to the Senate where hopefully Lieberman and Snowe aren't allowed to hijack the bill.

Lets get it done!

Update: Here is the final vote tally. Why in the fuck is Heath Shuler even listed as a Democrat at this point?

Update II: President Obama's statement after the passage of the bill.

Tonight, in an historic vote, the House of Representatives passed a bill that would finally make real the promise of quality, affordable health care for the American people.

The Affordable Health Care for America Act is a piece of legislation that will provide stability and security for Americans who have insurance; quality affordable options for those who don't; and bring down the cost of health care for families, businesses, and the government while strengthening the financial health of Medicare. And it is legislation that is fully paid for and will reduce our long-term federal deficit.

Thanks to the hard work of the House, we are just two steps away from achieving health insurance reform in America. Now the United States Senate must follow suit and pass its version of the legislation. I am absolutely confident it will, and I look forward to signing comprehensive health insurance reform into law by the end of the year.

Two Words For You, "The Abyss"

I haven't posted much on the NY23 race mostly because I was too busy sitting over here laughing my ass off about it. This is the case study on why I predicted earlier this year that the GOP isn't headed into the wilderness, but into the abyss. This pretty much goes back to John McCain picking Sarah Palin as his VP candidate. She came to embody what a substantial part of the Republican Party thinks they should be, at least from all her rhetoric.

Proud to be stupid, inflexible, dogmatic, irrational, underqualified, and hyperbolic.

That is the "base" of the GOP now. And for them its all fine and good to lose elections as long as they ran as "conservative" a race as possible and polarized people. They don't give a shit about polls, or science, or the will of the people. All they care about is their own ideology and everybody else are the crazy ones for not subscribing to it.

Now you have what should have been an innocuous special election for a House seat in northern New York which by all accounts should have been an easy win for any Republican candidate. But you see Sarah Palin's GOP will not take yes for an answer. For them it isn't about whether or not the GOP can build their numbers back up. No, for them its about the strictest litmus test possible for the Republican candidate. When the woman who was nominated by the local GOP, Dede Scozzafava, didn't fit in that box because she held some moderate positions, the "base" of the party, you know the Tea Baggers who swear they don't care about the GOP, decided to put up their own idealogue, Doug Hoffman, who of course has no idea of what the hell the job entails.

Hoffman is quite simply a Sarah Palin clone. Proud to be ignorant of the needs of that district. Oh so proud to be an idealogue. And built up by people who don't really give a shit about NY23 but instead their own political futures. But hey why let that keep him from ruining the Republicans chances of winning a seat that has been in their possession for literally over 100 years.

I will just let the paper of record from that district, the Watertown Daily, which initially endorsed Scozzafava, take it away now.

The Watertown Daily Times initially endorsed Ms. Scozzafava as the best-qualified candidate in the race. We still think she is. However, in suspending her campaign she released her supporters' commitment to her. That left voters to choose between Mr. Owens and Mr. Hoffman.

Of the two, Bill Owens is by far the superior and only choice.

The Democratic candidate has demonstrated a willingness to listen to people about ways in which he could help the district as their representative in Washington. Mr. Owens has remained focused on the economy and job creation throughout his campaign. At the same time, he has shown an understanding of the military, a keen desire to help dairy farmers, an ability to work with labor unions and an eagerness to learn more about the vast, 11-county district that he hopes to represent.

Mr. Owens seems to approach politics and challenges with an open mind, a generous spirit and a can-do attitude. He has conducted a dignified campaign in comparison to Doug Hoffman.

Mr. Hoffman is running as an ideologue. If he carries out his pledges on earmarks, taxation, labor law reform and other inflexible positions, Northern New York will suffer. This rural district depends on the federal government for an investment in Fort Drum and its soldiers, environmental protection of our international waterway and the Adirondack Park, and the livelihood of all our dairy farmers across the district, among other support. Our representative cannot be locked into rigid promises and policies that would jeopardize these critical sectors of our economy.

For a member of Congress, there may be a time to promote reform in Washington, but there is also a time to work within a system that best serves the people you represent.

It is frightening that Mr. Hoffman is so beholden to right-wing ideologues who dismiss Northern New Yorkers as parochial when people here simply want to know how Mr. Hoffman will protect their interests in Washington.

The race has changed, but voters still face an important choice. Northern New York must send to Congress a representative who serves their interests first and foremost.

The Times endorses Bill Owens for Congress.

Now here is the rub. Should Bill Owens win on Tuesday the right wing base of the GOP will actually count this as a victory. Leave aside the fact that Scozzafava would have agreed with the GOP in Congress on probably something like 98% of issues. Better yet she probably would have voted with them 99% of the time. And we all know that ain't happening with Owens.

No for them as long as they don't have a "RINO" in office that is all that matters.

Now we Democrats have our own problems with DINOs. But the difference is we don't mind folks having a different opinion or point of view, as long as they don't obstruct their own party. The base of the GOP now wants nothing less than blind allegiance to what they claim are conservative views. Doesn't matter that their "god" Ronald Reagan had some of the worst economic ideas in our country's history. Doesn't matter that the "culture wars" of years past are now passing their party up with the younger generation. Doesn't matter that the demographics of the country are changing in such a way that their lack of minority outreach will only increase in importance going forward.

They. Don't. Care.

So if my fellow Democrats are smart we will largely just stay out of the way and let them eat their own. This one fire that doesn't need any more gasoline added. Just let the flame wars go and then sweep away the ashes when its time to count votes.

It is what it is.

State Senator Ted Deutch Is In

The following statement was released by Florida State Senator Ted Deutch announcing his candidacy for the US House of Representatives seat being vacated by Robert Wexler.

“It is with great excitement and humility that I announce my candidacy for Congress in Florida’s 19th Congressional District.

“This is a time of extraordinary challenges both at home and abroad. The economy is in crisis, with rising unemployment and skyrocketing foreclosures putting tremendous pressure on our families and seniors. Global concerns are at the forefront with U.S. troops on the ground in Afghanistan and Iraq, the threat of terrorism, Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and Israel’s essential need for security.

“Much like we face today, my father also lived in a time of extraordinary challenges. As a teenager, my father volunteered for World War II where he bravely fought at the Battle of the Bulge and won a purple heart. My father was the most patriotic man I ever met. He and my mother taught me when your nation faces challenges, you step up and you serve. It is for this reason that I am running for Congress - to continue this legacy of service and to give back to my community.

“I am running for Congress because I want to work hard every day to help solve the difficult challenges that the citizens of South Florida are currently facing. I will bring to Congress the same strong work ethic and common sense that I brought to Tallahassee. I am proud of the results that I have delivered in the Florida State Senate on education and seniors, health care, and through my successful efforts to ensure that the retirement funds of Florida’s workers do not support development of a nuclear weapons program in Iran or aid genocide in Darfur.

“My leadership and proven success as a State Senator is based on simple hard work and remembering that the people always come first. This is the same commitment that I will bring to Congress.”

Here is his website.

One Step Closer To Closing GITMO

The House did their part today to pave the way for the closing of GITMO, and the vote was even bipartisan. Now we just have to hope the Senate follows suit.

Whip It Whip It Real Hard

It would appear that progressives in the House are not going to go silently off into that good night.

Per Greg Sargent:

House Liberals Write Directly To Obama: No Public Option, No Support

In a letter delivered to the White House moments ago, the two leaders of the bloc of House progressives bluntly told President Obama that they will not support any health care plan without a public option in it — and demanded a meeting to inform him face to face.

The not-yet-released letter — the first joint statement from progressives since news emerged that Obama might not address the public option in next week’s speech — is their sharpest challenge yet to the president, given the extraordinary sensitivity of this political moment. The letter urges him to mention the public option in his speech.

“Any bill that does not provide, at a minimum, a public option built on the Medicare provider system and with reimbursement based on Mediare rates — not negotiated rates — is unacceptable,” reads the letter, which was sent over by a source. It was signed by Reps. Lynn Woolsey and Raul Grijalva, the two leaders of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

“A health reform bill without a robust public option will not achieve the health reform this country so desperately needs,” the letter continues. “We cannot vote for anything less.”

“We look forward to meeting with you regarding a robust public option in any final health reform bill and request that that meeting take place as soon as possible,” the letter says.

Just to reiterate again, President Obama campaigned on a public option, the American people support a public option, and the overwhelming majority of Democrats in Congress support a public option. Its time to deliver.

Progressives In The House Stand Up

I fear that waiting so long to take a stance has positioned progressives in the House as the obstructionists at this point but hey as they say, better late than never!

Liberal lawmakers who oppose a deal House leaders cut with centrist Blue Dog Democrats have gathered signatures from 57 lawmakers who say they won't vote for the plan.

“This agreement will result in the public, both as insurance purchasers and taxpayers, paying ever higher rates to insurance companies,” the letter says. “We simply cannot vote for such a proposal.”

If Republicans oppose the healthcare bill on the floor en masse, 57 Democrats voting “no” would defeat the bill.

The agreement between four Blue Dogs and House leaders cut $100 billion off of the price tag of the bill. Under the proposal, reimbursement rates in the government-run “public plan” would not be linked to Medicare. It would also reduce subsidies to make a government-run “public plan” more affordable.

Frog March Alert!!!

Will we finally get to see this scene play out?

From the Washington Post:

Political adviser Karl Rove and other high-ranking figures in the Bush White House played a greater role than previously understood in the firing of federal prosecutors almost three years ago, according to e-mails obtained by The Washington Post, in a scandal that led to mass Justice Department resignations and an ongoing criminal probe.

The e-mails and new interviews with key participants reflect contacts among Rove, aides in the Bush political affairs office and White House lawyers about the dismissal of three of the nine U.S. attorneys fired in 2006: New Mexico's David C. Iglesias, the focus of ire from GOP lawmakers; Missouri's Todd Graves, who had clashed with one of Rove's former clients; and Arkansas's Bud Cummins, who was pushed out to make way for a Rove protege.

The documents and interviews provide new information about efforts by political aides in the Bush White House, for example, to push a former colleague as a favored candidate for one of the U.S. attorney posts. They also reflect the intensity of efforts by lawmakers and party officials in New Mexico to unseat the top prosecutor there. Rove described himself as merely passing along complaints by senators and state party officials to White House lawyers.

The e-mails emerged as Rove finished his second day of closed-door-testimony Thursday about the firings to the House Judiciary Committee. For years, Rove and former White House counsel Harriet Miers had rejected efforts by lawmakers to obtain their testimony and their correspondence about the issue, citing executive privilege. The House of Representatives sued, igniting a court fight that was resolved this year after discussions among lawyers for former president George W. Bush and President Obama.

Man oh man if they can throw that asshole in jail I think that in and of itself will make my vote worth it last fall.

Rock Meet Hard Place

I am glad to see that we have at least a few Democrats in Congress who know how to play hardball. Hell this is pretty much diabolical.....and I love it!

So will Republican members of the House of Representatives choose the mainstream or the fringe? I'm stocking up on popcorn!

The measure Abercrombie will introduce commemorates the 50th anniversary of Hawaii’s statehood. But here’s the rub, his spokesman tells me: It describes Hawaii as Barack Obama’s birthplace.

“In the language of the resolution, there is a statement that Hawaii is the birthplace of the 44th President of the United States,” Abercrombie spokesman Dave Helfert confirms.

That confronts House GOPers with a choice: They can vote for the measure, and endorse the idea that Obama was born in Hawaii, which could earn the wrath of birthers. Or they can vote against commemorating the 50th state’s joining of our blessed Union. Or GOPers can skip the vote, but that could look nutty.

“Far be it from us to try to stir things up,” Helfert said puckishly. “The president was born there, so what are you gonna do? Not mention it?”

I am not the newest member of the Neil Ambercrombie fan club.

Update: I guess we should have saw this one coming. Michele Bachman moves to block the resolution with a parliamentary procedure. Actually I am kind of glad because I wouldn't want a voice vote on this resolution anyway. Make them put their name on it!



Update II: The resolution passed tonight with not even a single no vote. Although there were quite a few members who didn't vote at all. I am not saying that in and of itself is an issue, but I would love to know why the ones who didn't vote....didn't.

AMA Endorses House Bill!

Big news here, The American Medical Association has endorsed the House health care reform bill which includes a public option.

I think this is especially good news in light of the fact that the Villagers have been trying their damnedest to paint the House bill as being too liberal and out of the mainstream.

Now maybe somebody can give them all a big cup of shut the fuck up!

Rudy Poot Candy Ass Congressman Rodriguez

Talk about living down to the reputation of Democrats as cowards.

After all the arms had been twisted, only two four Democrats gave their leadership an unpleasant surprise at the end of the climate change vote -- and are firmly in Pelosi-Obama doghouse:

Texas Rep. Ciro Rodriguez and Rep. Alcee Hastings from Florida, according to House sources.

UPDATE: House leadership sources add two more who reportedly said "yes" and voted "no" -- Rep. Jim Costa (D-Calif.) and Solomon Ortiz (D-Tx.)

Rodriguez had told leadership that he was a likely yes -- but then cast a quick "no" vote and practically sprinted from the chamber, frustrating floor managers whose shouts of "Rodriguez!" rang through the House as the final anxious votes were cast.

At one point, New York Rep. Anthony Weiner bounced from a huddle of leadership members and began calling the rep's name, like a wayward toddler, as he scanned the Speaker's lobby and the adjacent balcony.

"He cast his no and then ran the hell out of there," said a member of the whipping team, still steaming after the vote. "We tried him at his office and they said he was gone."

Seriously, Cicero did you think hauling ass and hiding out is going to help you win reelection? Is that the kind of Representative you think your constituents want? Hell I am not really that pressed about the no vote, but at least be a man and stand up for your vote.

When he goes to pick up his check for being a member of Congress he ought to wear a mask, because he is stealing right now.

I also watched the vote live on CSPAN and right up until the last moment there were 220 votes to pass the bill. Then right as voting was about to close and after it was apparent the bill would pass, another courage challenged Democrat changed their yea vote to a nay vote.

I would just LOVE to know who that coward was.

I realize that there are a lot more seats in the House but damn, is that REALLY who we want as Democrats these days?!

Cap And Trade Climate Change Bill...

...just passed the House.

So for all you wingnut Republican Congressman who applaud climate change deniers,

SUCK. ON. THIS.

I Told You They Aren't Even Trying Anymore

Republican Minority Leader of the House of Representatives John Boehner in the New York Times:

“As I told my colleagues, we don’t have enough votes to legislate,” said Representative John A. Boehner of Ohio, the Republican leader. “We are not in the majority. We are not kind-of in the minority; we are in a hole. They ought to get the idea out of their minds that they are legislators. But what they can be is communicators.”

That should run on every attack ad including one for the NY20 seat. If the Minority Leader of the House explicitly says he has no intention of even trying to legislate what more evidence do you need that they are not working in good faith for the country?

My Home State Is Run By WingNuts

I couldn't be more embarrased to be from Tennessee right now. Seriously

All Hail Chairman Obey

If you have been like me and were tired of the House Republicans getting up and out and out lying in their chamber you will LOVE this beautiful takedown of all things wingnut by Chairman David Obey right before the House passed HR 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Enjoy!

Sneak Attack

Updated: With video

I am a little late getting to this one but I have to post about it to represent for my Tennessee Democrats. It seems that the Dems in the Tennessee House of Representatives have pulled off some what of a coup with the help of a moderate Republican. From the Nashville Post:

It is now official: There is a Republican speaker of the Tennessee State House. But his name is not Jason Mumpower.

The Tennessee House of Representatives officialy installed East Tennessee Republican Rep. Kent Williams of Carter County as the Speaker for 106th General Assembly.

Democrats pulled the old switcheroo and put Williams into office to cries of "traitor" from some members of the Republican caucus. Williams had been considered a target for a Democratic vote but had maintained all along that he would vote for a Republican. In the end, he did, voting for himself.

snip

Today's drama began when Democratic Leader Gary Odom motioned for a 30-minute recess after members were sworn in, to which Mumpower vehemently objected. As Speaker of the 105th General Assembly, Naifeh still presided and quickly gaveled for the recess.

Mumpower then called for a vote, which he lost when freshman Republican State Rep. Terry Lynn Weaver of Lancaster voted with Democrats. As the vote was made official, Republicans could be heard shouting for her to change her vote, which she did not do in time.

Republican legislators claimed after the vote that she had hit the wrong button. Nevertheless, it was an inauspicious beginning to her legislative career and the new Republican majority.

When the House came back, Mumpower was nominated by his colleagues. Then things became more tense when Naifeh recognized Republican State Rep. Glen Casada of Franklin. Casada called for nominations to cease, a motion that was seconded – all this before Democrats placed Naifeh's name in nomination.

snip

When the House came back, Mumpower was nominated by his colleagues. Then things became more tense when Naifeh recognized Republican State Rep. Glen Casada of Franklin. Casada called for nominations to cease, a motion that was seconded – all this before Democrats placed Naifeh's name in nomination.

Democrat leader Odom was outraged and called for "fair elections" and blasted Republicans for trying to close the vote before he could put forward a Democratic nominee.

snip

After a brief discussion, Mumpower withdrew his objection and then gave the floor back to Naifeh. Then came the surprise. Odom and the Democrats nominated Republican Rep. Kent Williams for the position of Speaker of the House. All of the Democrats voted together for Williams.

Now when you think about it thats some diabolical shit the Dems pulled off and definitely not the kind of move you would normally associate with liberals. But there are some other juicier details out there about this as well.

From Wonkette:

AMAZING! Acting in a clandestine pact, the 49 Democrats in Tennessee’s House shocked Nashville just one hour ago by nominating and then voting en masse for Kent Williams (a moderate Republican from Elizabethton in Carter County) for Speaker to lead the 99-member chamber. The official Republican nominee, Jason Mumpower (a wingnut from Bristol in Sullivan County) was left speechless, clutching the family bible that he had brought in preparation for taking the Speaker’s oath of office.

This is HUGE! The R’s had promised bans on gay adoption and fostering, new concealed weapons laws, new constitutional limits on abortion, new anti-immigrant legislation, and mandating the teaching of “intelligent design” in public schools. Because the Tennessee House operates under a strict committee system and the Speaker appoints all committee chairs, though, it is unclear whether Republicans will be able to get any of these measures to the floor of the House. In addition, the re-election prospects for the long-serving and widely-respected Comptroller and Treasurer (both Democrats) is now much more promising; the General Assembly votes for these constitutional offices tomorrow.

Now keep in mind that this is the first time the Republicans have had a majority in the House in Tennessee in decades. This is Blago level shit! Man all I want to know is who came up with the plan so we can send his or her ass to Washington to take Harry Reid's place. Thats some change I could believe in!


Damn I love youtube!

My Two Heros Of Today

This morning I made the unfortunate choice to watch the House of Representative debate the passing of a resolution declaring that the U.S. stands with Israel in this current conflict and condemns the actions of Hamas. It wasn't so much the resolution that got me, but the bullshit justifications brought forth by Congressmen and women from both sides of the aisle over and over and over again. I had to hear about everybody's trip to Sderot in Israel and how they had to run for cover. Not a one of these ass hats gave any indication that they had ever made it across the border to see the inhumane conditions in the Gaza Strip created by the blockade of the border crossing by Israel. It was a totally fucking disgusting portrayal of a fraud on the American people and every single Democrat that stood up for that resolution today repulsed me and seriously have me rethinking my support of our party.

Well two people stood out today and spoke truth to power on the record on the floor of the House of Representatives. Congressman Dennis Kucinich and Congressman Ron Paul both got up and spoke truth to power and for that I am acknowledging their political courage in doing so. Even though I don't agree with either one of them on every single issue I want to share what they had to say today so everyone can see what real courage looks like.

Dennis Kucinich




Ron Paul




P.S. Rep Keith Ellison was admittedly in a tight spot being the only muslim serving in Congress but the fact that he chose to vote present instead of no was truly dissappointing.