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Ad Wars: Oregon's Smith Seeks "Middle Ground"
2008-05-20 16:41:00 Check out our entire video library at Political Realm TV.Senate Watch: LouisianaThe NRSC is stretching a little bit in its latest attack, this time against Louisiana Democrat Mary Landrieu. Taking a page out of the 2004 presidential playbook, the web ad portrays Landrieu as a flip-flopper, citing several recent bills that Landrieu voted both for and against. Of course, it's a ridiculous charge given the nature of the Senate, but the NRSC is apparently hoping voters are stupid. The most egregious part of the video, however, is the effort to suggest Landrieu lacks leadership Louisiana voters deserve because she hasn't made an endorsement in the Democratic presidential primary. Seriously? No doubt the NRSC is disappointed that Landrieu hasn't endorsed Obama, so that they could attempt to tie her to his "bitter" comments (that ploy hasn't been so successful in recent House contests, just ask the NRCC). Senate Watch: OregonRepublican Gordon Smith is up with a new ad, "Middle Gro...
By: Political Realm
Ad Wars: Looking Down The Ballot
2008-05-14 19:31:00 Check out our entire video library at Political Realm TV. We now have 360 videos in our archives, with more than 50 subscribers!Gubernatorial Watch: MissouriHouse Republican Kenny Hulshof launched his first ad today with the release of "Blessed." It is generally an introductory spot in which Hulshof talks about his upbringing and values. Hulshof faces off against Treasurer Sarah Steelman for the right to face Democratic Attorney General Jay Nixon in November. The primary is August 5th.Senate Watch: ColoradoDemocratic Congressman Mark Udall has hit the airwaves with the release of his first ad, "Stand." In the ad, Udall talks energy, seeking independence from foreign oil and the development of green jobs.Senate Watch: MinnesotaThe American Future Fund, which has already run ads this cycle supporting Republican Norm Coleman, is up with a new web ad, "Laugh Track," that attacks Democrat Al Franken. The spot hits Franken for supporting amnesty for illegal immigrants and failing to p...
By: Political Realm
Ad Wars: Can We Ask?
2008-05-11 06:58:00 Check out our entire video library at Political Realm TV.Hillary ClintonClinton released a new ad in Oregon, "Strongest Plan," which features Joe Wilson and Valerie Plame touting Clinton's plan to end the Iraq War.The Clinton campaign also released a new web video in honor of Mother's Day that features Chelsea talking about her mother.John McCainMcCain's latest general election ad, "Accountable," is slated to run in the battleground state of Iowa. The ad focuses on the economy--creating jobs, addressing the mortgage crisis, and restructuring the tax code.Barack ObamaThe Republican Party has launched a new web site CanWeAsk.com that hits Obama for apparently avoiding votes on tough issues. The site allows voters to submit questions for Obama to answer. The accompanying web video attacks Obama for voting present on a number of issues while in the Illinois Senate, mentions his "bitter" comments, and implies he doesn't have the experience to be president.Senate Watch: KentuckyDem...
By: Political Realm
Ad Wars: McCain Courts Hispanics
2008-05-09 05:54:00 Check out our entire video library at Political Realm TV.John McCainMcCain is courting Hispanic voters with the creation of a new Spanish language campaign site and the release of a new web video. In the video, McCain touts his Arizona background--a state with a large Latino population--while focusing on the economy and job creation. McCain also released a web video featuring his mother talking about his childhood in the days before Mother's Day. Gubernatorial Watch: IndianaRepublican Governor Mitch Daniels released two new ads this week. "Change That's Working" touts Daniels' economic record during his first term--noting job creation and economic growth without raising taxes."Done More" touches on much the same issues--job creation and low taxes--while painting the incumbent as a workhorse during his first three years in office.Senate Watch: KentuckyDemocrat Bruce Lunsford trumpets endorsements from various groups in his new ad, "Support."Senate Watch: MassachusettsJim Ogonows...
By: Political Realm
Ad Wars: Down Ballot Races Heating Up
2008-05-06 02:12:00 Check out our entire video library at Political Realm TV.Gubernatorial Watch: North CarolinaDemocrat Bev Perdue talks about improving educational to open up better job opportunities, fueling the economy in her latest ad, "Jobs And Education."Republican Bill Graham portrays himself as the outsider who can change Raleigh in his new ad, "We Can Do It."Republican Pat McCrory says he's running for governor to change the politics as usual and end corruption in Raleigh in his new spot, "A Change Is Coming."Senate Watch: ColoradoAn outside group, Campaign Money Watch, is airing a new ad in Colorado noting Republican Bob Schaffer's ties to convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff.Senate Watch: GeorgiaDemocrat Josh Lanier, a Vietnam veteran and something of a long shot in the field, has produced a new web video that will please a number of left-leaners. The ad, "Boomerang," attacks Saxby Chambliss for failing to support American troops. The ad is an homage to a now infamous attack ad Chambliss use...
By: Political Realm
Senate Watch: News & Notes
2008-04-13 00:42:00 Let's take a look at the latest news from Senate races around the country. Click here for our latest Senate rankings--look for a fresh set of rankings next week. AlabamaThe latest polling continues to show Republican Senator Jeff Session (pictured) with a commanding lead in his bid for a third term. Sessions leads state Senator Vivian Figures 57%-36%. Three-fourths of the electorate hold a favorable view of the incumbent, while only 39% view Figures favorably. Figures, who isn't well known outside of her own district, doesn't appear to pose a serious threat to Sessions.AlaskaNew numbers out of Alaska confirm that Republican Senator Ted Stevens, in office since 1970, is facing the toughest challenge of his political career. Elected by landslide margins in every election since he assumed office, Stevens (pictured) holds a narrow 46%-45% lead over Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich. In trouble largely because of a federal corruption investigation, Stevens earns support from just 71% ...
By: Political Realm
Ad Wars: Clinton Takes To The Air In Indiana
2008-04-08 04:58:00 Check out our video library at Political Realm TV.Hillary ClintonThe Clinton campaign has released its first ad in Indiana, "Steel." The ad features Clinton support and Indiana Senator Evan Bayh. Bayh, also the state's former governor and a top veep prospect, talks about Clinton's record on the economy and suggests she has the experience to be commander-in-chief.The Clinton campaign has also released another new ad in North Carolina that calls for voters to submit questions on the Clinton website. Clinton aired a similar ad last week in the state.John McCainMcCain's campaign has released yet another web video in concert with McCain's biography tour. "Tolerance" calls for a respectful political discourse.Republican PartyThe RNC has produced this new web video attacking comments from Democrats Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama about withdrawing troops from Iraq. The video comes before General David Petraeus testifies before Congress about the progress in Iraq this week.The Natio...
By: Political Realm
Senate Watch: Rankings
2008-03-19 05:27:00 Our latest rankings paint a rosy picture for Democrats, who find only one of their incumbents on our list of the ten seats most likely to flip hands in 2008. After picking up six seats and winning a thin 51-49 majority in 2006, they appear poised to expand their holdings, but fall short of a filibuster-proof 60-seat advantage.1. Virginia (Open-R) [1]: As a former business executive and governor, Mark Warner (pictured) simply doesn't come across as a legislative branch kind of guy. Widely considered a potential 2008 presidential candidate before he surprisingly put such speculation to rest in October 2006, Warner does little to scuttle the notion that he has ambitions that lie beyond the Senate. A term in the Senate, which seems all but assured at this point, could help fill out the foreign policy portion of his resume for a presidential run in 2012, 2016, or beyond. At this point in 2006, however, another former governor was also prepping for an apparently easy Senate race befor...
By: Political Realm
Senate Watch: News And Notes
2008-03-01 00:27:00 Let's take a look at the latest news from Senate races around the country.AlaskaRepublican Ted Stevens (pictured), the 84 year old veteran lawmaker, officially filed for re-election last week. The move puts to rest any speculation that Stevens would step aside in light of an active FBI investigation into his ties to an oil contractor. Ordinarily elected by landslide margins, Stevens faces danger from Democrats and from within his own party in 2008. Jerry Heikes and David Cuddy, who challenged Stevens in 1996, are already in the race. Should Republicans feel Stevens' presence on the ballot endangers their chances to keep the seat, pressure could be increased for him to retire or more prominent challengers could emerge. In 2006, unpopular Republican Governor Frank Murkowski finished third to now-Governor Sarah Palin in the primary. Of course, Murkowski doesn't have the same clout that Stevens carries within the state--he's been in office since 1968, routinely brings pork spe...
By: Political Realm
Senate Watch: Rankings
2008-01-22 22:15:00 Our rankings are supersized this month, with blurbs about all 35 races across the country. Our top ten remains largely unchanged, with the open seat race in Mississippi joining the list for the first time. Mitch McConnell's race in Kentucky fell from the top ten after Democrats failed to get a top tier recruit to face the minority leader.1. Virginia (Open-R) [1]: Former Democratic Governor Mark Warner (pictured) continues to have smooth sailing on his way to the Senate. His likely opponent, former Governor Jim Gilmore, has drawn a challenge from Bob Marshall, that further complicates his chances. Gilmore should survive in a party convention, but Warner has shown no signs of slowing. Most polling gives him a lead of 15-20 points, but the Old Dominion is very much a swing state, so Warner shouldn't get too comfortable. VERDICT: Likely Democratic takeover2. New Mexico (Open-R) [3]: While Representatives Steve Pearce (pictured) and Heather Wilson duke it out in the Republican pr...
By: Political Realm
Senate Watch: News And Notes
2008-01-17 23:12:00 It's time to check in again on the Senate races that are developing around the country. We will be out with new Senate rankings tomorrow. IdahoFormer Congressman Larry LaRocco (pictured) has released his fundraising figures, bringing in $165,000 during the fourth quarter. The Democrat has $172,000 in the bank. LaRocco will likely face Republican Lt. Governor Jim Risch in the race to succeed scandal-plagued Larry Craig. For his part, Craig is continuing to give Idaho Republicans headaches. Craig recently penned an editorial claiming that he remains an effective senator for the state, despite many of his Senate colleagues avoiding him like the plague. Craig, who initially planned to resign last fall, has decided to remain in the body through the end of his term.KentuckyIraq veteran Andrew Horne will have more company in the Democratic primary this May. Businessman Greg Fischer (pictured) announced his candidacy this week via a video posted on his campaign site. Should he be w...
By: Political Realm
A bad day for al-Qaeda
2007-12-18 07:06:00 If bin-Laden and al-Qaeda really hate us because of our freedoms they had a bad day today.Democrats Delay a Vote on Immunity for Wiretaps WASHINGTON ? In a setback for the White House, Senate Democrats on Monday put off until at least next month any decision on whether to give legal protection to the phone carriers that helped with the National Security Agency?s eavesdropping program.The Bush administration had pushed for immediate passage of legislation to grant immunity to the phone companies as part of a broader expansion of the N.S.A.?s wiretapping authorities. But that will not happen now.After daylong debate in the Senate on the wiretapping issue, Senator Harry Reid of Nevada, the majority leader, announced at the end of the day that there would not be time to consider the legislation this week as he had hoped. With a dozen competing amendments on the issue and an omnibus spending bill separately awaiting consideration, Mr. Reid said he believed it would be difficult to give t...
Senate Watch: Rankings
2007-12-04 17:57:00 It's once again time to review our rankings of the 2008 Senate races. Though Democrats were disappointed by Republican Thad Cochran's decision to seek re-election in Mississippi, it has turned out that they'll get a shot at an open seat there after all. Trent Lott's decision to resign before the end of his term means another seat for Republicans to defend. Tom Udall's decision to run in New Mexico also provided a boost for Democrats this month. As things stand today, Democrats seem almost certain to gain at least two seats, a number that could easily swell to half a dozen depending on how the cards fall.1. Virginia (Open-R) [1]: Democrat Mark Warner (pictured) lost his first Senate try more than a decade ago--a surprisingly strong effort against now-retiring Republican John Warner. Since that time, however, Warner was elected governor, left office with high approval ratings that helped Democrats keep the seat in 2005, his party toppled Republican George Allen in 2006 and won...
By: Political Realm
Senate Watch: News And Notes
2007-11-13 01:57:00 Polls, polls, and more polls--nearly every competitive 2008 Senate race was polled at least once last week, so today we will focus on those numbers and what they mean going forward.ColoradoPolling gives Democratic Congressman Mark Udall a 48%-41% lead over former Republican Congressman Bob Schaffer in the battle to replace retiring Republican Senator Wayne Allard. The poll also shows that Udall is better known by Colorado voters, with just over half familiar with Schaffer. These numbers should allow Colorado Democrats to breathe a little easier after an earlier poll showed the race neck and neck.KentuckyAnother poll shows that Republican Minority Leader Mitch McConnell will face a serious re-election test in 2008. He leads potential rivals Greg Stumbo 48%-41% and Crit Luallen 49%-39%. McConnell has seen his approval rating fall as he has become the target of several Democratic groups tying him with President Bush and the Iraq War. Kentucky Democrats also had an impressive showin...
By: Political Realm
Don't Goose Step with Gordon Smith
2007-11-06 12:53:00 Crawford Caligula and the Texas Taliban have a loyal ally in Gordon Smith. His claims to be a moderate are a bold faced lie, and he should not be returned to the Senate.
By: Politics Plus
Senate Watch: News And Notes
2007-11-02 21:18:00 AlaskaAnchorage Mayor Mark Begich, whose father served in the House of Representatives, was in Washington, DC this week. Begich, widely seen as a potential challenger to Republican Senator Ted Stevens, was heavily courted by Senate Democrats, including Senators Harry Reid and Chuck Schumer. Begich has yet to commit to the race and appears to be in no hurry to do so. Alaska, typically one of the most Republican states in the country, could elect Democrats to two of its three Congressional seats next year. Stevens and Congressman Don Young, both under federal investigation, appear vulnerable. A recent poll shows Young, who took over the House seat after the death of Begich's father in 1972, trailing Democratic challenger Ethan Berkowitz.MaineRepublican Senator Susan Collins out-raised Democratic Congressman Tom Allen during the third quarter, with Collins bringing in more than $1 million to Allen's $660,000. Collins also has a cash on hand advantage, holding $3.1 million in t...
By: Political Realm
Senate Watch: Rankings
2007-11-01 20:14:00 It's once again time to review our rankings of the 2008 Senate races. The top ranked seat is the one we believe most likely to flip control to the other party. The seat's previous ranking is listed in brackets. Democrats have had an up and down month, missing out on major opportunities in Nebraska and North Carolina, while picking up new prospects in New Mexico and Kentucky.1. Virginia (Open-R) [1]: The Virginia seat remains atop our rankings this month, even as Republicans avoided a potential bitter and divisive battle for their nomination. Congressman Tom Davis announced he would not seek the seat, though he had been seen for years as John Warner's preferred successor. Davis' decision, precluded by the party's choice to hold a convention over a primary, essentially gives the Republican nomination to former Governor Jim Gilmore. Though Gilmore has won statewide before, his more conservative views make him perhaps a less potent general election candidate to oppose Democrat...
By: Political Realm
Ad Wars: Halloween Politics
2007-11-01 05:13:00 CongressThe Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee has a new web ad that goes after six potentially vulnerable Republican senators. The ad asks supporters which Republican senator facing re-election in 2008 is the scariest--Mitch McConnell, Norm Coleman, Jame Inhofe, John Sununu, Susan Collins, or Gordon Smith?The National Republican Congressional Committee has it's own new web ad attacking the tax plan proposed by Democrat Charlie Rangel in the House. The ad warns of the "mother of all tax hikes."John McCainThe McCain campaign has another new ad in New Hampshire. In "Guts," McCain suggests he is the only candidate, Democrat or Republican, who can limit spending and eliminate corruption.
By: Political Realm
Senate Watch: News And Notes
2007-10-09 23:38:00 Colorado? Congressman Mark Udall raised more than $1 million during the last quarter and has more than $3 million available for his Senate bid.? The Colorado seat, being vacated by Republican Wayne Allard, is considered one of the top pickup opportunities for Democrats in 2008. A new poll, however, shows that the race is likely to be competitive--both Udall and Republican Bob Schaffer poll in the mid-30s, with over 20% undecided. We hold firm in our belief that Udall is the favorite, though the poll confirms that any suggestions that the race would be a runaway are premature. Idaho? Republican Lt. Governor Jim Risch, the man many believed would be appointed to replace Larry Craig, has announced his intentions to run for the seat in 2008. Despite failing in his attempt to reverse a guilty plea to a sex charge this summer, Craig noted that he will serve out the remainder of his term rather than resign as he had previously suggested.Minnesota? Al Franken narrowly out-raised Republi...
By: Political Realm
Dead Fish, Gordon Smith and the Oregonian
2007-08-11 18:13:00 When the Oregonian was finally forced into reporting on the 2002 Klamath fish kill they failed to mention Gordon Smith's involvement in spite of the fact he was a key player. Well the Oregonian is at it again.Smith backs Cheney, farmers in fish-kill debate Sen. Gordon Smith argues there is no evidence a massive fish kill on the Klamath River in 2002 was caused by water diversions to farmers.Generating fresh controversy over a key Oregon environmental issue, the Republican senator also defends the role Vice President Dick Cheney played in intervening with federal officials to help farmers in the Klamath Basin. And he casts doubt on claims that the salmon die-off caused subsequent commercial fishing restrictions off the coast.The Klamath issue is flaring anew because the House Natural Resources Committee is investigating whether Cheney exerted improper political influence to override scientifically based management of the water resources.Environmentalists, who have long been at odds ...
Unreconstructed Iraq Hawks
2007-08-05 18:34:00 Frank Rich takes on the Patriots Who Love the Troops to Death. The ranks of unreconstructed Iraq hawks are thinner than they used to be. Some politicians in both parties (John Edwards, Chris Dodd, Gordon Smith) and truculent pundits (Peter Beinart, Andrew Sullivan) who cheered on the war recanted (sooner in some cases than others), learned from their errors and moved on. One particularly eloquent mea culpa can be found in today?s New York Times Magazine, where the former war supporter Michael Ignatieff acknowledges that those who ?truly showed good judgment on Iraq? might have had no more information than those who got it wrong, but did not make the mistake of confusing ?wishes for reality.?But those who remain dug in are having none of that. Some of them are busily lashing out Korff-style. Some are melting down. Some are rewriting history. Most seem more interested in saving their own reputations than the American troops they ritualistically invoke to bludgeon the wars? critics and...
The Oregonian and Gordon Smith
2007-07-22 20:16:00 It would seem that Senator Gordon Smith can't please anyone but the Oregonian. A few weeks ago we saw the Oregonian discuss the Cheney/Rove fish kill for Gordon Smith without once mentioning Gordon Smith. A week and a half later they were all over Gordon's support for an Iraq withdrawal bill that everyone knew had no chance of passage - a safe bill. This morning they are once again pushing Mr Smith's "independence".Gordon Smith's path for Iraq The Oregon Republican lights a "brush fire" in the Senate while pressuring the White House to alter its war strategy H is detractors on the far right and far left will never give him credit for it, but Sen. Gordon Smith has pushed effectively in recent days to get the Bush administration's attention on the desperate need for change in U.S. policy on Iraq.Last week the Oregon Republican also put to rest, or should have put to rest, any lingering skepticism about the sincerity of his change of heart on Iraq.Smith launched his offensive July...
Enabling Incompetence
2007-07-18 18:34:00 The National Intelligence Estimate released in part yesterday makes it clear that the Bush strategy for fighting the war on terror is a failure and that Even Bush's intelligence report says the war in Iraq is making us less safe at home. But as Harold Meyerson points out the Republicans continue to support him even risking political suicide to do so.Spineless SagesTop GOP Senators Only Talk Against the War Anyone searching for the highest forms of invertebrate life need look no further than the floor of the U.S. Senate last week and this. These spineless specimens go by various names -- Republican moderates; respected senior Republicans; Dick Lugar, John Warner, Pete Domenici, George Voinovich.They have seen the folly of our course in Iraq. The mission, they understand, cannot be accomplished. The Iraqi government, they discern, is hopelessly sectarian.In wisdom, they are paragons. In action, they are nullities.Perhaps they are simply farsighted. They have seen the problem with Nou...
A Quote of the Day Plus
2007-07-13 03:28:00 The Quote of the day and the Plus both come from Larry Sabato, Director, U.Va. Center for Politics. First the Quote of the Day: We have heard and seen more than a few Republican leaders brighten up about their 2008 prospects by saying, "2006 was the worst of it, and 2008 will have to be better." They are dreaming. Not only can 2008 be as bad as 2006 for the GOP, it can be a good deal worse. Something we've learned from studying the 220 years of our Republic's elections: the political party that is found whistling past the graveyard usually ends up six feet under.And as a bonus we have a second quote of the day from Sabato: Democrats keep looking for another John F. Kennedy and the Republicans continue to search for a second Ronald Reagan; neither party will ever find its man.The above is obviously in reference to Fred Thompson.But Larry has a lot more than quote of the day fodder. There is this on the Republicans and the legacy of George W. Bush. Naturally, everyone focuses on the...
GOP Sen. Gordon Smith calls war in Iraq ?insane?
2007-07-12 12:30:00 Anthony @ 11:25 BST David Edwards and Muriel Kane Raw Story Published: Tuesday July 10, 2007 Fox News, reporting Tuesday on the increasing number of Republicans in Congress criticizing the Iraq War, interviewed Senator Gordon Smith (R-OR), cosponsor of a resolution for withdrawal. Smith is known for a speech last December in which he stated, “I, for one, am at ...
By: Suzie-Q
Gordon is at it again
2007-07-11 03:49:00 Yes Gordon Smith is at it again. He has thrown his support to a safe Iraq withdrawal bill, one that has no chance of passage, for some good press from the Oregonian which will prove he is a moderate.Smith backs Iraq withdrawal by spring WASHINGTON -- Sen. Gordon Smith, R-Ore., will be the lead Republican co-sponsor of legislation that would withdraw most U.S. troops from Iraq by the spring of 2008.Under the proposed amendment to the Defense Department authorization bill, sponsored by Democratic Sens. Carl Levin of Michigan and Jack Reed of Rhode Island, the United States would begin withdrawing troops within 120 days. It calls for withdrawal of all troops but those involved in counterterrorism efforts by the spring.Smith voted to authorize the use of military force in Iraq in 2002 and was a public supporter of President Bush's war strategy until December, when he gave a speech calling the Iraq policy "absurd."Now the "O" to it's credit does point out that Gordon still supports sup...
But will they walk the walk?
2007-07-06 19:22:00 There are only to opinions on Iraq that aren't based on mind boggling delusion.1. It was a really bad idea from the beginning.2. It was a good idea but the incompetence of the Bush administration resulted in a catastrophic debacle that can't be reversed.In both cases we can only conclude that we must withdraw from Iraq as quickly as possible.The New York Times reports that:G.O.P. Support for Iraq Policy Erodes FurtherWASHINGTON, July 5 ? Support among Republicans for President Bush?s Iraq policy eroded further on Thursday as another senior lawmaker, Senator Pete V. Domenici of New Mexico, broke with the White House just as Congressional Democrats prepared to renew their challenge to the war.?We cannot continue asking our troops to sacrifice indefinitely while the Iraqi government is not making measurable progress,? said Mr. Domenici, a six-term senator who has been a steadfast supporter of the president.So Mr Domenici joins the growing list if Republican lawmakers who are talking ...
Where's Gordon?
2007-07-01 02:01:00 The Oregonian this morning was forced into doing an article on the Cheney/Rove fish kill in 2002. That's good, but they did it without once mentioning the name of the person for whom it was done, their golden boy Gordon Smith.Cheney and the Klamath salmon kill T he Washington Post concluded an amazingly detailed series on Vice President Dick Cheney this week with a disturbing revelation involving Oregon and California.Cheney, the paper said, played a key role in events leading to the 2002 die-off of more than 70,000 salmon in the Klamath River near the border of the two states. He reportedly did it by getting Interior Department bureaucrats to override government biologists and divert water from the river to irrigate farms, dooming the protected fish.If true, the political interference may have broken laws under the Endangered Species Act. The allegations call for a serious inquiry, and they're going to get just that in the form of a congressional hearing.Credit Rep. Darlene Hoole...
Where's The Beef? Part III
2007-06-27 22:48:00 Yesterday I asked "Where's The Beef/" in relation to comments by Sen. George Voinovich and Richard Lugar in relation to the occupation of Iraq.(here and here) "Where's The Beef"? The Bush/Cheney cabal will change nothing on their own while still in office. Neither one of them gives a damned about the Republican Party or the country. If the Republican lawmakers really want to change the course rather than stay the course they will have to do it with the only weapon they have available, the budget. The democrats can't and won't do it on their own - it's up to the Republicans to walk the walk. Will Lugar and others be willing to do that in September? Matthew Yglesias thinks it's really too late for them anyway. It's frustrating to see this level of attention given by the MSM and the Huffington Post alike to the theory that GOP Senators are taking on Bush over the war. I was writing about this yesterday and have a Guardian column out about it but we're way past the point for thi...
Dead Fish, Gordon Smith and Dick Cheney
2007-06-27 20:54:00 Over at The Left Coaster paradox give some national exposure to the story of how Karl Rove destroyed a salmon run and a fishing industry in order to get Gordon Smith re-elected in 2002. Oh, and he throws Cheney into the mix as well.UpdateI see Michelle Neumann has this covered over at BlueOregon as well.
Where's The Beef? Part II
2007-06-27 01:07:00 This morning I discussed Richard Lugar's come to Jesus moment on Iraq and expressed some doubts that it really had any significance. Well the WH must see some significance as Lugar has been invited to a secret bunker for some re-education if not water boarding. But that didn't stop Sen. George Voinovich from delivering another meatless burger.Another GOP Senator Urges Pullout Sen. George Voinovich said Tuesday the U.S. should begin pulling troops out of Iraq, joining Richard Lugar as the second Republican lawmaker in as many days to suggest President Bush's war strategy is failing.He said the Iraqi people must become more involved and "I don't think they'll get it until they know we're leaving."But where it the beef? "We must not abandon our mission, but we must begin a transition where the Iraqi government and its neighbors play a larger role in stabilizing Iraq," Voinovich wrote in a letter to Bush.Lugar and Voinovich said they were still not ready to insist on a timetable f...
Where's The Beef?
2007-06-26 18:50:00 We have already had Senators Chuck Hagel, Gordon Smith and even John Warner talk the talk when it came to Iraq but none of them have walked the walk. Well Senator Richard Lugar has become the latest to take the walk.Lugar urges Bush to change course soon in Iraq WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Republican support for President Bush's Iraq war policy suffered a significant crack Monday evening when Republican Sen. Richard Lugar of Indiana urged the president to change course in Iraq "very soon."The well-respected GOP voice on foreign affairs took to the Senate floor to urge Bush to avoid further damage to America's military readiness and long-term national security."Our course in Iraq has lost contact with our vital national security interests in the Middle East and beyond. Our continuing absorption with military activities in Iraq is limiting our diplomatic assertiveness there and elsewhere in the world," he said.Lugar, the ranking Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, also sou...
It's not easy being Gordon
2007-06-17 19:49:00 I'm sure that it was with great joy the the Gordon Smith fan club at the Oregonian put George Will's column on Gordon on the op ed page today. Yes with his political career on the line wingnut Bush sycophant, Senator Gordon Smith, has suddenly seen the light when it comes to the Bush/Cheney cabal's debacle in Mesopotamia. And alone he is, or so says Will.An Iraq Caucus of One Last month in Iraq, Sen. Gordon Smith, the Oregon Republican, had lunch with three soldiers from his state, one of whom had been working with an Iraqi officer training police cadets. That soldier told Smith that when the cadets learned that the Iraqi officer was Catholic, they stoned him. To death.As the legislative branch gropes for relevance regarding Iraq, attention is focused on Democrats. They control Congress and could end American involvement in Iraq, but -- so far -- they flinch from wielding the only power that can do that, the blunt instrument of cutting off funds. Consider, however, Smith's pligh...
Gonzales No Confidence Vote Unsuccessful
2007-06-12 09:32:00 Attorney General Alberto Gonzales leaving after a speech in Miami, Florida on June 11, 2007 at the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism conference. REUTERS/Carlos Barria Democrats in the Senate tried unsuccessfully on Monday June 11, 2007, to end debate on a resolution showing no confidence in Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and they were not able to vote on the resolution. The resolution was one line saying "that Attorney General Alberto Gonzales no longer holds the confidence of the Senate and of the American people." Democrats needed 60 votes to invoke cloture on the resolution so that they could end the Republican filibuster and bring it up for a vote on the floor but it fell 7 votes shy of the 60 they needed. A roll call vote netted 53 in favor of invoking cloture and 38 not in favor of cloture. There were 7 Republicans who broke with the administration and refused to support the attorney general who has been intensely criticized for his de...
Democrats Compromise on Iraq Timetable
2007-05-04 01:49:00 On Wednesday, congressional leaders met with President Bush to discuss a new bill for the Iraq supplemental spending after the veto of the first bill and the failed attempt to override the veto. Also on Wednesday, it was clear after the House voted 222 to 203, about 60 votes shy of the two-thirds majority needed to override the president?s veto, that a bill with a withdrawal date would not get passed by the president. The four Republicans in the House and Senate that voted for the first spending bill were Senators Chuck Hagel (R-Nebraska) and Gordon Smith (R-Oregon) and the two House members were Walter B. Jones (R-North Carolina) and Wayne T. Gilchrest (R-Maryland). Democrats agreed to take out a withdrawal date from the bill but Democratic leaders said that they must have language included that will influence the war policy. After House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-California) met at the White House she said, ?We made our position clear. He made his position clea...
Wise Words On Iraq - Sen. Gordon Smith
2006-12-15 00:53:01 US Senator Gordon Smith (R-OR) delivered a powerful speech on the floor of the Senate last week. Here are some excerpts. It is really great stuff and probably summarizes a lot about how I'm feeling these days, too. When we came to the vote on Iraq, it was an issue of great moment for me. No issue is more difficult to vote on than war and peace, because it involves the lives of our soldiers, our young men and women. It involves the expenditure of our treasure, putting on the line the prestige of our country. It is not a vote taken lightly. I have tried to be a good soldier in this Chamber. I have tried to support our President, believing at the time of the vote on the war in Iraq that we had been given good intelligence and knowing that Saddam Hussein was a menace to the world, a brutal dictator, a tyrant by any standard, and one who threatened our country in many different ways, through the financing and fomenting of terrorism. For those reasons and believing that we would find w...
By: GayPatriot
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