Fiscal responsibility is a progressive idea...so WHAT THE FUCK?!?

[JohnnyCougar]

So why are so few Democratic senators standing up for it?

Via Kos:

The Club for Growth blog is tracking the debate over the Coburn amendment that would cancel the Bridge to Nowhere and Don Young Way and use that $454 million for New Orleans reconstruction.

It's a pretty heated debate. Sen. Ted Stevens has threatened to resign if the amendment passes.

Honestly, there's no reason for any Democrat to vote against this amendment.

Another earlier Coburn amendment to revoke pork projects in Rhode Island, Washington State, and Nebraska, for a total of $1.5 million in savings, was rejected. Those voting for the Amendment:



George Allen (R-VA)
Richard Burr (R-NC)
Tom Coburn (R-OK)
Jim DeMint (R-SC)
John Ensign (R-NV)
Russ Feingold (D-WI)
Lindsey Graham (R-SC)
Chuck Hagel (R-NE)
Jon Kyl (R-AZ)
McCain (R-AZ)
Jeff Sessions (R-AL)
John Sununu (R-NH)
Jim Talent (R-MO)



It's embarrassing that Feingold was the only Democrat voting for it. What a great way to show the country that Democrats are the party of fiscal responsibility. Sheez...

Update: FYI, the reason senators would vote against these amendments is because if any of them pass, it puts every single pork project in their own states in danger. What Coburn has done is allowed a challenge to every single pork line item. As well as it should be. Let each project stand on its own.

Update: Roll call is over, and the amendment failed 15-82. This is becoming a gross failure by both parties and the institution of government.

Voting Yes:



Allard (R)
Allen (R)
Bayh (D)
Burr (R)
Coburn (R)
Conrad (D)
DeMint (R)
DeWine (R)
Feingold (D)
Graham (R)
Kyl (R)
Landrieu (D)
Sessions (R)
Sununu (R)
Vitter (R)



Update II: It was easier to keep tally of the meager few "yes" votes than write in the tons of senators which put the politics of personal pork above the national interest. A $223 million bridge serving 50 people was more important to these people than rebuilding storm-battered New Orleans.

Simply unconscionable. Those who voted against these amendments have zero credibility on issues of fiscal responsibility. Zero.

And by the way, Feingold is starting to look really good for '08.

Ok, I know, it's a Coburn Ammendment. Coburn is a nutcase. But this is a good ammendment. Even a broken clock is right twice a day. What I want to know is "Why the fuck aren't more Democrats voting for this?!?" This is utter bullshit, and it screws the middle class taxpayer, and robs the government treasury for programs for the poor.

Government spending is out of control under the Bush Administration, and the Democrats aren't doing anything to stop it (minus Feingold). How much longer can I support a party that does not put their vote where their mouth is? I don't know.

[JohnnyCougar]

1. Hmm...I figured this would bring about more debate.

Anyone?

[Oversea Visitor]

2. Happen to witness this on Cspan

Hope you can watch it too.
The reason on why Alaska need the bridge was put forward by the 2 senators from Alaska.

After listening to the reason I would have not support this amendment too.

1) The bridge is to spur growth. Both Senator states the reasons very clear. This was back up with years of studies.
2) They being fighting for this and this alloccation is for Alaska development.
3) To be fair the Alaskan Senator state their willingness to contribute some of their allocation if all state contribute too.
4) Their principle is why should Alaska be single out for cuts.

Please look at the Senate debate on this maybe you will then has a clearer understanding.

[JohnnyCougar]

3. The bridge is going to nowhere.

The half million dollar bridge is going to an island of 50 people. It is a Ted Stevens "bring the ridiculous government contracts home to Alaska" gimmick.

If I were you, I wouldn't listen to what the two Alaskan senators have to say about the half-billion dolars they got. Of course they are going to back it up with years of "studies."

[Hubert Flottz]

4. "Ted Stevens has threatened to resign "

Now that's what I call a step in the right direction. If more fools like him, would pack up and admit, they are about as qualified for the job as Mike Brown and go back to Hell, or where ever they came from, things would improve on the spot...

BTW...Teddy...Don't let the door hit you in your sorry @$$, on the way out!

[Starbucks Anarchist]

5. Remember Stevens practically crying if ANWR didn't pass?

An 80-something man acting like a 3-year-old. Just sad.

I also can't believe I agree with Tom Coburn on something.

[JohnnyCougar]

6. "I also can't believe I agree with Tom Coburn on something."

Tell me about it.

[JohnnyCougar]

7. If for any reason this ammendment should have been passed...

this would be one of them.

[JohnnyCougar]

8. I think I'm calling up Herb Kohl's office

and asking him why he has no spine unlike Feingold.

Fiscal responsibility was an issue the Democrats allowed the Republicans to hijack years ago. Now is a golden opportunity to take it back. Fiscal responsibility is a 50 state issue. Just like corruption and universal healthcare. If Democrats were interested in winning, they would take advantage of this.

But judging from the lack of interest in this thread, I'm guessing few else care.

I'm kicking this one last time, but that is it.