Dems criticize Gerlach (R-PA) vote switch on Energy Bill, and DeLay $$$

[enough]

http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/news/local/12907430.htm

This guy is my "Representative." He won very narrowly against Lois Murphy in '04. Maybe he's giving us the hook to get him off the stage in '06.


Gerlach's vote switch cited by Democrats

By Nancy Petersen
Inquirer Staff Writer


In the middle of a contentious fight over an energy bill Oct. 7, U.S. Rep. Jim Gerlach (R., Pa.) was persuaded by House Majority Leader Roy Blunt to switch his vote from no to yes, and the bill passed, 212-210.

The arm-twisting stretched a five-minute vote into a 45-minute delay before the Republican leadership was able to secure the votes for passage.

snip>

"Gerlach stood against it for 39 minutes, until Tom DeLay said, 'We need you,' " said Rep. Steny Hoyer (D., Md.), who holds the No. 2 leadership position in the House.

snip>

Records show that DeLay's political action committee, Americans for a Republican Majority, has contributed $30,000 to Gerlach's three campaigns, and that he has contributed $2,000 to DeLay's legal-defense fund. Gerlach said the money had played no role in his vote.

While none of these transactions broke any laws, Murphy said, at the very least they were "unsavory." DeLay gave up his leadership post after being indicted in Texas on charges involving campaign-financing irregularities with another one of his PACs.

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[Red Knight]

1. He's my representative too

I just sent a letter to the Reading Eagle blasting him.

I really think Lois can win the next election. I was crushed last election when she lost.

[newyawker99]

2. Hi Red Knight!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[hopein08]

3. Does anyone have a list of who switched?

My PA Rep. Phil English :puke: in line like a good lil' Repuke automaton but I don't know if he started off that way or was one of the switchers.

Thanks for any help.

Never mind...sort of...I just saw another thread that said the identity of the switchers is protected unless somebody spills the beans. But if anyone's got a theory on English, please let me know.