Santorum proposes rules that he breaks anyways and justifies why it's ok!

[LynneSin]

http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/news/local/14485247.htm?source=yahoodist&content=phi_news

Santorum pushes for new rules while living by old
The senator took flights sponsored by corporations while arguing against the perk.
By Carrie Budoff
Inquirer Staff Writer


Speaking from the Senate floor, U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum (R., Pa.) urged his colleagues to curtail a popular perk: private corporate-sponsored flights at bargain rates for members of Congress.

"This is clearly a subsidy," he said March 8.

Two days earlier, he had taken a BellSouth plane from a runway near his home in Leesburg, Va., (lynnesin note: the asshole is senator in PA!!) to fund-raising events in North Carolina and South Carolina. The jet ferried Santorum, two aides and Ward White, BellSouth's top Washington lobbyist.

Santorum paid $6,955 - first-class rates, as Senate rules require, but a fraction of what it costs to operate the plane.

The subsidized flight - one of two disclosed in Santorum's latest campaign finance filing - underscores how business has gone on as usual for some in Washington despite the public push to restrict lawmakers' interaction with lobbyists in the midst of the Jack Abramoff lobbying scandal. For Santorum, it magnifies the tension between his role as the Senate Republican point man on lobbying reform and his desire to use every resource for his tough reelection campaign.

When he took those flights, Santorum was pushing for changes in corporate travel rules. He proposed that members of Congress pay full market value for flights instead of the lower cost of a first-class ticket. Santorum teamed with U.S. Sens. John McCain (R., Ariz.) and Russell Feingold (D., Wis.) - both of whom have sworn off the flights.

"If I support such a proposal, I shouldn't be violating it," McCain told Roll Call in February.

Santorum, in an interview, said he did not have the "luxury" of a self-imposed ban.

"They are not running for reelection in one of the most expensive Senate races in the country," he said of McCain and Feingold.

Santorum said he shouldn't be faulted for following the law. He can advocate for changing the rules, which he will keep doing, while abiding by existing ones, he said.

"I don't see anything inconsistent about that," Santorum said. "Where does it end? I'd like to reduce the gas tax. Should I just not pay the gas tax?"

[greekspeak]

1. "I don't see anything inconsistent about that"

Puke logic. Its LEGAL to do it, so I am going to do it until it is expressly ILLEGAL (Then I will probably do it anyway) but I am going to support the legislation cause it will make me popular.


My response: this big gay atheist (who, Mr. Sanitarium, has never had sex with any animals) invites you to read 1 Corinthians 8-10. Mr. Sanitarium, you will find the gist to say that Christians (as yo are, judging by your forcing your positions on all Americans) are free to do anything, but SHOULDN'T do just anything because it HURTS other people.

[AndyA]

2. Another example of "Do as I say, not as I do" from a Repuke

Santorum's charity is also violating the law. Seems the administrative costs to run the thing are too high, and too big of a slice of the pie goes to paying them. He's spending way too much on operational costs vs. charitable costs. Of course, he has a good reason for that as well.

Last I heard, he wasn't doing so well in the polls. The good people of Pennsylvania need to make sure this snake has new career opportunities facing him ASAP!

[LynneSin]

3. Whoever wins the democratic primary needs to push these things

I appreciate that what Santorum was doing is technically legal but what better way to promote a legislation than to practice what is says.

Anyhow, Mr. Santorum - wouldn't it more cost effective if you actually were LIVING in the state where you are Senator instead of having Bell South foot the bill for your trips to Pennsylvania for campaign.

[Divernan]

4. "Fund raising events in No. & So. Carolina" w/ BELL SOUTH's top lobbyist

for a Senate race to represent PENNSYLVANIA! Of course he has to raise funds in his home area, THE SOUTH, because Pennsylvania is DAMN SICK of his hypocricy ! !

I was in Harrisburg at the state capitol yesterday & heard from Dem Staffers that an as yet unreleased poll shows that 57 percent of Pennsylvanians responded they would not vote for Santorum "under ANY circumstances". Another bit of gossip: The traditionally big GOP donors, who would give at least $25,000 to the GOP gubernatorial candidate have only given Swann $1,000, i.e., the absolute minimum they could get by with without beingtraitors by the GOP. It's probably a combination of their private racism and that they all realize Santorum is going down, and taking Swann with him, and they've thus written off Swann.

[LynneSin]

5. Swann was a dumbass move - Scranton could have beat Rendell

Bill Scranton actually came off as a moderate republican which is how TOm Ridge found success to win Governor. Swann is too much a Bush kiss-up and doesn't seem like he has a clue on how he'll run the state.

I'm seeing victory for Pennsylvania in Nov 2006

[Bunny]

6. Scranton would have been a real problem for Rendell.

I think Scranton could have easily won the governorship. Swann does not have a chance in hell of winning, IMO.

[LynneSin]

7. Well, that's what we're hoping

YOu'll get those "Stars in your eyes" voters who rarely vote but come out this time because "Gee won't it be nice to have a famous person running our state!" Look where that got California

:cry:

[Dr Fate]

8. So which Democrats are on TV calling him a liar and a hypocrite?

None?

Then so what. It may as well not have even happened.