Rep. Jefferson hardly a Democrat

[a kennedy]

....Jefferson has a horrific record of breaking with his Democratic colleagues to sell out his constituents, his country and the poorest people in the world. He may be a Democrat, but on the issues that really matter, Jefferson has served the Bush administration and Wall Street more diligently than a number of Republicans.

Jefferson's has been one of the steadiest Democratic votes for the president's foreign policy agenda. He voted to authorize Bush to use force against Iraq, consistently supports emergency "supplemental" spending to maintain the occupation of that country, and favors deployment of the "Star Wars" Strategic Defense Initiative. He voted for the USA Patriot Act when it was rushed through Congress in 2001 and was a big backer of Vice President Cheney's national energy policy. And though his record on social issues is mixed, Jefferson has on a number of occasions cast his lot with the White House and its social-conservative allies to help enact restrictions on abortion, school prayer initiatives and a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage.

But Jefferson's deepest loyalty is not to the Bush administration. Rather, it is to big business. In a Congress where there are plenty of Democrats who are friendly to the legislative agenda of corporate America, Jefferson is devoted to it.

After a key export tax break for U.S. manufacturers was identified as an illegal trade subsidy by the World Trade Organization, Jefferson and most though not all House Republicans voted to provide $140 billion in new corporate tax cuts for affected businesses. He has voted again and again for bankruptcy law "reforms" that favor the interests of banks and credit card companies over those of working families. And he is the king of the dwindling circle of free-trade Democrats.

Jefferson was the chief cheerleader of "The CAFTA 15" the group of Democrats who cast critical votes to save the Central American Free Trade Agreement after the administration was abandoned by 27 Republicans when the agreement came up for House approval in July 2005.

(edit to add more info on this guy)

http://www.madison.com/tct/opinion/column/index.php?ntid=85157&ntpid=0

[genieroze]

1. another DINO

[gatorboy]

2. As long as he has one of these (D) next to his name,

it's trouble, even if he's only a Democrat in name alone...It's time for the Democratic party to really hammer this guy. Especially after Bush showed so much interest in his case...

[TheFarseer]

3. that's what happens when money gets involved

Your votes don't make sense for your constituents or your country.

[mdmc]

4. meh

he is as good as any of the other rat worms..

[MrModerate]

5. Whatever else he may be, and . . .

Far be it from me to condemn him based solely on what's in the media, but he seems like a garden-variety crooked politician.

It's a delicate matter. He needs to be shunned, but not before there's substantial evidence of his guilt -- and that evidence needs to surface long before he goes to trial, or the "culture of corruption" theme will be hobbled in November.

Of course, if he's innocent, it'd sure help if he'd offer some sort of cogent defense of himself. Regardless of lawyer's advice, you shouldn't really damage your case by telling the truth if you're innocent.

Maybe he'll break down and weepily resign next week or so. One can hope.

[theHandpuppet]

6. Time to clean house

If we defend the corrupt who call themselves Dems then we betray the party and the principles in which we believe. GOP or Dem, when they are corrupt they need to GO!

[Bluerthanblue]

9. beg to differ on a few

key parts of your statement.-
"If we defend the corrupt who call themselves Dems then we betray the PARTY and the principles in which we believe. GOP or DEM when they are corrupt they need to GO!"

I believe, the 'party' is not something that should be given 'personhood'- I'll stand behind 'principals'- and encourage people to not back down for that which they believe in-

Corruption(principal) is not something I personally can support, or defend. BUT I don't give a fart what letter comes after their name- (party affiliation) D, R, I, S, L ..?...

If a person is found, beyond reasonable doubt, in a COURT of something other than 'public opinion', 'gossip', or god forbid the MEDIA SPINMASTERS- then I agree with you completely,(principal) they need to not only step down, but step into a confined facility where they will be given ample time to reflect upon their wrong-doing.

The media led the 'public' into the deception that this 'war' was/is based on something other than out and out lies and propaganda- The media, and the PR groups that control this nation, are the LAST people I want to rely on for credible facts, and honest conclusions. While a presumption of innocence may be a lot to ask for, the right to a trial, and to have an opportunity to present 'the other side' of the issue, is something I will defend, and stand strongly in defense of. (principal)

peace,
blu

[TomClash]

7. You know what Malcom said . . . nt

[Cha]

8. It figures..Greedy,

Greedy, Greedy. Couldn't get enough..there's never ENOUGH!