Sen. Jim Bunning Wreaks Havoc on the Unemployed -- And His Own Republican Party

[marmar]

AlterNet / By Adele M. Stan

Sen. Jim Bunning Wreaks Havoc on the Unemployed -- And His Own Republican Party
The batty Republican isn't just a bane to the unemployed; he's taking the GOP down with him. The Dems couldn't have asked for a better friend.

March 2, 2010 |


There's a lot of things you can call Sen. Jim Bunning, R.-Ky., but you wouldn't ordinarily call him a friend to Democrats. But with his latest ploy -- one that will cause great pain to people whose unemployment benefits just expired, grind federal highway projects to a halt, and effect a fee-cut to doctors who take Medicare patients -- Bunning has written a script that could help Democrats campaigning for congressional seats in the mid-term elections.

Members of the majority party wasted no time in portraying Bunning's obstructionism as part of a grander GOP scheme that puts partisan interests ahead of the well-being of the American people, a notion that prompted one Republican senator to break ranks.

Today, Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, stepped out from the GOP pack (whose members have largely remained silent on Bunning's antics) to call for passage of the measure. Bunning's response? "I object." And that was enough to scuttle it.

"It’s important that the American people understand that there is bipartisan support for extending these vital programs," Collins told reporters. "This is not a partisan issue. It only adds to the frustration of the American people when we are unable to act on a measure that has overwhelming support."

Collins is one of few, so far, who are willing to go on record against her out-of-control colleague, despite the cost to the American people, or even their own party. ..........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.alternet.org/news/145861/sen._jim_bunning_wreaks_havoc_on_the_unemployed_--_and_his_own_republican_party

[AwakeAtLast]

1. Needs a KICK

to match the arrogance of Bunning.