Ben Nelson is nowhere near being a democrat. And u can say that for a few other senators

[LovinLife]

So why are they even in the party? This health care debate should be proof that liberals need to start their own party.

[firedupdem]

1. Nelson is in the party because thats the only way he could get

elected in this red state. I can't stand him.

[polichick]

5. Do voters there believe Republicans care about them, or what? nt

[firedupdem]

6. I've only been here a year, but from what I can see....republicans

run everything. President Obama did get one electoral vote from this state, but that doesn't seem to matter much to Nelson.

[polichick]

8. My guess is many people in "red states" are voting cultural things...

...like abortion, gun rights, etc. But imo that doesn't mean Dems can't convince them that we're the party that cares about regular people.

[rucky]

2. They don't want to face a real Republican in a primary?

:shrug:

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

3. Welcome aboard.

[onenote]

4. the two party system has its flaw, but I'd rather let the repubs fracture it first

let them split into the teabaggers and the rest of the GOP and see how many seats they win. I'd rather the Democrats put up with a big tent that includes some un-progressive members than be splintered and have no chance of getting anything at all.

[madamesilverspurs]

7. Instead of a D next to his name

he should have an N -- for Neanderthal.

---

[whistler162]

9. You forgot to post your litmus test........

[Clio the Leo]

10. Because Ben helps us control this....

http://www.boston.com/ae/theater_arts/exhibitionist/gavel-1.bmp

If you are ok with McConnell et al controlling the gavel (and subsequently which legislation makes it to the floor on the Senate) then fine, kick him out.

*I*, however, am not fond of the idea.

[DavidDvorkin]

11. The "No true Scotchman" fallacy just keeps popping up on DU.

[rasputin1952]

12. I'm out here in NE, I fought hard for Nelson to be re-elected...

He said this was going to be his last term...he's going on like he's planning to run again.

I knew from the beginning that he is a "conservative" D, but the alternative was truly horrid.

We had discussed HCR during the campaign, as well as illegal immigration and a host of other topics, but I never thought he would be the one that would sabotage HCR.

One of the things about NE, many Civil War soldiers from the Union came out here to start life anew, the cemeteries are filled with their graves. These men were staunch Lincoln Republicans, and as time went by, the Republican roots grew and gathered strength. There is an "ethic" out here, "it was good enough for my grandfather, it's good enough for me!"...which is complete BS. After all, if that were true, farmers would be in the fields wit scythes instead of $500,000 combines. After 9-11, there was a distinct fear/loathing of Middle Easterners, some people actually thought that NE would be invaded by turbanned Muslims dropping from the sky...(I'm not kidding). On at least 2 occasions, shots were fired at plastic bags that were caught in the corn, the thought being there were airborne Muslims in the fields.

This is the mindset out here for many people; they vote R simply because they always have...no other rhyme or reason to it. I've had success in getting people to change their voter preferences on their Registrations. To date, 113 have changed to Independent, 34 have changed to D...all because I took the time to expalin that the GOP is not what it used to be, calmly and with facts. Now...if Nelson would realize that, he might act more like a human being.

[Peacetrain]

14. I know Nebraska, I live in Iowa... and you are so right.. they vote R out of habit

[uponit7771]

16. omg...

[tsuki]

13. Ben Nelson is an opportunist without conscience or conviction. nt

[Freddie Stubbs]

15. Your problem is with the Democratic voters of Nebraska

They have nominated him twice for Governor and twice for the United States Senate.