Joe Sonka April 24th, 2008

(crossposted at B&P)

Some things are just so important, they justify blocking the will of the majority.

Making sure that employers are free to discriminate against women is one of those, according to Mitch McConnell.

And once more, McConnell has blocked popular, bipartisan legislation from a vote, as only 57 Senators favored the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act last night. Add women to the growing list of constituents that Mitch McConnell enjoys screwing over (sick kids, union workers, troops, veterans, etc….)

But don’t worry… when this guy is running the show next year, things are going to change.

• Filibuster , Mitch McConnell , Obstructionism , Women
• Comments(5)

Joe Sonka December 28th, 2007

(crossposted at BlueGrassRoots)

The Courier Journal's editorial this morning lays the righteous smack down on the Obstructionist-in-Chief, Mitch McConnell:

The Obstructer

In the press release with which he reviewed the first session of the 110th Congress (and, while using the first person plural cover, praised his own leadership of the Senate's Republican minority), Mitch McConnell made a case for historic levels of obstruction.

He said, "Again and again, we've insisted the minority be heard and, in the end, we were. We've shaped a lot of legislation this year to ensure that Republican priorities were addressed. And we're proud of it. We've also stopped a lot of things that we thought would undermine our security."

Just one day earlier, Sen. McConnell and his followers set a modern-day record for blocking action, by forcing a 62nd cloture vote. Among proposals they stopped with filibuster tactics were bills to end the occupation of Iraq, reduce the subsidies for profit-bloated oil companies and give District of Columbia citizens voting rights.

The Leader used obstructionist tactics not just to kill bills but to serve the interests of George W. Bush and their party's campaign-giver base. The Washington Post reported, "McConnell nearly brought down a major ethics and lobbying bill over GOP demands for a vote on granting the President virtual line-item veto authority. Later, he and other Republicans forced Democrats to accept tax breaks for small businesses as a condition for passing the minimum-wage bill."

Just a short while back, before Democrats took control, Sen. McConnell was outraged by procedural sandbagging. He threatened the "nuclear option" (changing the rule that allows a minority to block Senate action, unless the majority can come up with 60 votes) when Democrats would not confirm a few Bush judicial nominees.

President Bush was a full partner in this year's obstruction. He went more than six years without vetoing a bill, but once Democrats gained control of Congress he joined the McConnell wrecking crew. As of a few days ago, he had threatened to veto 86 bills and actually had vetoed six. He let a GOP Congress do his dirty work for years, but now he openly threatens to kill bills that would punish hate crimes, stop price-gouging at the gas pump and give millions more children health insurance under SCHIP.

The so-called "liberal mainstream media" has protected this obstructionism by behaving as if there's something unexceptional about Sen. McConnell's extraordinary success at throwing sand in the legislative wheels.

The final irony is that Sen. McConnell, having indulged in unprecedented levels of procedural maneuvering to stop the Democrats, has the nerve to try hanging a "Do Nothing" label on the Democratic majority.

"We can't seem to get the kind of bipartisan agreement that allows the minority to have some say," Sen. McConnell whined, presumably with a straight face, knowing full well he had conducted one of the great partisan slowdowns.

As Eric Lotke from the progressive advocacy group Campaign for America's Future said, "It's like mugging the postman and then complaining that the mail isn't delivered on time."

Not sure why they left out his 2 filibusters of the Webb Amendment to restore proper troop rotations between tours. But this is a welcome sight, nonetheless.

• Filibuster , Mitch McConnell
• Comments(6)

Joe Sonka December 27th, 2007

(crossposted at BlueGrassRoots)

Mitch McConnell's Louisville office got a little visit this afternoon by a diverse group of citizens hoping that Mitch takes up a New Year's resolution: end his rampant obstruction of popular legislation so we can move our country forward on health care and out of Iraq.

KY Kids, Veterans, Military Families, Teachers, and Seniors Call On Senator McConnell to Make a Special New Year's
Resolution: Stop Obstructing a New Direction in America

In less than a year, Obstructionist-in-Chief Mitch McConnell Broke All Time Record for Filibusters in a Two-Year Congressional Session

Will McConnell Resolve This Year to Abandon His Backwards Priorities: Enabling Billions for Endless War in Iraq, But Filibustering Better Healthcare, Wages, and Education Here at Home?

Louisville, KY – Local Kids, Veterans, Military Families, Teachers, and Seniors gathered today to call on Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to make a special 'New Year's Resolution:' to abandon his backwards priorities of enabling billions of dollars for endless war in Iraq while at the same time obstructing meaningful legislation to provide better healthcare, wages, and education here at home.  The action came in response to a dubious milestone the Obstructionist-in-Chief achieved on December 18th, 2007: shattering the all time record of Senate obstruction in a two-year Congressional session after leading the 62nd filibuster in less than a year of a major year end appropriations bill that excluded tens of billions of dollars for continued, endless war in Iraq. The previous record of 61 filibusters in a two-year term was set in 2001-2002, the last time Republicans were in the minority in the Senate.  For more information, see below for detailed list of all 62 votes and see new report "BLOCK AND BLAME" from the Institute for America's Future: http://home.ourfuture.org/assets/block-and-blame.pdf

"It's a question of priorities, and Bush's top 'yes' man had his all mixed up this year.   At every turn — from ending the war in Iraq to raising the minimum wage to allowing Medicare to negotiate cheaper prescription drug prices for Kentucky's seniors to providing healthcare for 49,000 more Kentucky kids in need — Mitch McConnell stood with President Bush and the special interests over Kentucky's troops, veterans, seniors and kids.  This New Year's, for the sake of Kentucky, Senator McConnell's old acquaintances should definitely be forgot," said US Army Reservist & Louisville resident Bill Zubaty.

"So many priorities here at home were shortchanged this year while Senator McConnell was giving this President a blank check to police an endless civil war in Iraq.  For example, for the amount spent in just one week in Iraq, 800,000 American children could get health insurance for an entire year.  What goes through Senator McConnell's mind as he's rubberstamping billions each week in Iraq the same time he's bemoaning a fraction that amount on children's healthcare, and education, and better care for our veterans and seniors?" asked Zubaty. 

"A new year is upon us, Senator McConnell.  It's a golden opportunity to clean the slate and change course.  This year, will you resolve to stop obstructing a new direction in America?  Will you resolve to bring our troops home safe from Iraq?   Will you resolve to expand the children's healthcare program for millions more kids who need it?  Will you resolve to give struggling middle class Kentucky workers a fair shake by fixing the broken system for forming unions and bargaining for better pay, benefits and retirement security?  Will you resolve to make prescription drugs more affordable for seniors by finally allowing Medicare to negotiate with the big drug companies?   Will you resolve to give our veterans returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan the care they deserve?  Most importantly – will you resolve to always put Kentucky — not your loyalty to President Bush — first?" added Zubaty.

• Filibuster , Health Care , Mitch McConnell
• Comments(3)

Joe Sonka December 19th, 2007

(crossposted at BlueGrassRoots)

Congrats Mitch. In only one year, you have managed to break the all-time record for filibusters in a Congressional session.

The cynical obstruct-and-blame strategy Will Not Work. Especially when Kentuckians get a good look at all of the positive legislation the House is passing that is being shot down in the Senate, despite approval by the majority. And let's take a look at some of this progress that Mitch is standing in the way of, from Americans United for Change:

The Senate Failed to Invoke Cloture on the Reid Amendment to the Ethics and Lobbying Bill.  Motion to invoke cloture (thus limiting debate) on the Reid, D-Nev., substitute amendment no. 3 that would overhaul congressional lobbying and ethics rules for senators and their staffs and restrict the use of and expand the definition of earmarks. It would prohibit senators and staff from accepting gifts and free meals, extend the time period before former senators can become lobbyists, prohibit lobbyist-funded travel and require trips funded by other private entities to be vetted by the Select Ethics Committee. Motion rejected 51-46: R 2-45; D 47-1; I 2-0. [Senate Vote #16, S 1, 1/17/07]

The Senate Failed to Invoke Cloture on the Minimum Wage Bill. Motion to invoke cloture (thus limiting debate) on the bill that would increase the minimum wage to $7.25 per hour over two years. Motion rejected 54-43: R 5-43; D 47-0; I 2-0. [Senate Vote #23, HR 2, 1/24/07]

The Senate Failed to Invoke Cloture on a Bill Opposing an Increase in Iraq Troop Levels. Motion to invoke cloture (thus limiting debate) on the motion to proceed to the bill that would express the sense of Congress opposing an increase in U.S. troop levels in Iraq and state that Congress should not withhold funds for U.S. forces already serving there. Motion rejected 49-47: R 2-45; D 46-1; I 1-1. [Senate Vote #44, S 470, 2/5/07]

The Senate Failed to Invoke Cloture on a Bill Disapproving of the Surge. Motion to invoke cloture (thus limiting debate) on the motion to proceed to the bill that would express the sense of Congress supporting U.S. military serving in Iraq, while disapproving of President Bush's decision to deploy more than 20,000 additional U.S. combat troops to that country. It also would require the president to submit a report to Congress every 30 days on military progress in Iraq. Motion rejected 56-34: R 7-33; D 48-0; I 1-1. [Senate Vote #51, S 574, 2/17/07]

The Senate Failed to Invoke Cloture on Cornyn Amendment to a Bill Implementing the Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission. Motion to invoke cloture (thus limiting debate) on the Cornyn, R-Texas, amendment no. 312 to the Reid, D-Nev., substitute amendment no. 275. The Cornyn amendment would criminalize the recruitment of terrorists and the financial support for families of terrorists, expand the time frame that the Homeland Security Department can detain certain illegal immigrants, allow for the deportation of suspected terrorists whose visas are revoked and increase penalties for phone calls to service members' families falsely claiming the family member has been killed. The substitute would implement remaining recommendations of the Sept. 11 commission and aviation security screening measures; and authorize more than $4 billion for rail and mass transit security, $3.1 billion for homeland security grant programs, and $3.3 billion for a new emergency grant program to improve communications among first-responders. Motion rejected 46-49: R 45-1; D 1-46; I 0-2. [Senate Vote #68, S 4, 3/9/07]

The Senate Failed to Invoke Cloture on the Intelligence Authorization Bill. Motion to invoke cloture (thus limiting debate) on the bill that would authorize classified amounts in fiscal 2007 for U.S. intelligence activities and agencies including the CIA, the National Security Agency, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and the Defense Intelligence Agency. Motion rejected 41-40: R 0-39; D 39-1; I 2-0. [Senate Vote #130, S 372, 4/16/07]

The Senate Failed to Invoke Cloture on the Intelligence Authorization Bill. Motion to invoke cloture (thus limiting debate) on the bill that would authorize classified amounts in fiscal 2007 for U.S. intelligence activities and agencies including the CIA, the National Security Agency, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and the Defense Intelligence Agency. Motion rejected 50-45: R 2-45; D 46-0; I 2-0. [Senate Vote #131, S 372, 4/17/07]

The Senate Failed to Invoke Cloture on the Prescription Drug Bill. Motion to invoke cloture (thus limiting debate) on the motion to proceed to the bill that would allow the Health and Human Services Department to negotiate with drug companies the prices of drugs covered under the Medicare Part D prescription drug program. Motion rejected 55-42: R 6-41; D 47-1; I 2-0. [Senate Vote #132, S 3, 4/18/07]

The Senate Failed to Invoke Cloture on the Warner Amendment to the Water Resources Bill. Motion to invoke cloture (thus limiting debate) on the Warner, R-Va., amendment no. 1134 that would require the president to withhold funding for military operations in Iraq if the Iraqi government fails to meet certain benchmarks. The president could waive the requirement if he submits in writing to Congress a justification for the waiver. Motion rejected 52-44: R 44-3; D 7-40; I 1-1. [Senate Vote #168, HR 1495, 5/16/07]

The Senate Failed to Invoke Cloture on the Joint Resolution Expressing a Lack of Confidence in the Attorney General. Motion to invoke cloture (thus limiting debate) on the motion to proceed to the joint resolution that would express the sense of the Senate that Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales no longer holds the confidence of the Senate and the American people. Motion rejected 53-38: R 7-37; D 45-0; I 1-1. [Senate Vote #207, S J Res 14, 6/11/07]

The Senate Failed to Invoke Cloture on the Baucus Amendment to the CLEAN Energy Act. Motion to invoke cloture (thus limiting debate) on the Baucus, D-Mont., amendment no. 1704 to the Reid substitute amendment no. 1502. The Baucus amendment would establish $32.1 billion of tax incentives for alternative energy sources while imposing taxes on the oil and gas industry. It would create $3.6 billion worth of renewable energy bonds, establish $11 billion in tax incentives for renewable energy and authorize $2.5 billion for the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act. The substitute would overhaul national energy policies including requiring the annual use of 15 billion gallons of biofuels by 2015, increasing the Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards to 35 miles per gallon by 2020 and making petroleum price gouging a federal crime in a "national energy emergency." It would also encourage carbon sequestration research, require the federal government to purchase 15 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2015 and direct the State Department to pursue strategic partnerships with major energy-consuming and energy-producing nations. Motion rejected 57-36: R 10-34; D 45-2; I 2-0. [Senate Vote #223, HR 6, 6/21/07]

The Senate Failed to Invoke Cloture on the Employee Free Choice Bill. Motion to invoke cloture (thus limiting debate) on the Reid, D-Nev., motion to proceed to the bill that would allow union organizers to bypass secret-ballot elections if they can gather a majority of eligible employees' signatures on a petition in support of union formation. Motion rejected 51-48: R 1-48; D 48-0; I 2-0. [Senate Vote #227, HR 800, 6/26/07]

The Senate Failed to Invoke Cloture on the Webb Amendment to the Defense Authorization Bill. Motion to invoke cloture (thus limiting debate) on the Webb, D-Va., amendment no. 2012 to the Levin, D-Mich., substitute amendment no. 2011. The Webb amendment would mandate minimum intervals between deployments for troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. It would require active duty forces to be guaranteed as much time at home as they served while deployed. National Guard and reservists would be guaranteed three years at home between deployments. The substitute would authorize $648.3 billion for defense programs in fiscal 2008, including $127.5 billion for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. It also would authorize $143.5 billion for operations and maintenance; $109.9 billion for procurement; $122.9 billion for military personnel and $74.7 billion for research development, testing and evaluation. Motion rejected 56-41: R 7-40; D 48-0; I 1-1. [Senate Vote #241, HR 1585, 7/11/07]

The Senate Failed to Invoke Cloture on the Levin Amendment to the Defense Authorization Bill. Motion to invoke cloture (thus limiting debate) on the Levin, D-Mich., amendment no. 2087 to the Levin substitute amendment no. 2011. The Levin amendment would mandate a drawdown and redeployment of U.S. forces in Iraq, with certain exceptions, by the end of April 2008. Redeployment would begin within 120 days of enactment. Troop activity in Iraq would be limited to protecting U.S. personnel, training Iraqi security forces and conducting counterterrorism operations against al Qaeda and other international terrorist organizations. The substitute would authorize $648.3 billion for defense programs in fiscal 2008, including $127.5 billion for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. It also would authorize $143.5 billion for operations and maintenance; $109.9 billion for procurement; $122.9 billion for military personnel and $74.7 billion for research development, testing and evaluation. Motion rejected 52-47: R 4-45; D 47-1; I 1-1. [Senate Vote #252, HR 1585, 7/18/07]

The Senate Failed to Invoke Cloture on the D.C. Voting Rights Bill. Motion to invoke cloture (thus limiting debate) on the Reid, D-Nev., motion to proceed to the bill that would increase the membership of the House of Representatives to 437, by granting a seat to the District of Columbia and an additional seat to Utah. Motion rejected 57-42: R 8-41; D 47-1; I 2-0. [Senate Vote #339, S 1257, 9/18/07]

The Senate Failed to Invoke Cloture on the Specter Amendment (Habeas Corpus Rights) to the Defense Authorization Bill. Motion to invoke cloture (thus limiting debate) on the Specter, R-Pa., amendment no. 2022 to the Levin, D-Mich., substitute amendment no. 2011. The Specter amendment would restore habeas corpus rights to enemy combatants under U.S. detention, as well as those awaiting military reviews that will determine their legal status. The substitute would authorize $648.3 billion for defense programs in fiscal 2008, including $127.5 billion for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. It also would authorize $143.5 billion for operations and maintenance; $109.9 billion for procurement; $122.9 billion for military personnel and $74.7 billion for research development, testing and evaluation. Motion rejected 56-43: R 6-42; D 49-0; I 1-1. [Senate Vote #340, HR 1585, 9/19/07]

The Senate Failed to Invoke Cloture on the DREAM Act.  Motion to invoke cloture (thus limiting debate) on the Reid, D-Nev., motion to proceed to the bill that would allow children of illegal immigrants who entered the United States before age 16 and who have lived here at least five years to gain conditional legal status and eventual citizenship if they attend college or join the military for at least two years. Motion rejected 52-44: R 12-36; D 38-8; I 2-0. [Senate Vote #394, S 2205, 10/24/07]

The Senate Failed to Invoke Cloture on the Iraq Supplemental Calling for a Gradual Drawdown of Forces. Motion to invoke cloture (thus limiting debate) on the Reid, D-Nev., motion to proceed to the bill that would appropriate $50 billion in emergency supplemental funds for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan for fiscal 2008. The bill would require troops to begin withdrawing from Iraq within 30 days of enactment, with a goal of withdrawing most troops by Dec. 15, 2008. Motion rejected 53-45: R 4-43; D 48-1; I 1-1. [Senate Vote #411, HR 4156, 11/16/07]

The Senate Failed to Invoke Cloture on the Farm Bill. Motion to invoke cloture (thus limiting debate) on the Harkin, D-Iowa, substitute amendment no. 3500 that would authorize $286 billion from fiscal 2008-2012 for federal farm, nutrition assistance, rural development and agricultural trade programs. It would create a new optional subsidy called the Average Crop Revenue program, which would tie payments to state-based farm revenue figures. Farmers making more than $750,000 a year in adjusted gross income would not be able to collect subsidies in 2010 and subsequent crop years. Motion rejected 55-42: R 4-42; D 49-0; I 2-0. [Senate Vote #412, HR 2419, 11/16/07]

The Senate Failed to Invoke Cloture on the AMT Patch. Motion to invoke cloture (thus limiting debate) on the Reid, D-Nev., motion to proceed to the bill that would provide a one-year adjustment to exempt an additional 21 million taxpayers from paying the alternative minimum tax on income from 2007. To offset the cost of the measure, the bill includes provisions intended to raise revenue, such as taxing the carried interest of private equity managers, venture capitalists and some real estate investors at up to 35 percent instead of the current 15 percent. Motion rejected 46-48: R 0-47; D 44-1; I 2-0.  [Senate Vote #414, HR 3996, 12/6/07]

The Senate Failed to Invoke Cloture on the Energy Bill. Motion to invoke cloture (thus limiting debate) on the Reid, D-Nev., motion to concur in the House amendments to the Senate amendments to the bill that would require new corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards of 35 miles per gallon for cars and light trucks, and require 36 billion gallons of biofuels to be blended with gasoline by 2022. It would require electric utilities to produce at least 15 percent of their electricity from renewable energy sources by 2020 and direct the Energy Department to set new energy efficiency standards. It also includes a $21.5 billion package of tax incentives that would be offset in part by eliminating or reducing $13 billion in subsidies for major oil and gas companies. Motion rejected 53-42: R 5-39; D 46-3; I 2-0. [Senate Vote #416, HR 6, 12/7/07]

The Senate Failed to Invoke Cloture on the Energy Bill, again. Motion to invoke cloture (thus limiting debate) on the Reid, D-Nev., motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment with an amendment that would require new corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards of 35 miles per gallon for cars and light trucks, and require 36 billion gallons of biofuels to be blended with gasoline by 2022. It also would direct the Energy Department to set new energy efficiency standards. The Senate amendment would drop a provision that would have required utilities to produce 15 percent of their electricity from alternative sources by 2020. The amendment also includes a $21.8 billion package of tax incentives that would be offset in part by eliminating or reducing $13 billion in subsidies for major oil and gas companies. Motion rejected 59-40: R 9-39; D 48-1; I 2-0. [Senate Vote #425, HR 6, 12/13/07]

• Filibuster , Mitch McConnell
• Comments(5)

Joe Sonka December 16th, 2007

(crossposted at BlueGrassRoots)

Mitch McConnell loves to filibuster popular, bipartisan legislation.

I mean, really loves it. It’s already been well documented that the Senate minority leader is on pace to destroy the all-time record in the number of filibusters.

But let’s just keep in mind how Mitch McConnell felt about filibusters 2 short years ago.

”Senator McConnell always has and continues to fully support the use of what has become known as the ‘constitutional’ option in order to restore the norms and traditions of the Senate with respect to judicial nominations,” (McConnell’s adviser) said.

That, of course, would be the “nuclear option”.

So Mitch goes from eliminating the filibuster, to making a record-breaking number of filibusters using them as often as possible.

No shame.

And do want see just how common the filibuster has become under Mitch McConnell? From the NYT:

In fact, the Senate Republicans are so accustomed to blocking measures that when the Democrats finally agreed last week to their demands on a bill to repair the alternative minimum tax, the Republicans still objected, briefly blocking the version of the bill that they wanted before scrambling to approve it later.

For Mitch & Co., it’s now a knee-jerk reaction.

• Filibuster , Mitch McConnell
• Comments(1)

Joe Sonka December 10th, 2007

(crossposted at BlueGrassRoots and DailyKos)

In light of Mitch McConnell's despicable comments last week about our military deaths, its worth noting this story from the LA Times last Friday on how Republicans are hemorrhaging support from the military. Check out these numbers from the Bloomberg/LA Times poll conducted Nov. 30th to Dec. 3rd of active military, veterans and their family:

Was it worth going to war in Iraq?- only 36% yes, 57% no (was 64% yes in 2004)

Should we withdraw our troops now or within the next year? Or should we stay as long as it takes?- 58% withdraw, 35% stay

Do you approve of the way that Bush is handling the needs of active duty troops, veterans and military families?- 35% approve, 53% disapprove

What party do you trust to do a better job of handling issues relating to military families?- 39% Democrats, 35% Republicans

And military families in KY are quite aware of the fact that Mitch McConnell has rubber-stamped Bush's failed policies every step of the way. And let us not forget, it was Mitch McConnell that TWICE filibustered Sen Jim Webb's amendments to restore proper troop rotation and rest between tours, which both had broad bipartisan support and 58 votes. I noted back in July the LHL story on the shift in attitudes towards Bush/McConnell/Iraq in Ft. Campbell, where the strain on military families has reached the breaking point.  

A few days after the Sept. 11 attacks, Bo Ward put these words on the sign at his 12-chair barbershop near the main gate at Fort Campbell: "President Bush, show no mercy. Kick their ass!"

But almost six years later, and after more than four years of war in Iraq, Ward's no longer so sure.

"Soldiers are tired; wives are tired; families are getting worn down," Ward said. "I know these boys can't just pick up and come home from Iraq, but we need some kind of exit plan."

**************

Kentucky has given heavily to the war effort. Fort Campbell's latest round of deployments will push to 23,000 the number of soldiers from the post serving in the Middle East conflict.

At Fort Campbell, the place Gen. David Petraeus, the top U.S. military commander in Iraq, once called home, feelings about ongoing efforts in the Middle East and Republican leadership during the war are mixed.

On any given weekday, Ward's barbershop, the fort's largest, is a place where privates and senior officers sit side by side waiting for a trim. Ward chats with these soldiers as he snips away. And he says he thinks many of them now would be happy to see Washington set a date for leaving Iraq.

"Right now, you've got first sergeants and sergeant majors and E-7s and E-8s that are getting out of the army right and left," Ward said. "They're saying 'I've been deployed three times, I'm pressing my luck, I'm not going to give up my life and my family for something where there's no end to it.'"

Karla Tucker works at a furniture store just down the street where many military families shop. She also says that many soldiers, exhausted by repeated deployments, are deciding not to "re-up" as their enlistments end.

"These young men and women are coming back with all kinds of problems; some of them are on anti-depressants; their marriages are in trouble," Tucker said. "There are families right and left that are deciding not to hang around; they're leaving here and going home. I personally have not heard anyone say they're going to re-enlist. It's sad."

It is sad, and this war's tragedy goes far beyond even the high number of deaths and serious injuries. The effects of the war have taken a deep psychological toll on many soldiers returning, breaking up families and even leading to a 26-year high in the suicide rate among the Army's active duty.  Below is the video of Lt. Col. Andrew Horne on MSNBC, explaining the strain on families from the extended tours that Mitch McConnell filibustered in order to maintain.

Military families know the role that Mitch McConnell has played in being Bush's lapdog in respects to Iraq, and what once helped him will now be an anchor around his neck as they turn on Bush. Just look at McConnell's recent poll numbers among those in Western KY (where Ft. Campbell is located). In just 2 months, McConnell's approval/disapproval rating went from 66/23% to 49/36%. Western KY is usually where Mitch pulls in his biggest amount of support, but if a candidate is able to significantly cut into this, Mitch could seriously be in trouble next year.

As I mentioned back in July:

Meanwhile, Marine vet Jim Webb shows how you deal with a repetitive talking point regurgitator and Bush enabler on Meet the Press.

Can you imagine Mitch McConnell having to debate a tough Marine veteran like this in his Senate race next year? Someone that actually has a distinguished military record and can speak for the veterans and their families that have paid such a heavy price for their sacrifice to their country in Iraq?

Perhaps we can make that happen, eh?

Perhaps we can, indeed.

• 2008 KY U.S. Senate Race , Andrew Horne , Filibuster , GOP , Iraq War , Jim Webb , Mitch McConnell , Opinion Polls , Republican Party Decline
• Comments(1)

Joe Sonka December 4th, 2007

(crossposted at BlueGrassRoots and DailyKos, go recommend it!)

Mitch McConnell is currently employing the most cynical and selfish of tactics within the Senate. Mitch finds himself faced with a minority in the House and Senate, where much progressive legislation has passed in the House and been supported by 50+% in the Senate.

But this would certainly make Democrats look good, as they promised to raise the minimum wage, expand health care and shift course in Iraq. And they have had the votes to pass such legislation.

So what's Mitch McConnell's strategy? Block everything. Filibuster everything. And then, accuse Democrats as being a "do-nothing" Congress. Then, hope that the American people are stupid enough not to realize that it is the Republicans that are blocking legislation from passing. The strategy was laid out in public by Trent Lott when he said, "The strategy of being obstructionist can work or fail … and so far it’s working for us." Working for the American people is a far different matter.

And these filibusters have come at a record-shattering pace. In July, the 110th Senate was already on pace to almost triple the record number of filibusters, as you can see in this handy little graphic: (and an incredibly thorough run down here)

And they're still on pace to shatter this record. From the New York Times, we learn that Mitch and his Republican buddies continue to obstruct on an unprecedented level:

So far in this first year of the 110th Congress, there have been 72 motions to stop filibusters, most on the Iraq war but also on routine issues like reauthorizing Amtrak funding. There were 68 such motions in the full two years of the previous Congress, 53 in 1987-88 and 23 in 1977-78. In 1967-68, there were 5 such votes, one of them on a plan to amend cloture itself, which failed.

For policy making, this is the legislative equivalent of gum on a shoe.

It has produced a numbing cycle of Washington futility: House Democrats pass a bill, but Senate Democrats, facing a filibuster by the Republican minority, fail to get the 60 votes needed to end debate. Little wonder that approval ratings of Congress stink these days.

But is this strategy working for McConnell? Are the American people duped by this obstruct and blame strategy?

While it is true that Congress' approvals are abysmal, a look at the numbers shows that Americans are not blaming the Democrats at this point. A recent USA Today/Gallup showed that 54% have a favorable view of Democrats, 37% unfavorable. The Republicans? 40% approve, 50% disapprove. And a recent Washington Post/ABC polled showed similar numbers as the Democrats had a 51% favorable rating to the Republicans 39%.

Want further proof that this cynical strategy is not working? Take a look at Mitch McConnell's plummeting approval ratings, which are an all-time low of 44/47%. Furthermore, his numbers among moderates and Independents in KY are particularly god-awful and continuing a steep downward spiral. People are sick of McConnell's allegiance to Bush and his corrupt party.

But Mitch and his Republican friends in the Senate are going to stick by this strategy: 1.) Block every piece of popular legislation which will help our country move forward. 2.) Blame Democrats for nothing passing and "doing nothing". Forget the negative consequences of blocking such important legislation, just think about driving down Democrats' approvals by dishonestly blaming them.

Too bad for them, people aren't getting fooled and Republicans will have no shelter when the great Democratic tidal wave of 2008 hits. 

Especially the "Grim Reaper" of the Senate. 

• 2008 KY U.S. Senate Race , Filibuster , Iraq War , Mitch McConnell , Republican Party Decline , Senate Minority Leader , U.S. Senate
• Comments(3)

Joe Sonka November 28th, 2007

(crossposted at BlueGrassRoots)

The audio of Mitch’s “Grim Reaper” speech to the Federalist Society, which I refered to here, is now up at Page One.

As Jake says, the campaign material just writes itself.

DSCC commercial coming in 5…4…3…2…

• Filibuster , Mitch McConnell
• Comments(1)

Joe Sonka August 17th, 2007

(crossposted at BlueGrassRoots)

Lt. Col. Andrew Horne was on MSNBC last night, speaking about the 26-year high in suicides rates among soldiers. It is an absolute tragedy the way our government has treated our soldiers, those willing to give their lives in order to protect our country. From a government that started the war on political calculation and deception, to the abysmal planning and comprehension of the type of warfare our troops would be faced with, to the stubbornness of our president and Congress to admit their errors and set up an exit strategy, to the continual deployment of soldiers for their FOURTH tour of duty already. They deserved better.

And Mitch McConnell has been there rubber-stamping Bush’s folly the entire way. Filibustering timetables, and even worse, filibustering the Webb Amendment to give our troops the proper rest and rotation between tours of duty that they deserve. This is what is causing so much strain on our troops. They are continually torn away from their families in order to be thrown into the middle of a religious civil war in intense and confusing urban warfare. The stress this has caused is just staggering. Last year 99 active duty soldiers in the Army killed themselves and over 900 tried to kill themselves.

But Mitch McConnell would rather filibuster legislation to restore proper troop rotation. Sick.

And once again, it’s great to see a prominent KY public figure standing up for our troops. Kudos to Horne. I really wish he would have some more help from our public officials.

• 2008 KY U.S. Senate Race , Andrew Horne , Filibuster , George W. Bush , Iraq War , Mitch McConnell , TV Interviews , VoteVets , War
• Comments(3)

Joe Sonka July 23rd, 2007

(crossposted at BlueGrassRoots)

Here’s a quote from Bullshit Mitch: (h/t Carpetbagger)

“I think we do agree this is the last chance for the Iraqis to get it right. But we ought to give one of our finest, if not our very finest, general a chance to see if he can succeed in the next few months.”

Oh, btw, he made this quote exactly six months ago today.

And Kentuckians continue to be fed this nonsense from Itchy Eye Mitch, as he blocks any adjustment to Bush’s failed Iraq policy and also Webb’s effort to give our troops the proper rest and rotation between tours that they need. I’m sure Mitch thinks he’s being clever with this little run-out-the-clock/ move back the goalposts/ filibuster game, but I assure you, this will come back to bite him.

• 2008 KY U.S. Senate Race , Filibuster , Iraq War , Mitch McConnell , Senate Minority Leader
• Comments(2)

Matt Gunterman July 18th, 2007

Lt. Col. Andrew Horne, who is a potential Democratic opponent to obstructionist and Bush-enabler Senator Mitch McConnell, was a strong presence in yesterday evening’s public events leading up to the U.S. Senate showdown that saw Republicans protecting President George W. Bush over our troops.

• 2008 KY U.S. Senate Race , Andrew Horne , Filibuster , Iraq War , Mitch McConnell
• Comments(5)

Matt Gunterman July 18th, 2007

Let’s digest some headlines from the fallout of Senator Mitch McConnell’s obstructionism of the Levin-Reed amendment and see how this episode will intensify among the American public the theme that Republicans are more concerned about protecting President George W. Bush over our troops.

Also, unfortunately for Republicans, the Democrats WILL NOT need 60 percent of the vote in November 2008 to cream the GOP. So, while procedural games may be fun for Mitch McConnell to play, real life works on simple majorities.

ABC News (12.56pmm | Link ): “Republicans Block Effort to Remove Troops”

CBS News (1.02pm | Link ): “All-Night Iraq Debate Leads To Same Result: Republicans Continue Filibuster Of Democratic-Led Legislation On U.S. Troop Withdrawal”

NBC News (1.03pm | Link ): “GOP scuttles Iraq plan: Senate Republicans defeat troop withdrawal proposal in all-night showdown”

CNN News (1.04pm | Link ): “Senate Republicans scuttle Iraq pullout plan”

Fox News (1.05pm | Link ): “Vote Scuttles Pullout Bill: Democrats’ sleepy Senate Iraq vote shot down”

So, other than the GOP propaganda network over at Fox News, the onus is on the Republicans. The American people will be hearing all day today from all mainstream media sources, which Fox News is not, that the Democrats are trying to bring about the change that two-thirds of the American people desire, but that Republicans, led by Mitch McConnell, are blocking that change to protect the President over the troops.

• Filibuster , Iraq War , Mitch McConnell
• Comments(1)

Matt Gunterman July 17th, 2007

I predict that the Republican filibuster that’s going to happen tonight — all night tonight — is going to be recorded as the event that really sent Senator Mitch McConnell’s thus-far unspectacular stint as Senate Minority Leader over into the abyss of utter disaster.

What goes on tonight is a spectacle that the nation is going to talk about because it’s something that’s not happened often. It’s a politically sublime moment. There’s drama in it, and the Republicans are going to be front-and-center making a choice in front of the nation:

Republicans, are you going to protect President George W. Bush or the troops?

I know Mitch McConnell’s will choose George W. Bush. He has every time before, and he will again.

Here’s what Majority Leader Harry Reid had to say today about Mitch McConnell and his diabolical obstructionism:

Senator Mitch McConnell
Republican Leader
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator McConnell:

There are no more solemn decisions facing members of Congress than the conduct of war and the placing of our troops in harm’s way. As you know, more than 3,600 brave Americans have lost their lives and more than $400 billion has been expended on the war in Iraq, which has now moved into its fifth year with no end in sight. Yet Senate Republicans have chosen to prevent honest debate and action on legislation to provide an Iraq strategy that would allow us to responsibly redeploy our troops and refocus our attention on the very real threat posed by Al Qaeda. This is partisan obstruction that I fear will make us less, not more, secure and I urge you to reconsider your course.

Today’s headlines confirm the importance of allowing the Senate to consider amendments to change course in Iraq and refocus our resources so we can more effectively wage the war on terror. These news reports indicate the violence in northern Iraq has escalated at the same time the Director of National Intelligence released a new assessment that al Qaeda has “regenerated key elements of its Homeland attack capability.” As long as our troops are mired in policing an Iraqi civil war, they cannot focus on the enemy that attacked this nation nearly six years ago; an enemy that has regrettably regenerated its attack capacity since 9/11.

Furthermore, contrary to your previous assertions, there is a long bipartisan tradition of allowing Senators to offer defense-related amendments on the Defense Authorization bill without the obstruction Senate Republicans are employing today. The record also clearly shows that both Senate Democrats and Republicans have recently foregone the opportunity to block action on important Iraq-related provisions. For example, just last year, the Senate voted up or down on two Iraq-related amendments on the Defense Authorization bill. Additionally, Senate Democrats did not place a 60-vote hurdle in front of a Republican amendment to strike Iraq policy language in the Iraq Supplemental Spending bill. Nor did votes on final passage of the Iraq supplemental require sixty votes.

Therefore, I renew the proposal I offered to you yesterday to permit the Senate to act on a series of amendments pertaining to Iraq. Under my proposal, the Senate would hold up or down votes on the bipartisan amendments offered by (1) Senators Levin and Reed, (2) Lugar and Warner, (3) Salazar and Alexander, and (4) Nelson and Collins. There may well be other amendments that Republican and Democratic Senators wish to offer related to Iraq, and I would be willing to work with you to ensure these amendments also receive up or down votes.

For the sake of our troops and the American people, I hope you reconsider your decision to obstruct Senate action on critical amendments that could change course the course of the war in Iraq.

Sincerely,

Harry Reid
U.S. Senate

• Filibuster , Harry Reid , Iraq War , Mitch McConnell , U.S. Senate
• Comments(2)

Matt Gunterman July 17th, 2007

The national progressive blogosphere is all over this story, but I thought I’d highlight the coverage of Think Progress

[FYI: the new caption for the photo is my doing.].

Nuclear Option Conservatives Embrace Permanent Filibuster For A Permanent Occupation

Tonight, Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) will keep the Senate “working through the night” in an effort to force conservatives to stand and filibuster the Levin/Reed plan for the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq.

The same conservatives filibustering tonight were singing a different tune two years ago. When Democrats held up the confirmation of a few of President Bush’s right-wing judicial nominees, conservatives repeatedly complained of “obstructionism.”

Senate conservatives had threatened to deploy the “nuclear option,” which would have eliminated the traditional Senate practice of filibustering.

Sen. Trent Lott (R-MS): “[Filibustering] is wrong. It’s not supportable under the Constitution. And if they insist on persisting with these filibusters, I’m perfectly prepared to blow the place up.”

Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) spokesman: “Senator McConnell always has and continues to fully support the use of what has become known as the ‘[nuclear]’ option in order to restore the norms and traditions of the Senate.”

Today, however, these conservatives are proposing the exact opposite of the nuclear option — a permanent filibuster. The Washington Post reports today that McConnell has requested that all Iraq amendments meet a 60 vote threshold, an effort designed to quietly block withdrawal legislation from ever passing the Senate:

Minority Leader Mitch McConnell responded to Reid with a counteroffer: an automatic 60-vote threshold for all key Iraq amendments, eliminating the time-consuming process of clearing procedural hurdles. … [A]ll the controversial war-related votes held since Democrats took control of the Senate in January have required 60 “yeas” to pass.

“It’s a shame that we find ourselves in the position that we’re in,” McConnell said. “It produces a level of animosity and unity on the minority side that makes it more difficult for the majority to pass important legislation.”

Conservatives who decried obstructionism when advocating for an up-or-down vote on Bush’s right-wing judicial nominees today stand in the way of an up-or-down vote on withdrawing troops from Iraq.

• Filibuster , Iraq War , Mitch McConnell
• Comments(3)

Joe Sonka July 15th, 2007

(Crossposted at BlueGrassRoots)

This morning the Lexington Herald-Leader ran a story about the immense strain that the Iraq War has had on the Ft. Campbell community. Once an area of uniform support for Bush and McConnell, military families are now beginning to question the nonsensical policies of Bush/McConnell. The 101st Airborne is now preparing for its 3rd deployment to Iraq, a rather remarkable fact, considering the war has only lasted a little over 4 years. And now these military families, that have sacrificed so much, have their Senator, Mitch McConnell, voting against and organize the filibuster of the Webb amendment, which would finally give our soldiers the proper rest and rotation they deserve before they are sent to Iraq. Scores of wounded soldiers all around the country, including Ft. Campbell, are getting injured in Iraq, coming home, and then finding out that they’re going right back to Iraq. It’s shameful what Mitch McConnell is doing, and the Ft. Campbell community is beginning to speak up against it. From the article:

A few days after the Sept. 11 attacks, Bo Ward put these words on the sign at his 12-chair barbershop near the main gate at Fort Campbell: "President Bush, show no mercy. Kick their ass!"

But almost six years later, and after more than four years of war in Iraq, Ward’s no longer so sure.

"Soldiers are tired; wives are tired; families are getting worn down," Ward said. "I know these boys can’t just pick up and come home from Iraq, but we need some kind of exit plan."

U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell’s recent visit to Fort Campbell highlighted the emotional strain and frustration this southwestern Kentucky military town is feeling as the 101st Airborne Division prepares for its third deployment since the Iraq war began.

…

Pressure back home

McConnell, who is up for re-election next year, also faces increasing pressure in Kentucky from Democrats. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, a national group, launched commercials this week that are highly critical of the senator’s leadership on the war and are aimed at eroding support in his home state.

Kentucky has given heavily to the war effort. Fort Campbell’s latest round of deployments will push to 23,000 the number of soldiers from the post serving in the Middle East conflict.

At Fort Campbell, the place Gen. David Petraeus, the top U.S. military commander in Iraq, once called home, feelings about ongoing efforts in the Middle East and Republican leadership during the war are mixed.

On any given weekday, Ward’s barbershop, the fort’s largest, is a place where privates and senior officers sit side by side waiting for a trim. Ward chats with these soldiers as he snips away. And he says he thinks many of them now would be happy to see Washington set a date for leaving Iraq.

"Right now, you’ve got first sergeants and sergeant majors and E-7s and E-8s that are getting out of the army right and left," Ward said. "They’re saying ‘I’ve been deployed three times, I’m pressing my luck, I’m not going to give up my life and my family for something where there’s no end to it.’"

Karla Tucker works at a furniture store just down the street where many military families shop. She also says that many soldiers, exhausted by repeated deployments, are deciding not to "re-up" as their enlistments end.

"These young men and women are coming back with all kinds of problems; some of them are on anti-depressants; their marriages are in trouble," Tucker said. "There are families right and left that are deciding not to hang around; they’re leaving here and going home. I personally have not heard anyone say they’re going to re-enlist. It’s sad."

…

"Mitch McConnell is on the floor of the U.S. Senate every day standing in the way of changing policy in Iraq," said DSCC spokesman Matthew Miller. "He is the face of the party. When the party marches lock-step with the president’s policies, then in 2008 the voters will hold them accountable."

Mitch, who displayed how remarkably out of touch he is with his constituents on CNN last week, is going to hear this discontent more and more this summer, especially from Iraq Summer and VoteVets, as Kentucky veterans follow his every move.

Meanwhile, Marine vet Jim Webb shows how you deal with a repetitive talking point regurgitator and Bush enabler on Meet the Press.

Can you imagine Mitch McConnell having to debate a tough Marine veteran like this in his Senate race next year? Someone that actually has a DISTINGUISHED military record and can speak for the veterans and their families that have paid such a heavy price for their sacrifice to their country in Iraq?

Perhaps we can make that happen, eh?

• 2008 KY U.S. Senate Race , Americans Against Escalation in Iraq , Andrew Horne , DSCC , Filibuster , George W. Bush , Iraq Summer , Iraq War , Kentucky , Mitch McConnell , Rural America , Senate Minority Leader , U.S. Senate , VoteVets , War
• Comments(1)

Joe Sonka July 13th, 2007

I was listening Kimberly Strassel of the Wall Street Journal this morning on CSPAN as she spewed out a bucketful of phony right-wing talking points. One of them was that the new Democratic Congress was a "do nothing" Congress, because they couldn’t get anything passed. The blame, of course, was on the Democrats, because they were just being too darned partisan and not compromising (i.e., giving in to whatever Republicans want).

Mimikatz at The Next Hurray swats this dishonest talking point into the third row, citing a detailed report by the Senate Democrats and calling out our boy Mitch in the process.

"Many people do not know that it is due to him that the Senate has accomplished virtually nothing, while the House has passed over 400 pieces of legislation.   Even bills that have been passed by a majority of both houses cannot become law because Bad Boy McConnell will not allow a vote on sending them to a conference committee.  We all know that McConnell would not allow a vote on the Webb-Hagel Amendment, leading Majority Leader Harry Reid to file a cloture motion that needed 60 votes.  Since the Dems had only 56 votes, debate could not be closed off and there was no vote on the substance of  Webb-Hagel.  McConnell promises the same on Levin-Reed and Feingold-Reid."

And let’s take a look at all of the important legislation that the House Democrats have passed, only to be obstructed by "nuclear option filibuster Mitch":

Senate Republicans blocked funding for the intelligence community  (National Journal Congress Daily, 4/18/07), …denying our country the tools to fight the war on terror. (DPC Report)

Senate Republicans blocked a vote on reforming the Medicare Prescription Drug plan“ (Boston Globe, 4/19/07) and denied seniors lower prescription drug prices. (DPC Report)

Senate Republicans blocked raising the minimum wage (New York Times, 1/25/07) delaying a much needed raise for hard-working Americans. (DPC Report)

Senate Republicans are blocking the appointment of conferees on the 9/11 Commission Recommendations (DPC Report)  leaving the United States vulnerable to terrorist threats.  (Washington Times, 3/14/07)

Senate Republicans are blocking the appointment of conferees on ethics reform  (DPC Report)  halting progress on the “most significant ethics reform since Watergate.” (Washington Post, 1/19/07)

Senate Republicans are blocking a bill to bring transparency to campaign fundraising  (The Washington Post, 05/09/07) denying the American people the right to know who funds Senate campaigns.  (Washington Post, 5/9/07)

Senate Republicans blocked a vote on holding Attorney General Gonzales accountable (Reuters, 06/11/07)  refusing to hold the Attorney General accountable. 

Senate Republicans blocked legislation to make forming unions easier  (Associated Press, 06/15/07)  siding with corporations against average American workers.  (DPC Report)

It’s quite clear that McConnell and his Grand Obstructionist Party (like Dewitt) are simply going to try to knock down any legislation that the Democrats and the American public want. Then, after grinding all legislation to a halt, they’ll simply sit back and criticize the Democrats for not getting anything done.

Will the MSM pick up this talking point? I think we all know the answer to that. The Democrats need to stay on the offensive and call out McConnell and his fellow obstructionists for blocking the legislation that America overwhelmingly wants and needs: change in our Iraq policy, lowering prescription drug prices, enacting the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission, campaign fundraising reform and ethics reform. If the public can realize the nuance of this legislative process and how it is being manipulated by Mitch & Co. (and I’m sure they’re banking on Americans not being smart enough to figure this out), they’ll know that if they want this kind of reform to pass, they’ll just need to give the Democrats a bigger majority.

(crossposted at BlueGrassRoots)

UPDATE: from CoolerKing in comments, a great YouTube clip highlighting the Republican obstructionists:

• Filibuster , Health Care , Homeland Security , Iraq War , Medicare Part D , Minimum Wage , Mitch McConnell , Prescription Drugs , Senate Minority Leader , U.S. Senate
• Comments(2)

Matt Gunterman July 12th, 2007

It’s only getting worse for Senator Mitch McConnell. He’s absolutely paralyzed as a party leader because of his fear of losing reelection next year. He’s losing a great deal of face in Washington, DC over his failures. Mitch McConnell may have a difficult campaign to run next year, but everyone else in the Senate could care less and is worried about doing the nation’s business.

From The Hill:

Ethics groups blame AWOL McConnell

By Elana Schor
July 13, 2007

Frustrated by Sen. Jim DeMint’s (R-S.C.) vow to hold up ethics conference talks until earmark reforms are enacted, Democrats and watchdog groups are pointing a finger at Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.).

McConnell is standing idle while DeMint keeps a unanimously approved ethics bill in limbo, Democrats and watchdogs charge. By pressuring the Senate GOP and its leader, not merely the affable freshman who has become the face of the opposition, reform advocates hope to end the Senate’s ethics logjam without forcing a difficult procedural vote to silence DeMint.

“Mitch McConnell is making a big mistake sitting on his hands,” said Craig Holman, legislative representative for Public Citizen. “Now he’s letting his own rank-and-file undermine his image of authority.”

Holman warned that McConnell, long known for his savvy behind-the-scenes maneuvering, would pay the price for appearing to allow DeMint to dictate terms for the lobbying and ethics reform bill, which the Republican leader cosponsored. One Senate Democratic aide agreed that letting DeMint take on Democrats casts doubt on McConnell’s control of the debate.

“Some of the inmates may be running the asylum over there,” the Democratic aide said. “McConnell needs to decide whether he wants to lead or let a few overzealous members of his party run the caucus.”

[...]

Holman and Fred Wertheimer, president of the Democracy 21 watchdog group, asserted that DeMint’s earmark tactic is a red herring. By focusing on that, opponents of the bill’s more controversial provisions — revolving-door limits and disclosure rules for bundled contributions collected by lobbyists — will have more time to water them down.

“Senator DeMint is asking to run the Senate, and he’s not majority leader or minority leader,” Wertheimer said. “Senator McConnell can’t abdicate his responsibilities here by simply leaving the playing field to Senator DeMint.”

[...]

The capital’s six leading watchdog groups this week asked McConnell to support a cloture motion to cut off debate and head to conference despite DeMint’s objection. Yet Holman, after consulting with Senate floor staff, said filing for cloture on the motion to go to conference would involve the time-consuming and difficult task of calling the ethics bill and its substitute amendment back to the floor, leaving both subject to separate filibusters.

“I hope we don’t have to go that far,” Holman said.

Reid said yesterday that he is planning a way to resolve the ethics roadblock, reiterating his vow to keep the Senate in session through August recess if necessary.

• 2008 KY U.S. Senate Race , Filibuster , Mitch McConnell , Senate Minority Leader , U.S. Senate
• Comments(1)

Joe Sonka July 11th, 2007

Remember all of that talk from McConnell about "changing strategies" in Iraq this Fall? About the magical month of September marking this "change of course"? Well, surprise, surprise, the Senate Minority leader is already letting it be known that such legislation forcing Bush’s hand will made as difficult as possible to pass.

Yes, Mitch McConnell has now vowed to filibuster any amendment dealing with Iraq this Fall. The party of the "nuclear option" is now the party of filibustering any legislation that challenges Bush’s failed Iraq policy.

And why, might you ask, does this play into the hands of McConnell, Smith, Coleman and Collins? Well, with the 60 votes required to pass, such Senators in close ‘08 elections can vote for this legislation, knowing that it might get, say 58 votes. Or, if the vote passes, they can vote to override knowing that the 67 votes are impossible. So it basically will provide an avenue for these cowards to vote for the legislation, knowing full well that it won’t pass and Bush will continue to get his way. Meanwhile, they can tell voters in their state that they stood up to Mr. 26% and distance themselves from the Iraq clusterfuck.

The only way to stop this strategy from working is to get enough Republicans with a conscience to vote for changing course in Iraq and getting our troops home. If not enough to override Bush’s veto, at least enough to get past McConnell’s obstructionist filibuster policy.

Oh, and as John Aravosis notes, requiring 60 votes is called a "filibuster". Mainstream media: start using the damn word, not whatever semantic contortion the Republicans are feeding you.

(crossposted at BlueGrassRoots)

• 2008 KY U.S. Senate Race , Filibuster , George W. Bush , Iraq War , Mitch McConnell , War
• Comments(2)

Matt Gunterman April 18th, 2007

Senator Mitch McConnell is so addicted to the campaign cash of his fat-cat benefactors in the pharmaceutical industry that he is prepared to filibuster legislation that would lower the price of prescription drugs for millions of senior citizens. Like many addicts, Sen. McConnell can’t see how his own behavior is self-destructive (and that’s to our benefit).

From Americans United for Change:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Jeremy Funk

DATE: April 18, 2007

McConnell, GOP is High on Drug Company Campaign Cash – Shuts Down Debate on Bill to Lower Drug Costs for Seniors

Obstructionism at its Worst: Mitch McConnell, George Bush, the GOP and the Stench of Campaign Cash from Big Drug Companies

Washington D.C. – Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Republicans, high on drug company campaign cash, today shut down a pending debate on legislation which would lower prescription drug process for seniors by allowing Medicare to negotiate with the pharmaceutical industry for lower prices – just as Medicaid and the Veteran’s Administration are allowed to do. President Bush and Congressional Republicans, at the behest of the nation’s drug lobby, prohibited the federal government from negotiating for lower drug prices when the Part D drug plan passed in 2003 – putting company profits ahead of seniors and taxpayers. In addition to the war in Iraq, it was the type of official corruption which resulted in the drug company drafted Part D prescription drug plan which cost the Republicans their majority in Congress in 2006. However, so reliant is the GOP on campaign cash from the drug lobby that they continue to genuflect for drug company executives despite polls which show that 80-90 percent of Americans favor legislation to allow Medicare to negotiate lower prices for seniors and the disabled as part of Part D and despite majority support in the Senate for such legislation.

“Republicans are high on drug company campaign cash,” said Brad Woodhouse, President of Americans United for Change. “Americans should be outraged that President Bush, Mitch McConnell and the Senate Republicans are so dependent on dug company campaign cash that they shut down a public debate on legislation to allow the federal government to negotiate for lower prices prescription drugs for our nation’s seniors,” said Brad Woodhouse, President of Americans United for Change. “Of course, this is the same GOP which came up with the costly, confusing and corrupt Part D prescription drug plan in the first place – a plan designed by and for the drug companies that put drug companies first and seniors dead last.

“Mitch McConnell lead this filibuster because Republicans and their benefactors in the drug industry are horrified at the prospect of their greed and their contempt for seniors being exposed on the floor of the Senate for all of America to see. If there was ever a case where Mitch McConnell deserved the moniker ‘Obstructionist-in-Chief’ this is it. However this fight is not over – seniors and the disabled deserve better and everyone in America knows it. As President Bush’s and Republican political prospects continue to decline and as they continue to dig a deeper and deeper hole for themselves with seniors, the pressure to fix Part D will continue to mount. It is only a matter of time.”

• Filibuster , Mitch McConnell , Prescription Drugs , Senate Minority Leader , U.S. Senate
• Comments(2)