Do you know the lone Repub that voted against the estate tax bill?

[kentuck]

That will make the taxcut permanent? How many think it was Chris Shays? You would be wrong.

http://www.prospect.org/weblog/

<snip>
CHRIS SHAYS, BRAVE INDEPENDENT. So House Republicans voted once again to table a Democratic resolution to open up the ethics process and examine reforms through a commission. Two Republicans voted with the Dems: spurned ethics committee chair Joel Hefley and Jim Leach of Iowa. That brave knight Chris Shays, he of the "outspoken" independence and strong "backbone," voted with his party. On yesterday’s vote for permanent repeal of the estate tax, who was the lone Republican dissenter? Was it that lonely voice of decency in the dark Republican wilderness, Chris Shays? No, it was Leach.

[cyberswede]

1. Unfortunately, I know him too well...

Leach is sort of known for voting in committee in ways that serve the republican interests, and then voting on the floor in ways that will support his "moderate" label - particularly when he knows his dissenting vote won't change the outcome. It's a bunch of crap.

With regard to the estate tax vote, all Republicans (including Leach, plus 7 Democrats) voted to cut off debate to bring the issue to a vote. Why didn't he speak out against this bill during the debate? He's been in the House FOREVER and could have taken a leadership role on this issue.

Then Leach voted against a Democratic amendment that would have limited the amount of estate tax to be permanently repealed. (According to Democrat Steny Hoyer, this amendment would have meant that 99.7% of Americans would never have to pay estate taxes). Why did Leach vote NO along with all the other Republicans? Who benefits from this? People with a lot more money than most of us. :)

Finally, on the final vote to pass the legislation to permanently repeal all estate taxes, Leach voted no. Is this even remotely consistent? No. But, it makes Leach look like a moderate to the constituents back home (including very liberal Iowa City).

Unfortunately, this is SOP for Mr. Leach. Bleah.