List of Senators Against Stem Cell Research

[Bob Geiger]

Here's your list of Senate humanitarians who voted against H.R. 810, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, this afternoon…

The vote was 63-37 and only one Democrat joined in the GOP cruelty -- how hard was it to guess that it was Ben Nelson of Nebraska? He makes Joe Lieberman look like Ted Kennedy.

In addition, the roll call is good news for the campaign of Democrat Sherrod Brown in Ohio as Mike DeWine, in an act of election-year, political suicide, opted to stand next to the Opus Dei Boys, Brownback and Santorum.

Similarly, Jim Pederson should load up on this against John Kyl in Arizona and Claire McCaskill needs to have this vote ready to hang around Jim Talent's neck at every turn between now and November.

Here's the list:

• Allard (R-CO)
• Allen (R-VA)
• Bond (R-MO)
• Brownback (R-KS)
• Bunning (R-KY)
• Burns (R-MT)
• Chambliss (R-GA)
• Coburn (R-OK)
• Coleman (R-MN)
• Cornyn (R-TX)
• Craig (R-ID)
• Crapo (R-ID)
• DeMint (R-SC)
• DeWine (R-OH)
• Dole (R-NC)
• Domenici (R-NM)
• Ensign (R-NV)
• Enzi (R-WY)
• Graham (R-SC)
• Grassley (R-IA)
• Hagel (R-NE)
• Inhofe (R-OK)
• Isakson (R-GA)
• Kyl (R-AZ)
• Martinez (R-FL)
• McConnell (R-KY)
• Nelson (D-NE)
• Roberts (R-KS)
• Santorum (R-PA)
• Sessions (R-AL)
• Shelby (R-AL)
• Sununu (R-NH)
• Talent (R-MO)
• Thomas (R-WY)
• Thune (R-SD)
• Vitter (R-LA)
• Voinovich (R-OH)

And tomorrow, Pope George W. Bush II whips out his veto pen and has someone witness his "X" on the bill.

You can reach Bob Geiger at [e-mail].

Update: In my haste to get this list out, I neglected to mention that other Republicans vulnerable this year also screwed up with their votes today. Jon Tester in Montana should benefit from Conrad Burns voting against the wishes of most people in his state and Virginia Democrat Jim Webb should say "stem cell" and "George Felix Allen" together in almost every sentence from now until November 7.

And Rick Santorum? He's already gone, baby.

[Avalux]

1. Nelson???

PLEASE someone remove that D from the end of his name. I'm sorry, but what the hell? He'd better hope he never has need for stem cell therapy cause I'll personally remind him of his vote. :grr:

[babylonsister]

6. He absolutely needs to change his party affiliation. He NEVER

fails to disappoint!

Bob! "He makes Joe Liebermann look like Ted Kennedy." :thumbsup:

[longship]

11. In Nebraska, you have a choice.

A conservative Democrat
Or a lunatic Repug.
I'll take the conservative Democrat any day.

Sometime ideological purity doesn't help the big picture. I am more liberal than most people. But I understand that to stand for statewide election and get reelected in some states (NE, IN, FL, etc.) one has to pay attention to ones constituency. If Nelson was not conservative he wouldn't be in as good shape for reelection this year. Same deal for Evan Bayh in IN, and Nelson in FL. Yet each of these guys caucuses with the Dems and counts for the Democratic Party getting the majority, or not.

I wish some DUers would open their eyes to some reality on some issues.

[Avalux]

14. Well, that is the reality then.

I'd do the same and take the conservative Dem over the lunatic Repug.

I can still be pissed at Nelson for his idiotic vote though. Sheesh.

[Hippo_Tron]

16. Bob Kerrey almost certainly would've voted for stem cell research

And somehow he could get elected in Nebraska. The point is that you leave out the third option when you say that there is a choice. You can get someone with moderate/liberal views elected in a red state if said person has charisma, intelligence, and political skills. However, that doesn't work with complete lightweights like Ben Nelson.

[longship]

18. Well, the question is not about Bob Kerry.

It's about Nelson, who obviously wouldn't vote for stem-cell research (at least at this point). He's still a Democrat from a conservative state. He's one in the Dem column in the Senate and will win his seat again easily. This year especially, that is the most important thing.

[TwilightZone]

28. Agreed. As bad as Ben Nelson is, Pete Ricketts would be far worse.

The guy is a weasel of the first order.

[ladjf]

30. What difference does it make? He always votes with the Republicans.

[longship]

38. One more Senator in the Democratic Party column.

Let me explain it to you in words so that you can understand political reality:

The majority party in the Senate (and more so, in the House) gets to appoint committee chairmen, they get to set the Senate agenda, etc. They have far, far more power than the minority party regardless of how their individual party members vote.

If Democrats run progressives only in all the states, the Democrats would have no Senator from Arkansas(2), Colorado(1), Florida(1), Indiana(1), Louisiana(1), Montana(1), Nebraska(1), North Dakota(2), or South Dakota(1). That would be a swing of eleven more Republican Senators...

All because some Democrats have the same delusion of ideological purity that has brought the Republicans to their current state--one which is destroying our country.

[ladjf]

54. No thank you for you condescending post.

[Mass]

55. All these Democrats except Nelson voted for the bill. This is exactly

the point. Nelson makes Landrieu look very progressive.

[Vinca]

45. There has to be one bona fide Democrat in Nebraska who

could challenge Nelson next time around. There just has to be! The only thing about Nelson that makes him a Democrat is the "D" after his name.

[longship]

57. Maybe, but you have to realize this...

Nebraska is the most conservative state with a Democratic Senator. No matter what, you're not going to get a Kennedy or a Kerry elected there. In 2004 only 33% of Nebraskans voted for Kerry. Any Democrat elected to Senate there is going to be a moderate, at best.

[ProudDad]

47. That doesn't compute

I doubt that an aye vote from nelson on this issue, or a vote against Anwar or that fucked up bankruptcy bill or any of dozens of BAD BAD BAD votes that prick nelson has cast in his lamented excuse for a Senate career would have changed his election prospects to any appreciable degree. As another poster has mentioned, Bob Kerry got elected from there...

I believe that the majority of people in this country have "liberal values" and that any liberal Dem with the balls to stand up and voice those values would win DAMN NEAR ANYWHERE IN THIS COUNTRY.

But, as long as the Dems remain wishy-washy, bleached-out, repuke-lights trying to appeal to the mythical middle they will not only continue to LOSE, LOSE, LOSE but they'll continue to allow the Earth and its peoples and creatures to GET FUCKED IN THE ASS...until there is no Earth no more.

[skipos]

22. About 75% of DEMOCRATS in NE approve of Nelson

Democrats in NE are different than Democrats in MA. Not saying it is right, it is just the way it is.

[ProudDad]

48. I'm saying you're wrong.

See my other post.

[skipos]

51. Nope.

"But, as long as the Dems remain wishy-washy, bleached-out, repuke-lights trying to appeal to the mythical middle they will not only continue to LOSE, LOSE, LOSE"

Positive approval ratings for Nelson from SurveyUSA 6-12
Rep 69%
Dem 74%
Ind 76%

It doesn't look like Ben is losing anything in NE.

If he sucks so bad, why does everyone there like him so much?

[TwilightZone]

58. Wrong. Check out the stats.

Ben Nelson has one of the highest approval ratings in the Senate.

http://surveyusa.com/50State2006/100USSenatorApproval060620Approval.htm

His approval rating among NE Democrats is 74%.

http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=a0ceba5f-6d7f-4987-ab26-5b61342ee4d5

Would you like to try again?

[ProudDad]

62. And their other choice is????

There are lies, damn lies and statistics.

You've presented me with statistics that don't refute my argument.

I suspect that Paul Wellstone (blessed be his memory) would poll a hell of a lot higher than repuke light nelson...

[uppityperson]

2. thanks for the list

[Mr_Spock]

3. Republicans are so consistently 13th century

It's just silly how predictable these bass ackwards knuckleheads are. Only one knucklehead Dem.

[saltpoint]

4. "The GOP: the Anti-Science Party."

Also I note Jim Talent's name. I betcha there is some discussion about his vote on this today over at soon-to-be Senator McCaskill's HQ.

Go, Claire.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

5. Some very strange bedfollows...

Here are the Republicans who voted Yes:

Alexander (R-TN)
Bennett (R-UT)
Burr (R-NC)
Chafee (R-RI)
Cochran (R-MS)
Collins (R-ME)
Frist (R-TN)
Gregg (R-NH)
Hatch (R-UT)
Hutchison (R-TX)
Lott (R-MS)
Lugar (R-IN)
McCain (R-AZ)
Murkowski (R-AK)
Smith (R-OR)
Snowe (R-ME)
Specter (R-PA)
Stevens (R-AK)
Warner (R-VA)

[win_in_06]

35. Frist and McCain have exposed their right flanks for the repug primaries

We won't know until 08 if they made the right political decision.

[last_texas_dem]

36. Go Kay Bailey!

Since she's wrong about things oh, let's say, 95, 96-percent of the time, I guess I should give credit to "my" senator, Kay Bailey Hutchison on the rare occasion when she gets something right. I'm pretty sure my other senator, John Cornyn, has yet to be right about anything.

[vickitulsa]

7. Yep, thanks for the list. Thought I'd point out that Coburn of OK

is also a medical doctor, by the way.

:puke: :grr:

[TwilightZone]

8. Something people tend to forget about Ben Nelson

He's a Senator from a state that is roughly 70% Republican.

You can't be a liberal in a 70% "red" state and get elected. Thus, it should be no surprise to anyone that Nelson is a moderate. Nor should it surprise anyone that he votes that way.

[Bob Geiger]

12. And yet...

Somehow the three Dems in South and North Dakota and other conservative states find a way to not be Republicans. Go figure.

[TwilightZone]

26. That's not necessarily true.

Stephanie Herseth (D-SD) is a Blue Dog Democrat: http://www.house.gov/cardoza/BlueDogs/06_02_04.htm

She's acknowledged that it would be difficult to impossible for a liberal to win in SD.

[saracat]

13. Except he isn't a moderste. Show me how he is moderate?

He votes with the GOP almoast 100% of the time. The GOP who voted against this are more moderate than Nelson is. I say prove he is a Democrat except for the D after his name.

[globalvillage]

17. This chart is not current

but Mr Nelson of NE's voting record is appalling. On these key votes, he voted 100% of the time with republicans. Even for a red state Dem, this is a horrific record.

[Ouabache]

32. Interestingly enough Evan Bayh is 2nd most liberal DLCer

after John Kerry, according to to the votes on that chart.

[TwilightZone]

24. He's a right-leaning moderate.

http://issues2000.org/Senate/Ben_Nelson.htm

And, no, he doesn't vote with the GOP 100% of the time. He's opposed school vouchers, opposed privatizing social security, favors affirmative action, etc.

He's certainly no liberal, but he isn't as right-wing as people try to paint him, either.

Edit: my intent is not to defend Ben Nelson. I detest the fact that he's voted with the right on many issues. But, portraying him as 100% right-wing is a mischaracterization.

[ProudDad]

49. Wrong!!!

See my other post.

And to call Nelson moderate is like calling Charlie Manson a little violent...

[TwilightZone]

59. Sorry, but you're wrong.

To quote you, see my other post. Nelson's approval rating among NE Democrats is 74%.

[ProudDad]

63. Charlie Manson's

approval rating would be 74% if you polled all the dudes on Death Row...

Lies, Damn lies and Statistics...

This particular statistic you provide is irrelevant to my point.

[LibDemAlways]

9. Another one who needs to wear his vote

like an albatross is dumbass George Allen. More ammunition for Jim Webb.

[Island Blue]

10. One of my "Senators", Elizabeth Dole voted "no".

So let me get this straight Liddy. It's okay to use medical science if it helps to give your husband a woody, but it's not okay to use it if it helps to save countless lives. Am I understanding that correctly?

Other than that, I'm surprised my other "Senator" isn't on the "no" list.

[adwon]

52. I'm shocked myself

I guess Burr is only 99% wingnut.

[ncrainbowgrrl]

60. I'm also shocked.

I'm more surprised that he did anything without consulting Liddy first. :eyes:

[Hippo_Tron]

15. Nelson can once again say that he voted against his party

But honestly I don't care about Nelson right now. We just got our wedge issue for this year and seven out of eight of the GOP's most vulnerable incumbents are on the wrong side of it. Tester will use this to tighten the noose that he already has on Burns' neck and Casey will do the same with Santorum. McCaskill and Brown will be able to take the lead if they use this properly. Jim Webb will hopefully be able to use this to tie it up with George Felix Allen Jr. Maybe Pederson or Carter will be able to use this to get within striking distance of Kyl or Enzi as well.

[Robbins]

21. Vote

Out of the Republican senators who will likely run for President only Mccain went against Bush on this. On Ben Nelson he Is more of a DINO than Lieberman. Besides voting for Daschle and Reid for Majority Leader give me a Instant for him voting against the Republicans. If you call yourself a
Democrat you have to vote against Republicans some of the times. Bill Nelson votes agasint us at times but even he votes against Republicans on occassion. Even Liberman on most Domestic Issues votes
against the Republicans. You can get elected In Red States and occassionly vote like a Democrat.
Nelson has the seat Bob Kerrey had,and he was a fiscal Conservative and Social Liberal,and won his last term back In 1994 during the Gigrich sweep.

[skipos]

42. Ben Nelson voted for the minimum wage increase

most republicans didn't.

"give me a Instant for him voting against the Republicans."

Do I get a prize?

[PaDem]

27. I don't know what Casey's position on this particular bill...........

is, but I would guess he would have joined Ben Nelson here.

[ruggerson]

19. This is our SINGLE BEST wedge issue

If this is hit hard in OH, MI, AZ, VA, it will tip close races.

[TwentyFive]

34. That's right!! Baby Boomers will have Bush to thank for Alzheimers

Never a day should go by without this vote not coming up. Kick all these bastards OUT!

[Lindacooks]

20. I want Coleman to burn in hell. I hate his fucking guts.

That little weasel facist, who never would be in the Senate if he and other neocons hadn't assassinated Senator Wellstone.

[Zookeeper]

39. And he doesn't make a convincing fundie....

as he's the ultimate political opportunist.

[mtnester]

23. I did not even have to LOOK

to see both my Repug asshats there, it is simply always a given for the beholden

Ohio - WTG

[Dukkha]

29. embarrassing isn't it?

way to make out state even more loathed since 2004

[Hawaii Hiker]

25. I wish we could trade Ben Nelson for Lincoln Chaffe

and a player to be named later - LOL...Chaffe is more of a democrat than Ben Nelson...Remember, Chaffee was only republican to vote against "Hirohoto" Alito...

Someone mentioned that Tom Coburn is an MD, he's about as creepy as the "doctor" who tortured Josh in the film "Hostel"..

[skipos]

43. We might get to replace Chafee with Whitehouse

which would be pretty good.

Chafee would never get elected in NE. Name some states as red as NE that have Repub senators as moderate as Chafee.

[globalvillage]

44. There are a couple of Republicans

who might make better Dems than Mr Nelson of NE.
If Specter were a Dem, he'd be decent. Of course, I tend to compare him with my other senator from PA, so that does help his case some.
I really think Nelson could have voted with the Dems on this issue and not seen any backlash. I know a lot of people in NE, and although they're mostly republicans, I think many, if not most, believe that voting for stem cell research is the moral choice.

Welcome to DU, Hiker!

[Name removed]

31. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. 
[link:www.democraticunderground.com/forums/rules.html|Click
here] to review the message board rules.

[TwentyFive]

33. 37 Craven Cowards who fear the wrath of Well Organized Bigots

The 'moral beliefs' of Well Organized Bigots gave us the biggest crook/liar/fascist/idiot to ever occupy the WH.

That tells me everything about their morals...or lack of them.

[Clarkie1]

37. Thanks, I was wondering how many "NO" votes were in competitive senate

races this year. What about the House vote? What are the critical races there where we can use this against them?

[Guava Jelly]

40. botth sen. from ks and Mo voted against stem cell

What retards

[Guava Jelly]

41. how many are on this list? (ones up for reelection this year

1. Akaka, Daniel - (D - HI)
2. Bingaman, Jeff - (D - NM)
3. Byrd, Robert - (D - WV)
4. Cantwell, Maria - (D - WA)
5. Carper, Thomas - (D - DE)
6. Clinton, Hillary - (D - NY)
7. Conrad, Kent - (D - ND)
8. Corzine, Jon - (D - NJ)
9. Dayton, Mark - (D - MN)
(Bowed out 2/9/05)
10. Feinstein, Dianne - (D - CA)
11. Kennedy, Edward - (D - MA)
12. Kohl, Herb - (D - WI)
13. Lieberman, Joseph - (D - CT)
14. Nelson, Bill - (D - FL)
15. Nelson, Ben - (D - NE)
16. Sarbanes, Paul - (D - MD)
(Bowed out 3/11/05)
17. Stabenow, Debbie - (D - MI)
Independent
1. Jeffords, James - (I - VT)
(bowed out 4/20/05)

Republicans
1. Allen, George - (R - VA)
2. Burns, Conrad - (R - MT)
3. Chafee, Lincoln - (R - RI)
4. DeWine, Mike - (R - OH)
5. Ensign, John - (R - NV)
6. Frist, Bill - (R - TN)
7. Hatch, Orrin - (R - UT)
8. Hutchison, Kay - (R - TX)
9. Kyl, Jon - (R - AZ)
10. Lott, Trent - (R - MS)
11. Lugar, Richard - (R - IN)
12. Santorum, Rick - (R - PA)
13. Snowe, Olympia - (R - ME)
14. Talent, James - (R - MO)
15. Thomas, Craig - (R - WY)

[marmar]

46. Useless trash. All of them.

:argh:

[HughBeaumont]

50. Gee, what a surprise.

My two backwoods fuckhead milquetoast nutjob Senaturds DeSwine and Groanin'bitch voted against it. Of course, would you expect anything less from a backwoods fuckhead nutjob STATE that votes two steaming piles like that into Senate seats?

[Hosnon]

53. Pretty close to the 2/3s needed to overturn...that'd be great to see:) nt

[MasonJar]

56. Please call your Senators immediately (especially if they are on

the list.) I called the despicable two from Kentucky this morning. I am afraid that I was so mad that I was very rude. If you get a chance e-mail the 2 idiots for me because the Jim Bunning (who should be voting for it since he probably has atheimers) aide said all the calls had been pro. On edit my senators are Jim Bunning and Mitch McConnell. I know...very depressing.

[Vinca]

61. I emailed Sununu as soon as I spotted his name on the list.

It was hard being civil in the email, so I knew I couldn't call his office. (Next thing you know, Vinca would be joining the ranks of the "disappeared.")