Troop Readiness Standards Close To Breaking Filibuster

[kpete]

Source: Republican Senators Eyeing Support For Webb Troop Measure
By Greg Sargent - September 17, 2007, 3:04PM

We hear from a source familiar with ongoing Senate discussions that a few Republican Senators are considering breaking ranks with their leadership and supporting Jim Webb's troop-readiness bill, which would give troops as much time off as they spend in the war -- a measure that would slow the war down in a big way.

The source tells us that three Republicans who voted against the measure last time are now considering backing it: Senators George Voinovich, Lisa Murkowski, and Elizabeth Dole. This is significant, cause it could push the number of total "yeas" towards the magic filibuster-proof number of 60. Last time it got 56 yes votes, with seven Republicans backing it. More defections could be key, though the President would still veto the bill.

The source also tells us that Webb and the Dem Senate leadership have been working hard to woo these Republicans. For instance, we're told that Webb is adding language to the bill designed to address Defense Secretary Robert Gates' concerns about its implementation. Whatever else is going on with respect to Iraq in Congress, it looks like there may be movement on this front.

more at:
http://tpmelectioncentral.com/2007/09/_source_republican_senators_eyeing_support_for_webb_troop_measure.php
via:
http://www.openleft.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=1414

[babylonsister]

1. Splendid! Nom! nt

[tekisui]

3. Gates said today he'd just make up the troops with reservists and Nat.l' Gaurd

[frogcycle]

6. let them

That will backfire too. And at the very least, if it accomplishes NOTHING else, it gives some of these guys the break they desperately need, maybe saves some families.

The governors are getting pretty pissed off at misuse of the Guard too.

ANY wedge at all is progress against this madman.

[lonestarnot]

10. a ha ha ha ha ha aha ha ha ha ha

[jean]

2. Bravo, Sen Webb!

[frogcycle]

4. Webb needs to drive this with pinpoint accuracy

no distractions. No pork. No excuses. Either you are for the troops or you are against them, mr. bush. Veto at your own peril.

And when he DOES veto, then the same can be said to the remaining rep senators. Vote against override at your own peril. We need this to be so 'clean" that there can be NO misconstruing it. EVERY MILITARY PERSON IN THE COUNTRY needs to see it for what it is, and their republican senators for what they are. This can be done. It might have to be sent up a couple of times; they might have to go through the override exercise a couple of times, but We the People can prevail as long as there is no room for ambiguity.

This won't end the war overnight, to be sure, but it can be a major watershed moment if we can get 67 senators to agree that bush is an asshole (well, actually several will just be cutting and running to save their hides). But once that is accomplished, stand back.

Go Jim Webb, go!

[cascadiance]

5. And if they can get past the fillibuster, I wonder how the GOP will vote afterward!

With their votes being more "on record" then, I wonder if many of the remaining 40 or so will want to be on record as being "ANTI-TROOP" in voting against this bill, especially if it is in a veto override vote where they might have the votes that prevent an override from happening. Congressional leadership should be REALLY putting on the pressure that this WILL be an election issue in 2008 if they vote against this bill!

Also, it will be interesting to see how less reactivations along with Blackwater being kicked out of Iraq will be handled in terms of keeping appropriate staffing levels in Iraq for the occupation. Is there a tipping point where this administration will be forced into announcing a draft or withdrawal? One can only hope that such a tipping point will at some point be what brings them all home, one way or the other!

[thereismore]

7. That's how we need to frame it: ANTI-TROOP. nt

[frogcycle]

8. yes

"Is there a tipping point where this administration will be forced into announcing a draft or withdrawal?"

And we need to drive toward that point as fast as possible. The son of a bitch is a bully. As soon as he senses he might be shown up, he'll do something to beat them to it. He can be manipulated using his own hubris. But they need to keep the pressure constant.

[lonestarnot]

9. Woot! Waiting and counting!