GOP senators freed to side with Democrats

[Robbien]

WASHINGTON, July 22 (UPI) -- Republican leaders in the U.S. Senate have freed GOP members to go against the traditional party platform if it will help them get re-elected, aides say.

Republican leaders have told senators in tough re-election bids to side with Democrats on anything but energy and national security issues, a leadership aide told Politico.

http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2008/07/22/GOP_senators_freed_to_side_with_Democrats/UPI-94751216762749/

So up until now, GOP congresscritters could not make their own determination of their stance on a vote. They have to vote whichever way the GOP tells them to vote. No options.

How much wrong is this?

[Lyric]

1. "Feel free to lie to your electorate"

"Feel free to mislead them into thinking that you have one set of principles, at least until you get into office, and then we'll expect you to betray the people who voted for you."

How nice of the Repuke mafia bosses to publicly give permission to their CongressCritters to lie their fool asses off in order to get elected. How...moral of them.

[robinlynne]

2. UNBELIEVABLE! especially energy and national security......

(where the Republicans steal the most money= energy and national security...)

[EFerrari]

14. And now we know what their focus will be, right? n/t

[rwheeler31]

3. These dudes are supposed to be Representatives not slaves.

What crap.

[napi21]

4. Why do GOP politicians ALWAYS listen to their leaders without question?

You rarely if ever see a congressional vote where any GOPers stray off the reservation. I used to believe it was Tom Delay and his threats, but he's gone! What the hell kind of power does their leadership have over these people that they almost never stray?

[Robbien]

5. GOPers have to sign a loyalty oath to the party

and they steadfastly honor that oath. Why I don't know but the whole idea is anti-democratic and really weird in a creepy kind of way.

[napi21]

6. Do they really ALL do that? I understand party loyalty, but

sometimes an issue is very obviously GOOD for the whole country, but might not be aligned with the "party". I suspect most voters would want their Rep or Sen. to vote for the greater good!

[Robbien]

8. Yes. Loyalty oaths have been a GOP requirement now for a while

And not only congresscritters, GOPers have been pushing to have GOP voters sign a loyalty oath to only vote for GOP candidates. Loyalty oaths are big with GOPers.

The Club for Growth also requires that GOPers to sign a loyalty oath to "tax cuts and no new taxes" before the Club will agree to support the candidate.

Completely nuts.

[KharmaTrain]

7. Many Would Like To See The Democrats The Same Way

Look at how this place will go to pieces about a Democrat who crosses over. I'm not talking about FISA, but on many other issues. While we can gawk at the GOOP for being a one-note band, others will call it "party disicpline". Personally, I have never agreed with blind loyalty on either right or left.

Unfortunately, that "straying from home" sure won't include impeachment or even pushing for contempt on those who refuse to testify. More desperation from a GOOP that is preparing for the worst. Now, how many of these new "independent" Senators will now either refuse the money at a booshie or cheney fundraiser or disinvite Gramps from campaigning with them. Welcome to CYA time. The ultimate booosh legacy..."your on your own". He did it to New Orleans and now to his own corrupt party.

[WCGreen]

11. Well, they kinda do...

[rucky]

9. You are all individuals.

We are all individuals.

[stillcool]

10. talking points..

same old, same old. It would be nice if they could individualize the wording..do a little riff every now and then. They all get their sheet music and before you know it you've got the ear bleeding screeches of the likes of Pat Buchanan and GOP politicos singing the same refrain..over..and over..and over.

[Contrary1]

12. "...side with Democrats on anything but energy and national security issues,"

Let's see:

Abortion
Gay Marriage
Health care for all
Gun Control
Environmental issues
Global warming
Raise taxes
Immigration
etc...

Yep...this one will work really great for them.

:rofl:

[underseasurveyor]

13. So do what you have to do to get re-elected

but then......... you belongs to us.

No wonder democrats appear to be so divided compared to the Gobs Of Puke party. I guess you could argue that we are, but only because we are not yet The Borg.

[SoCalDem]

15. So they can only vote their own conscience, when thney fear being tossed out on their asses??

This is why I really would like for them to vote secretly.. I think that many GOOD things would happen, if they did not have to kowtow to their leadership.. Most of them are probably pretty decent people when they get there, and only get corrupted once the leadership startes turning the thumb-screws..

[SalmonChantedEvening]

16. Lockstep OFF

For now.