Democrat Baucus joins GOP in blasting Obama recess appointment

[The Northerner]

Echoing Republicans, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) on Wednesday blasted the Obama administration for sidestepping Congress to install Donald Berwick atop the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

"Senate confirmation of presidential appointees is an essential process prescribed by the Constitution that serves as a check on executive power and protects Montanans and all Americans by ensuring that crucial questions are asked of the nominee — and answered," Baucus said in a statement.

Berwick had not been vetted by the Finance panel, nor had Baucus scheduled a hearing to examine the nominee.

Baucus's office did not respond to requests for comment Wednesday. Baucus is the first Democrat to criticize the recess appointment, which Republicans have blasted.

Read more: http://thehill.com/blogs/healthwatch/health-reform-implementation/107417-mcconnell-berwick-recess-appointment-is-truly-outrageous

[w4rma]

1. Can we throw the DLCers out, now? (nt)

[n2doc]

3. We can't even toss out Lieberman n/t

[jaxx]

7. What?

[Wounded Bear]

2. "nor had Baucus scheduled a hearing to examine the nominee."

Well? :shrug: Do YOUR job and Pres Obama will do his.

[BootinUp]

6. amazing, isn't it? nt

[Bitwit1234]

4. Gee how many "recess" appointments did Bush make BUT

then the republicans complaining now know that they as republicans can do what they want, just don't let a Democrat try....I wish we could kiss their asses over the moon.

[louis-t]

5. Didn't seem to be an "essential process" when

shit-fer-brains repeatedly made recess appointments.

[LargeGreenSpider]

8. ANYTHING that sidesteps congress

can't be all bad.

[deminks]

9. Recess appointments made by Junior

http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Recess_appointments_made_by_President_George_W._Bush

Including the white mustacheoed John Bolton.

Where did Max stand on the Bolton appointment? He was probably one of Bolton's biggest fans. I have no idea.

[Dark]

10. The constitution makes it perfectly clear that Obama can do this.

n/t