Why the "20 Republicans Ready to Vote for a Clean CR" Number Is Meaningless

[Mass]

They have said again and again that they want a clean CR (between 20 and 30 moderate Republicans). Unofficial whip counts tell us that more than 150 Republicans would vote for a clean CR. So, why does nothing happen? Is it only because of Boehner?

As I have said in a few threads earlier today, there have been several procedural votes that would have allowed the clean CR to come to a vote. This was the goal of the several appeals of the ruling of the chair and voting NO to the motion to table it was a way to allow to vote on the clean CR (same for ordering the previous question). Guess was, these motions were passed without any Republicans objecting? So, why, if the GOP moderates are intent to finish the crisis.

Dave Weigel asked them

http://www.slate.com/blogs/weigel/2013/10/04/why_the_20_republicans_ready_to_vote_for_a_clean_cr_number_is_meaningless.html

For a few days now, the Huffington Post and the Washington Post have been keeping a sort of whip count. They track the Republicans, mostly from swing seats, some with generally moderate inclinations, who say they can vote for a "clean CR" that doesn't touch Obamacare. They list them in stories with titles like "House Now Has The Votes To End Government Shutdown, But It Won't."

But the story's not quite true. The 20-odd Republicans have made sure of that. On Wednesday night, House Democrats attempted to use the vote on the previous question to pre-empt votes on "mini-CRs" and bring up a clean bill. Every single Republican voted no—including the "clean" team.

So: New Jersey Rep. Frank LoBiondo has been quoted saying he'd back "whatever gets a successful conclusion," including a clean continuing resolution. Today, when I asked why he voted against the Democrats' "previous question" gambit, he shook his head and told me to "get your rules straight—that was appealing the ruling of the chair." Were there enough votes for a clean CR? "I'm not the one to ask," he said.



Virginia Rep. Scott Rigell, who has been cited many, many times as a Republican willing to bend, agreed with LoBiondo on procedure. "There really was a genuine debate about the rule, and whether the rule itself was germane," he said. "It wasn't a motion to recommit. I wouldn't violate what I thought were the rules of the House to advance an agenda."

Put simply, the moderates don't have the clout or organizing capacity to rebel; the media is over-reading the quotes from members who say they're for a "clean CR"; and the rebels, such as they are, don't think the Democrats are going to be there to provide the other 190-odd votes they need to win. They're more comfortable battering the conservatives whom they blame for the crisis.

http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2013/roll509.xml

http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2013/roll512.xml

http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2013/roll515.xml
...

http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2013/roll519.xml

So, I do not know where these claim about the dems not controlling their own votes comes (it seems to be a talking points from the Republican leadership to answer the question about why they do not allow a clean CR vote and other Republicans were pointing at progressives having said they would not vote for the CR, but who knows), but it is extremely clear that the solution will not pass by the moderates.

[cthulu2016]

1. I agree. The votes are there for a clean CR only if

Boehner puts it on the floor and signals that it is okay to vote for it.

If these moderate Republicans existed they would have voted differently several times this week, and would have a discharge petition going.

But politically, it is better for us for folks to think the votes are there for a clean CR, so I don't mind the myth.

[Agnosticsherbet]

2. I repeat, I will believe that these Republicans will vote for a Clean CR when the President signs

the bill.

The Power of Tea compels them to shut down the government and they are helpless in its baleful grip.

[Motown_Johnny]

5. They must be starting to realize that they have been stabbed in the back.

This is clearly just a power struggle within the Republican Party. If the traditional conservatives don't do something, the Teabaggers will usurp the party and they will be run out of it.

[Agnosticsherbet]

9. They weren't stabbed in the back or mugged with Tea Bags. They thought

they could intimidate and extort the Democrats to do what they want. It has worked before. They really thought the American people would be behind them. So they went along with it thinking ti would be a win for them. The bought it, and now are having regrets.

[Motown_Johnny]

10. The Teabaggers thought that. The traditional conservatives

were just trying to defend themselves from primary challenges.

It is a power play by the Teabaggers and they are winning.

[Faryn Balyncd]

3. "Moderate Republican" is an extinct species.

[Motown_Johnny]

4. A Discharge Petition may happen (or so Politico is reporting)

Of course the headline calls it a "trick"and also call it a "hijack", but what can you expect? It is Politico after all.


http://www.politico.com/story/2013/10/government-shutdown-house-cr-vote-97849.html


^snip^

Democrats tap procedural trick to force House CR vote

House Democrats will use a parliamentary procedure to try to break a logjam over government funding and bring a “clean” continuing resolution to the floor, according to senior Democratic lawmakers and leadership aides.

Reps. George Miller (D-Calif.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) will attempt to “hijack” an existing Republican bill and file a discharge petition that ripens in just seven legislative days, instead of the normal 30 days.

Under the procedure that Miller and Van Hollen plan to use, they can begin gathering signatures on their discharge petition on Oct. 11, one week from today. If the Democratic pair were successful and can line up 218 supporters for their measure, then they can bring a clean funding resolution to the floor despite opposition to such a move from Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) and House GOP leaders.


Edit to add.. It might be a good idea to start one for the Debt Ceiling now as well. That way it can be ready by the 16th.

[Mass]

6. It would involve the same Republicans, and the point is that they do not seem willing to act

[Motown_Johnny]

7. not yet.. but this kinda thing takes about a week to settle in

Plus it is pretty clear that the traditional conservatives have been stabbed in the back by the Teabaggers.

If they want to hold onto their party, they need to do something. This is the kind of thing that just might give them enough clout to defend against primary challenges from the right.

[bluestate10]

8. Those 20 republicans are poseurs. They have had plenty of chances to vote a budget

that deals only with budget issues. They chose not to vote like decent Americans would vote. Screw them, they have cast their lot with teabaggers, they need to drown with teabaggers.