Smith claims GOP tried to strong-arm him

[Snellius]

Pressuring Rep. Nick Smith to vote for a Medicare reform bill, House GOP leaders threatened to support candidates running against Smith's son for Congress, Nick Smith said Monday.

"This was the most intense and strongest pressure to change my vote that I've ever experienced," said Smith, R-Addison, the only state Republican to vote against the bill, approved Saturday in the House,. 220-215.

Speaker Dennis Hastert's spokesman, John Feehery, denied it: "What the speaker said was that a vote on this would help him and help his son because it would be a popular vote."

Smith's son, Brad, is among five Republicans vying to replace Smith when he steps down next year. Smith said he was promised substantial support for his son's campaign if he voted for the bill. "! It would be easier if he had voted yes," Brad Smith said, "and that's why I'm so, so proud of him."

http://www.mlive.com/news/jacitpat/index.ssf?/base/news-6/106977810260510.xml
From: http://talkingpointsmemo.com/

[Postman]

1. That's rare. A republican with a conscience.

nt

[DeepModem Mom]

2. That's how they do it, isn't it --

It's not those phone calls from "the President," it's threats like this, and probably worse. They can "twist arms" of Democrats in the same way.

[ldf]

11. i think that is exactly why

colin powell has been such an obedient little puppy, even knowingly lying to the UN. he is looking out to make sure son powell gets in on the gravy train.

[dusty64]

14. What kind of threats are

we talking about here I wonder.

[MoonAndSun]

3. If he is so indignant, he should denounce the GOP and change his

affiliation to Independant or Dem. His son now knows what he will have to do if he is elected, which is to kiss DeLay's butt at all times.

[0007]

4. What spell does junior have on these men, for them to act like this?

Silly me! Why of course it's all about money and power. 'Tis not about us is it?

[MsLeopard]

5. I wonder....

...during the three hour roll call vote, how many times they brought up Paul Wellstone?

[goforit]

6. He better not fly in any planes for a while either.

May many more republican minds open.

Their is a higher authority to confront down the road.

And it is higher than the WH.

[Democat]

7. Isn't this illegal?

They offered money to his son if he would vote for the bill.

Isn't that unethical at the least, and probably illegal?

Let's hope that Democrats demand a full investigation.

[snippy]

8. They are republicans.

[louis-t]

12. They are Reptilicans!

[kskiska]

9. This is how they rammed impeachment through, too

Sidney Blumenthal quotes congressmen that were strongarmed into voting against Clinton by threats to get them out of office, when they didn't believe impeachment was warranted.

[dArKeR]

10. Reminds me of how the Mafia makes hints like, 'Pataglia Inc.

is a popular road construction firm. And it's important that the roads are done well becaue we wouldn't want your daughter to fall down and get hurt on the street. So it's best to vote for them'

[DeepModem Mom]

13. kicking

This is enlightening re. the methods they use -- people should know about this kind of thing.

[truthisfreedom]

15. the endless corruption of this administration is spreading like a virus

through our country. look at the huge corporations and their corruption... the same mafia tactics are at work there. pressure based on inside knowledge... it's a new world extortion order. that's exactly what it is, folks. extortion. and don't kid yourselves about it. it's crystal clear. that's how this administration operates.