In GOP, Growing Friction On Iraq

[grytpype]

Source: Washington Post

In GOP, Growing Friction On Iraq
Senate Dissenters Chafe at Tactics Of Party Leaders

By Jonathan Weisman and Shailagh Murray
Washington Post Staff Writers
Wednesday, July 11, 2007; A01

Facing crumbling support for the war among their own members, Senate Republican leaders yesterday sought to block bipartisan efforts to force a change in the American military mission in Iraq.

But the GOP leadership's use of a parliamentary tactic requiring at least 60 votes to pass any war legislation only encouraged the growing number of Republican dissenters to rally and seek new ways to force President Bush's hand. They are weighing a series of new proposals that would change the troops' mission from combat to counterterrorism, border protection and the training of Iraqi security forces.

"I think we should continue to ratchet up the pressure -- in addition to our words -- to let the White House know we are very sincere," said Sen. George V. Voinovich (R-Ohio), who broke with the president last month.

...

The president appealed to lawmakers yesterday to hold back on legislative responses at least until September, when the top U.S. commander in Iraq, Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, delivers a crucial progress report on the military and political efforts there. And last night the White House formally declared that the president would veto virtually any of the war proposals being considered.

Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/10/AR2007071001860.html?nav=rss_world%2Fmideast

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Read the whole thing!

[bluestateguy]

1. These Republican "defections" are not going to be worth much in the end

When it comes time to vote in the Senate--and that's really all that counts in the end--these "mavericks" will just end up cooperating with the White House like they always do.

It's the votes that matter, not the rambling speeches of a loquacious senator or some remarks made on Meet the Press.

[arewenotdemo]

2. I'm beginning to think they really are going to jump ship.

I think they're finally seeing that the Cheerleader doesn't give a rat's ass about them.

They always knew it was a crock of shit that "his heart broke for the loss of life".

But now they're finally realizing that he doesn't give a flying fuck for the fortunes of his fellow Pukes, either.

[rodeodance]

3. that was apparent yest. when Reid wanted an up or down vote and Mcconnell

objected.

Webb amendment.