The difference between 2009 Republican and 2006 Democratic obstructionism is the Democrats were using the filibuster after 6 years of Republican wars, lies, and excessive spending. The voters approved of the Democratic filibuster tactic because we knew Republicans and Bush had to be stopped.
Simple truth. This filibuster tactic is a perfect example of the Republican failure to take voters serious. Happens all the time with Republican and conservatives. Nobody counts except those who vote with or for Republican and conservatives. (Even if they do pretend to speak for all Americans when they climb on their soap box. Why don’t they just say ‘those who vote for me want’ blah blah blah?) Except for the filibuster tactic, the CHANGE 69,498,215 citizens voted for could have happened. President Obama has demonstrated his sincere desire to work with Republicans to the point of losing one vote in the Senate. I’m pretty sure that was an unintended consequence.
Republicans do not respect how angry 69,498,215 voters can be because the CHANGE we voted for is not happening. Think Scarlett O’Hara pounding the ground vowing to rebuild Tara. In the ‘08 election 69,498,215 voters hoped to rebuild America when they voted for Obama. And I am one who believes 69,498,215 voters will not give up easy.
Many of us will have an opportunity to replace a Republican Senator with a Democratic candidate and yes we should. I have a chance to vote for a Democratic Senator here in Ohio to replace retiring Republican George Voinovich - and that is exactly what I will do. I support Lee Fisher in the Democratic Primary.
5 seats now held by a Republican or conservative could go blue for the Democrats.
Judd Gregg - retiring - New Hampshire
George Voinovich - retiring - Ohio
Jim Bunning - retiring - Kentucky
Chris Bond - retiring - Missouri
Sam Brownback - retiring - Kansas
3 Democrats will not be seeking reelection in Nov. 2010 and I hope we vote in another Democrat.
Evan Bayh - retiring- Indiana
Roland Burris - retiring - Illinois
Ted Kaufmann - retiring - Delaware
More Information regarding all Senate reelection candidates: CQ Politics Race Ratings Map
According to a McClatchey news item : Senate Republicans: Filibuster everything and win in November? by David Lightman, McClatchy Newspapers
However disruptive it is to governance, their extensive use of the filibuster — extended debate to block a decisive vote — could prove to be a valuable campaign asset this fall. Democrats used similar tactics in 2006 and won enough seats to gain a Senate majority. Now Republicans hope it's their turn.
