Feingold, Ron Wyden, Evan Bayh, three dissenting votes

[cal04]

The three dissenting committee votes came from Democratic senators Evan Bayh of Indiana, Ron Wyden of Oregon and Russ Feingold of Wisconsin, all of whom cited misgivings that President George W. Bush's National Security Agency eavesdropping program might infringe on civil liberties.

http://go.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=politicsNews&storyID=12309618&src=rss/ElectionCoverage

committee members



Pat Roberts, Kansas John D. Rockefeller
Orrin G. Hatch, Utah Carl Levin, Michigan
Mike Dewine, Ohio Dianne Feinstein, California
Christopher S. Bond, Missouri Ron Wyden, Oregon
Trent Lott, Mississippi Evan Bayh, Indiana
Olympia J. Snowe, Maine Barbara A. Mikulski, Maryland
Chuck Hagel, Nebraska Russell D. Feingold, Wisconsin
Saxby Chambliss, Georgia

[dogday]

1. If we don't like it, we need to vote

them out of office and someone else in... Look at Lieberman, I bet he gets a run for his money... On the plus side, my man Russ is always trying to do the right thing, that is why I love him....

[Mass]

2. Good surprise from Bayh. Expected from Wyden and Feingold.

Disappointing from the other ones.

[longship]

3. Good for them.

I called Feinstein and Levin today (as I have homes in both states) and let them know how I felt.

I've met Bayh. He's a good man. Many people don't understand that his position on many issues is because his constituency is very conservative. Hence, his DINO votes. From today's vote, I hope people will understand his position and cut him some slack. We're very lucky to have Evan Bayh representing Indiana. I could even have understood his vote if he had voted "YES".

However, both Feinstein and Levin represent pretty blue states. There are *no* excuses for their votes today. Likewise, Mikulski.

What are they thinking?

[radio4progressives]

10. GOP/Rove let it be known that National Security is going to be their

"issue" and platform of attack against the Dems for 06 and 08.

Feinstein and others running scared that GOP would use Hayden's nomination as just one more "proof" that Dems are weak on "National Security". It reminds me of the Iraq War, and why the Dems who voted for the war, did so because they were afraid of being accused of being "weak" on "National Security" in the election campaigns.


Now, the Dems who voted in favor of the Iraq war are weakened by that vote, as they will be on rolling over by confirming the Architect of Domestic Spying and creating a Fascist/Totalitarian state out our country.

Traitors.

oh and by the way, Feinstein is my Senator and her office heard from me too...

FYI, there is a progressive from my neck of the woods who is running against Difi. Here name is Colleen Fernald and though she doesn't have a website yet because she just recently threw her hat in the ring. Be looking out for her name and if you can help contribute to her campaign, I know she'd welcome it.

[cal04]

4. Senate Intelligence Panel Quotes on Hayden

`The people of this country, I think are fearful now. They feel so strongly about fighting the terrorists aggressively and protecting their rights, and they want to know where the independent checks and balances are.'' -Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., one of three committee members to vote against Hayden's confirmation.

`He has shown some independence and some backbone and a willingness to say no to power because you've got to have someone in this position who speaks truth to power.'' -Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich.

`He will defend the CIA in the inevitable bureaucratic turf battles, including standing up to the Pentagon when necessary. ... I am confident that Gen. Hayden understands his role and the importance of intelligence that is timely, objective and independent of political pressure.'' -Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., the intelligence committee's top Democrat.


Our country needs a CIA director who is committed to fighting terrorism aggressively without breaking the law or infringing on the rights of Americans. Gen. Hayden's role in implementing and publicly defending the warrantless surveillance program does not give me confidence that he is capable of fulfilling this important responsibility.'' -Sen. Russell Feingold, D-Wis., one of three committee members to vote against Hayden's confirmation.

My confidence in Gen. Hayden should not be interpreted as confidence in this administration.'' -Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md.


http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,,-5841115,00.html

[ArnoldLayne]

5. I think Evan Bayh would be a good choice for Vice-President

with Al Gore or Russ Feingold for President in 2008.

[hippiechick]

9. The other VP from Indiana: Quayle.

Uhmm ... no thanks, Evan can retain his job as a talking head/Senator.

Gore/Feingold '08. Oh yeah! :applause:

[madokie]

6. kinda surprised by Bayh but love our Russ and Ron

They really care about us.

[FrenchieCat]

7. Bye knows he won't win '08 primaries without some votes from progressives.

He's voted for everything else Bush wanted; patriot Act, IWR, Bankruptcy bill, etc., etc., etc....and just about everything else.

Guess he wants to be able to point to "A" "principled" vote at least.

I think it's funny myself....the pandering that goes on right in front of our very faces! :rofl:

[hippiechick]

8. Bayh ? Holy Sheet!

This must be the first time in his life he actually made a decision on his own !!!

:wow: