Another moment of meaningless symbolism from Jim Leach: the only House Republican to vote no - as the bill sailed through with a dozen GOP votes to spare (and, sadly, 42 Democrats).
Put another way, a House Democrat was 80% likely to vote no, while a Republican was about 99 1/2 % likely to vote yes. And in a House run be Democrats this wouldn't hit the floor. It's the battle for control that really matters, not one meaningless, no-impact vote by one Iowa Republican.
But Leach will undoubtedly point to this as proof of his "independence." Gag. Eastern Iowa Republicans are smart enough to get that only Leach can hold the seat, but too many Democrats are fooled by the symbolism.
I want substance.
MORE from Dave Loebsack (potential Leach opponent):
First, all Republicans (including Leach) and 7 Democrats voted to cut off debate to bring the issue to a vote.
The next measure was a Democratic amendment that would limit significantly the amount of the estate tax that would be repealed permanently. Democrat Steny Hoyer stated this amendment would provide that 99.7% of Americans would never pay estate taxes if this amendment were adopted. Leach stayed with the Republicans and voted NO on this amendment.
Then, on the passage of the main motion that permanently repeals all estate taxes, Leach made the wise political choice and was the only Republican to vote NO.
Amazing. He knows that probably the only vote the public will hear about will be the final vote. But WE need to be sure that the editorial pages know exactly what kind of shenanigans this guy engaged in today. Only by educating the public that pays attention to such things will we have a chance to win in '06.
So two votes FOR keeping the rich richer, and one point for CQ's Presidential Opposition scorecard.
Politics
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