Sen. George Allen on Dems: Call Their Bluff!

GOP Senator - and potential Presidential candidate - George Allen (VA) has an editorial in the Washington Times today calling on his fellow Republicans to enact the "Constitutional Option" on judicial nominations and force the hands of the Democrats who threaten to "shut-down" the Senate if they do.

In language that is very pointed and unequivacol (one of the reasons he's my early favorite to back for the 2008 nomination), Allen's rallying cry is "call their bluff":

"No senator has an obligation to vote in favor of a nominee, but every senator should have the backbone to get off their haunches and vote yes or vote no on these nominees and explain their vote to their constituents."

He points out that the Democrat threat of further obstuctionism is an empty one:

"How would an uncooperative Democratic leadership be any different than what we've seen over the last few years in the Senate? The Democrats have attempted to block us on almost every issue we've brought forth since they lost their majority in the Senate. This year they've already thrown up blocks on the bankruptcy bill and class action reform and we fully expect a fight on upcoming legislation regarding Social Security reform, the budget, tax cuts, energy independence, medical liability reform, welfare reform and a whole host of other measures. You can bet they'll continue with these tactics, regardless of whether or not we move forward with judges."

It's refreshing to see someone in the Senate walk the talk over this issue and put it plainly.

"It looks to me like the Democrats are trying to play some poker. I think they're bluffing and I think Republicans need to call them on it. We also need to remind the Democrats that governing our nation is not a game.

Now is the time for Republicans in the Senate to "go for it" without timidity; we must not cower or worry about the Democrats' political reaction."

I whole-heartily agree. Republicans are in the majority. This is a seminal moment and it's time for them to act like it.

Posted by: Gary at 11:08 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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