VOLuntarilyConservative

• I know that most expect me to rail against the Republicans on this one, and they are surely to blame because of their majority. However, more Republicans voted against this bill than for it, which surely can't be said for the opposite party. The breakdown for the Democrats was 38 for bill passage, 4 against with 2 not voting. Some of the Republicans may have betrayed their conservative campaign values as individuals, but the near-entirety of the Democratic Party failed their oaths by failing to "defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic."
• Make no mistake about it - this is a North v. South issue. Take a look at the voting breakdown. Northern (as in the Civil War Union) Senators voting against the bill? 2. And both of those are up for re-election this year.
• Of course, White House lackey Bill Frist proudly voted to surrender to immigrants, as did his paige Mitch McConnell (KY), but, gladly, they were rare amongst Southern Republicans. Senators Alexander (TN), Allen (VA), Bond (MO), Bunning (KY), Burr (NC), Chambliss (GA), Cochrane (MS), Corryn (TX), DeMint (SC), Dole (NC), Hutchison (TX), Isakson (GA), Lott (MS), Sessions (AL), Shelby (AL), Talent (MO), and Vitter (LA) all fought against the bill. If you're keeping score, the Southern states of Georgia, Alabama, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Texas have something to be proud of today - 2 Senators who earned respect for fighting the good fight yesterday. Like Georgia Bulldogs, Alabama Crimson Tide, and Auburn Tigers didn't have enough over us Volunteers on the gridiron, we now have to face this? From a Vol pride standpoint, at least Florida has two pitiful excuses for Senators...
• There was one big winner out of this for 2008. Excusing illegal activity has the potential to be a hot-button issue on the campaign trail that kicks off in a matter of months. Despite their attempts to convince everyone this was a popular move in Red States, this could be a unifying issue that causes certain supporters of the bill to feel the wrath of the conservative base. That takes out such presidential hopefuls as Bill Frist, John McCain, and Sam Brownback. They lined up with such liberal superstars at Ted Kennedy, Hillary Clinton, Christopher Dodd, and Chuck Schumer. They stood by those within the GOP that they have ridiculed and described as "weak-kneed," such as Lincoln Chafee, Olympia Snowe, Arlen Specter, and Lisa Murkowski. Only one expected candidate for the GOP nomination stood his ground and did what was right - George Allen. Politically, he was the big winner amongst the Republicans.
• It's interesting to see how the vote breaks down amongst Senators who have endorsed candidates in the 2006 Senate race here in Tennessee. Van Hilleary's good friend, South Carolina's Lindsey Graham, was for the surrender of our borders, as was Bob Corker's stumping partner, Minnesota's Norm Coleman. While Ed Bryant can't be too pleased with Sam Brownback's co-sponsoring and eventual vote for the bill, the other Senators who have endorsed him (Trent Lott, Tom Coburn, John Ensign, Thad Cochran) let their conservative values be their guide and voted "nay" yesterday.

It isn't too early to contact House Republicans and encourage their galvanized support of the House bill in conference. This is an issue where strong leadership is needed, and GOP House Members need to know that you support them in this fight.

Permalink posted by Rob Huddleston @ 10:06 AM