Cutting the poor -- no big surprises here

Just going through the House vote on the budget cuts to the poor:

Yes:
King
Latham
Nussle

No:
Boswell
Leach

Full Vote: http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2005/roll670.xml

That's the great thing about Leach. In situations like this Leach can vote both ways. Local media plays up the one that plays best in his district (CR Gazette especially and the DM Register also a major offender).
Back in August when this bill was first presented Leach voted to bring it to the floor. Can't remember how he voted when it made it to the floor. I rmemeber it passed 217-215. Pretty sure he voted for it.
Then again this time there was some resolution that would have stopped the vote. Leach again voted to allow the vote. He then voted against it.
Leach is one of those Republicans in liberal districts who are allowed to vote 'independent' on certain matters where the outcome is not in doubt. This is not just my opinion. About two weeks ago I heard a couple of political scientists on "Fresh Air" discussing how Republican leadership manipulates these votes. Leach was mentioned by name. So the vaunted Leach "independence" and "integrity" depends on DeLay's telling when to jump and how high.

I tell my son in law if for no other reason, the fact that Leach votes for the house leadership now in place is reason enough not to like his stand.

Leach is a lap dog to the republican party. I don't care if he didn't vote for the IWR, he only didn't vote b/c the administration didn't need his vote and he needed to lean left to get elected in a new district. He did vote for the Bankruptcy Bill and while representing a district that includes one of our state universities that just sucks.

David Loebsack is the guy to beat Leach this time if everyone in the Second District keeps hammering on the NON-LIBERAL behavior of Leach and rallies around Loebsack. Leach NEVER should have won the election in 2002 and should NOT be allowed to hold on to that seat any longer. ALL of his votes should be made public not just the votes that end up in Jane Norman's columns.

Wow, it's pretty early in the day for me to be so pissy. I need to eat some chocolate. :hi:

I'm sick of everyone thinking he is Mr. Integrity. If I were Loebsack, I'd copy his adds entirely. Dave, put your family on the billboard with you and the word "Integrity" right below it. I've talked to Dave and I think he has a good message. He asserts forcefully that a vote for Leach is a vote for all the things district 2 doesn't like about the way republicans are running things.

It's sad that unions will sometimes give their support to Leach because they need "a republican" so they don't appear so one sided nationally. It screws guys like Dave that have been long time union members.