DeMint’s amendment to ban vote-buying with earmarks fails, 53/46
posted at 5:31 pm on December 23, 2009 by Allahpundit
A tasty drizzle of shinola atop the heaping open-faced crap sandwich that is ObamaCare. Interestingly, while most of the GOP’s amendments today — like the vote on whether the bill is constitutional — were knocked down along party lines, this one earned seven Democratic votes. The seven? Bayh, Feingold, McCaskill, Merkley, Warner, Webb … and Ben Nelson.
Note also: The amendment would have applied only to future bills, not to this one, so no one was giving up anything by voting against it except the promise of pork to come.
“The American people are disgusted by the earmarks, kickbacks, and backroom deals that have been used to buy votes for this health care takeover,” said Senator DeMint. “We had a chance today to put an end to this practice but Senate Democrats voted for business as usual. 53 Democrats just gave their personal seal of approval to the Louisiana Purchase, Cornhusker Kickback and other earmarks used to bribe senators into supporting this atrocious bill.”
“Democrats have truly hit the bottom on their reckless pursuit of a government takeover of health care. The Democrat majority just voted to retain the culture of corruption in Congress. Just two years ago, Democrats bragged about draining the swamp, but now they’re endorsing political bribery. This is Washington at its worst.”
Senator Ben Nelson (D-Nebraska), who secured a special earmark for his state that forces taxpayers in 49 states to fund Medicaid in Nebraska, first voted against the ban on trading earmarks for votes but switched his vote before the final tally. Senator DeMint responded, “Senator Nelson, unfortunately, is trying to have it both ways, he was for trading his vote for earmarks before he was against it.
Good ol’ Ben, still trying to cover his ass and put the toothpaste back in the tube. Here’s Nebraska’s governor laying into him last night on Greta. When was the last time you saw a state official ripping one of his own senators for succeeding in getting a special federal favor for the state?
Blowback
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Political cover. I’m too jaded to possibly think it was on principle.
darwin on December 23, 2009 at 5:33 PM
Makes me proud to be something….An American isn’t one of them….
repvoter on December 23, 2009 at 5:34 PM
Harry’s senate of corruption … repeat often.
tarpon on December 23, 2009 at 5:34 PM
2010 Baby! 2010!
GarandFan on December 23, 2009 at 5:34 PM
Allah, I love when you do this!
Yet, of course they wouldn’t vote for this. DeMint, at least you tried and for the others who voted for it.. a Thank You is appropriate.
upinak on December 23, 2009 at 5:34 PM
Actually, that’s pretty smart of DeMint. We can forever call the democrats the Earmark Party.
Good election ammo … well, that’s if the RNC can figure out how to use stuff like “ammo”.
darwin on December 23, 2009 at 5:35 PM
As if the pigs would willingly surrender their slop. This had about as much a chance of success as passing an amendment to stop automatic pay raises for Congress.
Bishop on December 23, 2009 at 5:37 PM
Ben Nelson is shooting for most hated man in Nebraska.
darwin on December 23, 2009 at 5:38 PM
It’s CUDA time.
Metro on December 23, 2009 at 5:39 PM
He did the same on Fox today, immediately following the 60 votes, and ahead of Reid pontificating.
Pork in charge of pork, on topic.
Schadenfreude on December 23, 2009 at 5:39 PM
Yeah, I almost buy that McCaskill vote. She hasn’t gotten any earmarks for here, IIRC, and actually has seemed somewhat conservative on budgets, although that probably more Missouri Political Reality.
She actually has all the money she will ever be able to spend, and take it from me, what she really wants is the power.
JamesLee on December 23, 2009 at 5:39 PM
Or how about the appropriations for flights, meals, hotels, costs of this or that PER Senator AND their “employees”.
Oh.. opps…
upinak on December 23, 2009 at 5:39 PM
I wonder what these seven were promised for their “no” vote? I find McCaskill on the list being very suspicious.
Researcher...MO on December 23, 2009 at 5:39 PM
I don’t know about the rest, but Bayh is my senator and I can assure you it was cover. He needs to wear gloves to keep his hands from chapping cuz he has them up in the air checking which way the wind is blowing 24-7.
He’s got great hair though, almost silky pony kinda hair.
Tim Zank on December 23, 2009 at 5:39 PM
I’m sure Demint knew that, but now they’re on record as voting for earmark payola’s.
darwin on December 23, 2009 at 5:39 PM
ahh no.
upinak on December 23, 2009 at 5:39 PM
Judas is indignant as regards Nelson.
That bulge you see, hanging down from Nelson’s pants…well…it’s not what simplesimon thinks it is.
Schadenfreude on December 23, 2009 at 5:40 PM
Shoots and Scores.
PappaMac on December 23, 2009 at 5:41 PM
It sure is easier for the GOP to tag the Dems as the earmark party with AK Senator Stevens gone….
Being from WV, I can attest that pork does not make a state more weathy, but more dependent. Senator Byrd is a lifelong ‘representative’ who is wheeled in to vote ‘aye’ for whatever Reid, Pelosi and Obama want. He can’t hear West Virginia.
chaswv on December 23, 2009 at 5:42 PM
Ben’s vote means nothing now. You can’t stand up for what’s right, when you are corrupt , and dirty. To little, to late Benny!
As for the rest who voted, thinking it’s ok to do this….to hell with the lot of ya. You’re all going to be voted out, one way, or the other.
I am surprised at McCaskill. It tells me she’s not doing so well, for the next election?
capejasmine on December 23, 2009 at 5:42 PM
Good Lord, Nelson is a tool. Too bad Nebraska doesn’t allow senators to be recalled.
BardMan on December 23, 2009 at 5:42 PM
I just wonder what the vote would have been if this hadn’t been connected to OgabeCare. The GOP is in the hole they dug for a reason, and being fiscally conservative isn’t it.
But yah, I’ll give Minty a little credit for hanging this turd around the demorats neck for at least a short while.
Bishop on December 23, 2009 at 5:43 PM
49 states, or 56, if you’re Obama, will have to pay for the pork he talked about. They will all hate/despise him.
However, I think the good/proud people of Nebraska will find a way to not take it.
Schadenfreude on December 23, 2009 at 5:43 PM
Chin up, real america! Just another in a LONG line of defeats! I see many more on the horizon, btw!
simplesimon on December 23, 2009 at 5:44 PM
You are correct, but I commend DeMint for trying….and scorn those who voted against it. At least he took a shot, and it should be a shot that continues, til it’s a law against it. It’s not their money, but ours they do this with, and if we don’t like it, it should NOT be done. Period!!!
capejasmine on December 23, 2009 at 5:44 PM
Hey Sen. Nelson…thanks for voting ‘Yea’ on a amendment for political CYA.
We Nebraskans see right through that.
Gothguy on December 23, 2009 at 5:45 PM
“… vote ‘no‘ on cloture … send this bill back to commitee …”
.
… said publicly by the Governor of Nebraska and publicly broadcst on Fox.
.
Senator (although a recall effort in June 2010 may change this) Nelson , are these publicly broadcast words clear?
.
Will you do as your constituency desires?
Arbalest on December 23, 2009 at 5:46 PM
Who didn’t vote??
PappaMac on December 23, 2009 at 5:46 PM
Real America will have videos for when their chosen One pontificates on ‘savings’ at the State of the Union.
Looking at the horizon, I see something coming sideways, aimed at simplesimon….who’s clueless about it.
Schadenfreude on December 23, 2009 at 5:46 PM
Allah, you left out the most amazing fact about DeMint’s Amendment and what I think really nails the Dems as lying scum. This same language was written in 2007 by Dick Durbin and Jim DeMint. The Senate passed that Bill and it was sent to Conference committee where the language mysteriously disappeared.
Today, the wonderful flying Durbin stood up and stated that he didn’t see how that Amendment would work and moved to table it. An Amendment he co-wrote he was now happy to disown — and as you said it was not going to affect this healthcare debacle anyway.
I hope the Dems are all hoisted by their own petards.
Greyledge Gal on December 23, 2009 at 5:47 PM
How in the world did Nelson have the nerve to vote for that?
lavell12 on December 23, 2009 at 5:48 PM
Mmmmmmmmmmmmm….drizzle of shinola atop the heaping open-faced crap sandwich.
WashJeff on December 23, 2009 at 5:48 PM
Sen. Nelson and simplesimon have the same IQ.
Schadenfreude on December 23, 2009 at 5:48 PM
Notice the trolls think buying votes is perfectly ok
Hey TROLL. Just wait til 2010. Then defeat will be defined..Bwahahahahaha dimwit.
CWforFreedom on December 23, 2009 at 5:48 PM
With virtually no respect towards the Sin City Schmuck, the supermajority rule is a great big steaming pile of crap the size of Godzilla!
Maybe in Fall 2010, we can show Reid what the Real Supermajority, namely We The People, can do when we get seriously pissed!
pilamaye on December 23, 2009 at 5:49 PM
He is, and s/b, the most scared man in U.S. America today.
Schadenfreude on December 23, 2009 at 5:49 PM
It’s beginning to look a lot like Corporatized Socialism..
everywhere you goooooooo
ginaswo on December 23, 2009 at 5:49 PM
simons IQ is measureable? Nanoscale?
darwin on December 23, 2009 at 5:50 PM
By the way, unless I am missing it, I can’t find any information anywhere that either Webb or Warner got anything for their votes. Maybe Kelley in Virginia or another poster has info?
If they didn’t, then I would accept that their vote on this is sincere.
As an aside, Webb and Lamar Alexander have co-written an energy bill (Clean Energy Act of 2009) which has some great provisions — especially emphasis on nuclear. All for a cost of $20 Billion over 10 years. The article is in Roll Call on the 21st of Dec.
Greyledge Gal on December 23, 2009 at 5:51 PM
Good Ol’ Nelson is toast here in Nebraska and should be thinking about retirement in 2012. His vote today to ban vote-buying means nothing to us. Too late Ben Nelson, we see Dave Heineman in our future!!!!
yoda on December 23, 2009 at 5:51 PM
It’s a shame that a Public Education was wasted.
PappaMac on December 23, 2009 at 5:52 PM
Well done senator. Now these votes are on the OFFICIAL RECORD and we all know how much that will change things.
/s
Mord on December 23, 2009 at 5:52 PM
Yeah, it passed unanimously back then, I believe. They feel they don’t even need to pretend to be ethical anymore.
Buddahpundit on December 23, 2009 at 5:53 PM
Thank you Senator DeMint for fighting for America. We need way more like you in Washington.
Their day of reckoning is coming!
alwaysright43 on December 23, 2009 at 5:53 PM
Bunning, KY
LastRick on December 23, 2009 at 5:53 PM
Ben must have a backup plan, an ambassador’s post somewhere. He1l, Ogabe will probably just give him a cash payout after ejection from the senate next year.
Bishop on December 23, 2009 at 5:53 PM
Why is it that no one will make the point that WE DON’T HAVE $100 MILLION DOLLARS TO GIVE TO ANY STATE.
This nation is bankrupt in all but name.
spmat on December 23, 2009 at 5:54 PM
You refer to the posters here as Americans and constantly make reference to real America.
What does that make you and what country do you live in?
donh525 on December 23, 2009 at 5:54 PM
When will Heinemann request that Nebraska law be amended to allow the Recall of US Senators?
PappaMac on December 23, 2009 at 5:55 PM
It is frightening and ironic that all this is eventually going to be decided by a guy named… “Kennedy”
tommylotto on December 23, 2009 at 5:55 PM
AP, you really need to stop being so reticent, Let it out, dude. Tell us what you really feel.
phineas on December 23, 2009 at 5:56 PM
Me thinks,a ACORN sting operation should of been
launched,targetting Liberals,to see exactly how far,
and what it would take to get their dirty deeds done
dirt cheap!!
canopfor on December 23, 2009 at 5:56 PM
Warner’s a lost cause. He’s a leftie in moderate clothing.
Webb seems a little perplexed … because I think he was caught off guard by the sheer balliness of the democrats trying to destroy the nation in less than a year. I’ve written him and the replies, if written by him are a mixed bag. He kinda sounds pissed … like he’s caught between a rock and a hard place and doesn’t really sound too thrilled about being one of sixty Senators about to launch America into either it’s sunset or a civil war.
Just my observations.
darwin on December 23, 2009 at 5:57 PM
The Governor put the wood to Nelson…..that was an EPIC BEATDOWN.
David in ATL on December 23, 2009 at 5:59 PM
I just love the fact that Ben Nelson voted against it, and then changed his vote when he noticed it wasn’t going to pass.
Hope Nebraskans get rid of the tool.
Enoxo on December 23, 2009 at 5:59 PM
Why would the dems vote for this and still vote for the rip off america so called health care bill? I will tell you Crooks ,liars and thieves all.
thmcbb on December 23, 2009 at 5:59 PM
simons IQ is measureable? Nanoscale?
darwin on December 23, 2009 at 5:50 PM
darwin: Better to be safe and sure,break out the Electron
Microscope to get an accurate reading,in Sims IQ!:)
hehe.
canopfor on December 23, 2009 at 5:59 PM
By the time this exodus through the Democrat Sinai is over, I’ll have lost 10 years off my life. I intend to get it back.
leftnomore on December 23, 2009 at 6:00 PM
Perhaps it could be put on 2010′s ballot. I called the Secretary of State the other day, but didn’t ask him that question. Who knows, this may already in the works.
yoda on December 23, 2009 at 6:00 PM
Liberal America is For Sale!!
canopfor on December 23, 2009 at 6:01 PM
Check this little tidbit out from RedState on the Demint “cash for cloture” vote.
Nelson voted yes first, then realized they had enough votes and went back to the clerk and changed it to no for the record.
http://www.redstate.com/
SCHMUCK!
katy on December 23, 2009 at 6:01 PM
So you’re perfectly fine with corruption as long as the dems are the ones perpetrating it? Unreal.
alwaysright43 on December 23, 2009 at 6:01 PM
The Gov of Nebraska has been on top of this Nelson stuff… He has sent the Senator several strongly worded letters. When Nelson offered to take it out… The gov said to go right ahead… called his bluff big time… Can’t wait to see the Sen’s next townhall meeting (if he has one)..
BTW – Has anyone seen Governor Jindal of Lousiana??? Paging Gov. Jindal……. oh my… crickets!
kringeesmom on December 23, 2009 at 6:02 PM
Y
“Real Americans” was a term coined by epic moron Sarah Palin. Her real americans were angry, marginalized white people who live in backwaters. Essentially, the GOP base.
simplesimon on December 23, 2009 at 6:02 PM
I’m thinking about meeting Ben at Eppley. Ya’know. Just to welcome him home. Tell him Merry Christmas.
PappaMac on December 23, 2009 at 6:02 PM
20 Memorable Quotes From Senate Democrooks on Obamacare
http://gatewaypundit.firstthings.com/
Geochelone on December 23, 2009 at 6:02 PM
Liberal corruption,and still,Nancy hasn`t picked up her
broom yet!!
canopfor on December 23, 2009 at 6:03 PM
A brilliant move by DeMint and, for that matter, McConnel and the leadership team.
Now, what they need to do is offer this amendment over and over on every bill that gets to the floor in 2010. Do it until we pass it or keep letting the Dems vote against, even better.
This issue has legs like no other I’ve ever seen. Everybody gets it and it could well become the signature issue for victory in 2010, much like the House bank scandal that helped us take the House on ’94.
Except this time it plays into the corrupt culture theme that Obama, Pelosi, and Reid said they were going to change.
TXUS on December 23, 2009 at 6:05 PM
The ends justify the means. Lie, cheat, steal- whatever it takes.
alwaysright43 on December 23, 2009 at 6:06 PM
Heh, he hasn’t responded to me yet. We will see….
Even Warner responded with a canned response…..
donkichi on December 23, 2009 at 6:07 PM
Oh man … DeMint should hold a press conference with a board featuring a picture of every dem Senator plus that socialist clown. In big letters … FOR SALE.
darwin on December 23, 2009 at 6:07 PM
Real Americans work and pay for the likes of simplesimon to be allowed to be stupid beyond comprehension.
Real American Soldiers fight and die for this turd.
Schadenfreude on December 23, 2009 at 6:08 PM
20 Memorable Quotes From Senate Democrooks on Obamacare
http://gatewaypundit.firstthings.com/
Geochelone on December 23, 2009 at 6:02 PM
Geochelone: No kidding,these two aren’t bad,ahem!:)
————————————————-
SEN. BEN NELSON (D-NE): “My Vote Is Not For Sale
—————————————————
SEN. HARRY REID (D-NV): “If They Don’t Have Something In It Important To Them Then It Doesn’t Speak Well Of Them.”
canopfor on December 23, 2009 at 6:08 PM
Say it proudly. The Donks are the party of EAR MARKS.
Geochelone on December 23, 2009 at 6:08 PM
Well, at least now there exists a list of the Senators who condone corruption. They are on the record!
GFW on December 23, 2009 at 6:10 PM
Warner really does. One time I wrote him and got a reply that had nothing to do with what I asked him.
My ex-Representative, Thelma Drake (R) was awesome. I would get prompt replies addressing my specific questions. Only one to ever do that. Too bad a dem replaced her.
darwin on December 23, 2009 at 6:10 PM
SS (apt, don’t you think?) also refers to people here as “patriots” and means that as an insult.
I’d ask you to try and understand his mind but you would come away scarred, so don’t do it.
Bishop on December 23, 2009 at 6:11 PM
You mean that everyone who is conservative or a republican is a booney’s hick from some bumpkin town????
Wow, who would have thunk that. Oh yeah, so where is Obama from again? How about Pelosi? Or Reid? Or our gaffe man, Biden? Hmmmmmmmm and isn’t McKaskill a senator from a “Bumpkin” area.. who is also VERY liberal.
simple.. keep digging there moron.
upinak on December 23, 2009 at 6:11 PM
You bring into question who the real moron is.
Your bigotry is ugly!
donh525 on December 23, 2009 at 6:12 PM
“Real Americans” was a term coined by epic moron Sarah Palin. Her real americans were angry, marginalized white people who live in backwaters. Essentially, the GOP base.
simplesimon on December 23, 2009 at 6:02 PM
simplesimon: Your dazed and confused,you are Un-American!
canopfor on December 23, 2009 at 6:13 PM
Grow another neuron or get a transplant? I see you managed to eek out three sentences this time. Good work. Don’t tax yourself though … do a three’er every 20 comments or so. Build up slowly. That neuron is fragile.
darwin on December 23, 2009 at 6:14 PM
It could probably be shown by facts and figures that there is no distinctly native American criminal class except Congress.
- Mark Twain
MB4 on December 23, 2009 at 6:14 PM
Wow! simon is getting the hits! I hope he keeps both hands on the keyboard. You know how these basement guys like to relieve frustrations.
darwin on December 23, 2009 at 6:15 PM
Simpleton: ACORN worker, extraoridinairre. Specialty: Voter fraud, and intimidation. Up for promotion in 2010, to official personal brown noser to Obama. Currently works as brown noser to moveon.org.
capejasmine on December 23, 2009 at 6:15 PM
Congress contains the smallest minds and the selfishest souls and the cowardliest hearts that God makes.
- Mark Twain
MB4 on December 23, 2009 at 6:16 PM
Well, perhaps Webb has responded by post instead of email. Or perhaps he is really thinking hard about his response to me. Or maybe me telling him I would fire his arse if he voted for HCR will get me zero response. When I get home on vacation in Jan I will find out and make my presence known. I don’t like it when I regret NOT voting for Senator “makaka”.
donkichi on December 23, 2009 at 6:17 PM
Real Americans as opposed to Real People?
Reid: Real People Understand The Urgency For Health Reform
Fake Americans? Fake people? His real people are angry marginalized Democrats who live in entitlement districts. Essentially the Liberal base.
canditaylor68 on December 23, 2009 at 6:17 PM
You’ll have to excuse SS, she has a deep seated hatred towards some people based on the color of their skin, members of the military, Conservatives and Sarah Plain in particular.
Did I miss anyone SS?
Juno77 on December 23, 2009 at 6:18 PM
I’ll be honest Bishop, my first feeling at seeing her (his) posts were anger.
Now I feel sorry for this person. Bigots like him(her) have serious mental problems.
I hope help comes in time to save this pitiful reject of human decency.
donh525 on December 23, 2009 at 6:18 PM
Correction: Real Americans. Those Americans who stand by, and defend the constitution. Who cherish the privileges, liberties, and freedoms the constitution allows. Those who work hard for a living, and produce, there by creating jobs, and a richer nation. Those who don’t look for hand outs, but strive to make each day better than the last. Those who will defend their nation against all enemies. Foreign, and domestic.
Take a history class will ya? Oh, and that description above should be easy for you to remember. It’s the exact opposite of yourself.
capejasmine on December 23, 2009 at 6:19 PM
Don’t forget!,2/11/10 is Laundry Day!!!!
http://iowntheworld.com/blog/?p=13497
canopfor on December 23, 2009 at 6:21 PM
Boy, the White House must have really done a number on Leiberman. Why on earth did he vote this down?
indy8 on December 23, 2009 at 6:23 PM
You thought she said ‘Fat, Unhappy Americans’ and you haven’t shut your blow hole since.
BigWyo on December 23, 2009 at 6:24 PM
Boy, the White House must have really done a number on Leiberman. Why on earth did he vote this down?
indy8 on December 23, 2009 at 6:23 PM
indy8:Yes they p*ssed him off,and threw Joe,under da bus!!
canopfor on December 23, 2009 at 6:24 PM
If Obama and his gang get many more victories like this they can say hasta la vista baby to 2010 and 2012.
MB4 on December 23, 2009 at 6:25 PM
No man’s life, liberty, or property. is safe. while the legislature is in session.
- Mark Twain
MB4 on December 23, 2009 at 6:26 PM
Webb’s a weird guy. Anger issues. I hope we still have an election system when he’s up. He’s out. Warner too.
darwin on December 23, 2009 at 6:27 PM
But he is up for reelection next year
ConservativePartyNow on December 23, 2009 at 6:27 PM
You will see just how marginalized they are very soon in the next election. One of your own already jumped ship. More to come. More to come. Moron
CWforFreedom on December 23, 2009 at 6:27 PM
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