OK, so there is a rec'ced diary on the front page, Chet Edwards: "It’s clear to me they could care less about my political future." by TomP which I think is pretty unfair.
Let me first clarify, I am in favor of passing the bill, I am in favor of primarying DINOs. But there needs to be perspective and we cannot immediately begin throwing good Democrats under the bus because of this vote. Each situation is different and each candidate needs to be considered on his or her overall record.
unfortunately, too many folks are quick to call for a Primary of a Congressperson who does not vote for the HCR. This seems to me to be exactly the tactic Teabaggers are using to primary Goopers, tow the line or face the consequences.
It is reactionary and unproductive.
Clarification: This aimed almost as much toward the comments in the diary as it is with the diary.
Let's look at Chet Edwards.
he is from TX-17 which is R+20. Yes we have a Democrat in an R+20 district, the most red district in the country with a Dem.
So, you are saying to yourself, he is probably a DINO. Well, no, as this description of him from Wikipedia
Edwards supports abortion rights and has voted against a federal ban on partial-birth abortions and parental consent laws for minors seeking an abortion. He has received a 100% rating from NARAL. He supports civil unions for gay couples but opposes same-sex marriage. Edwards supports race-based affirmative action in institutions of higher education. He voted for the $825 billion federal stimulus package as well as stimulus funding for General Motors and Chrysler Corporations. He opposes vouchers for private and parochial schooling. ... He has stated his opposition to caps on medical malpractice lawsuits and opposes efforts to ban euthanasia. Edwards opposed the Bush tax cuts of 2002 and voted against eliminating the marriage penalty and estate tax. Edwards voted to investigate former President George W. Bush for impeachment proceedings regarding entry into the Iraq War. In 2001, Edwards voted against a proposed law which sought to treat religious organizations equally for tax breaks.
Does this sound like a guy we don't want in the House? Especially when you consider the alternative, surely a Republican as Red as they come.
So he makes a comment: "It’s clear to me they could care less about my political future." regarding the Obama Administration and folks are mad? They are mad that a guy who has spent a two decades in the House championing progressive causes is dismayed that the administration can't see the forest for the trees? You think he isn't concerned that if he bows to the pressure from the administration he will lose his seat and then what?
Am I happy he is not voting for it? Of course not, and I am not a fan of playing politics. And who knows what truly motivates his votes. He says his constituents and given the R+20 its a decent bet that is a large portion of it. But honestly I don't care why as much as I care about the reaction of folks...primary him, fuck him, he is with Blanche Lincoln.
That's just sad reactionary nonsense.