This is an informal list of the switches which tend to occur in close votes.
The following Republicans switched on HR 4241 (The Deficit "Reduction" Act), which passed 217-215 last Thursday:
Wayne Gilchrest (MD-1) and Steve LaTourette (OH-14)
The following Republicans switched from Nay to Aye on HR 3010 (which failed by a 209 to 224 margin):
Tom Davis (VA-11), Joel Hefley (CO-5), Phil Gingrey (GA-11), Tom Tancredo (CO-6), Trent Franks (AZ-2), Jeff Flake (AZ-6), Don Young (AK), Walter Jones (NC-3), Melissa Hart (PA-4), Ginny Brown-Waite (FL-6), and Barbara Cubin (WY).
ELEVEN switched votes and 35 minutes later, that bill failed.
The line between the dissenting Republicans and the wimpy Republicans isn't that hidden. I'll go into this a little bit more under the fold.
Another switch (which actually didn't impact the vote, but it shows off who is antsy to ignore Tom and Roy): Simmons, Musgrave, and Timothy Johnson caved on H. Res. 571 (which provided for the consideration of the Hunter Withdrawal Resolution)
Here's one example of how things work in the Republican House.
11/21/2003 11:36pm:
Mr. Thomas brought up conference report H. Rept. 108-391 for consideration under the provisions of H. Res. 463.
11/22/2003 2:36am:
The previous question was ordered without objection.
11/22/2003 2:38am:
Mr. Turner (TX) moved to recommit with instructions to the conference committee.
11/22/2003 2:39am:
On motion to recommit with instructions to conference committee Failed by recorded vote: 211 - 222 (Roll No. 668).
11/22/2003 5:50am:
On agreeing to the conference report Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 220 - 215 (Roll No. 669).
11/22/2003 5:51am:
Mr. Thomas moved to reconsider the vote.
11/22/2003 5:51am:
Mr. DeLay moved to table the motion to reconsider.
11/22/2003 5:52am:
On motion to table the motion to reconsider Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 210 - 193 (Roll No. 670).
11/22/2003 5:53am:
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
The time stamps might be off, but I do think they're telling the truth on how long that vote went. Three Hours~!!!
Ernest Istook, Trent Franks, and Butch Otter waffled in that 3 hours to help pass that bill.
Remember that Robin Hayes waffled on CAFTA this year.
At the very least, we should get the names of the wafflers on 4241 and 3010 out there.
In the scheme of things, it's one thing to just vote for screwing over the poor, it's even worse if you had to be prodded into switching your vote to vote for those two shameful bills. At the very least, the Republicans who voted for 4241 and 3010 could claim to be principled in screwing the poor. The Republicans who switched on those votes can't claim principle.
Shame on the Republicans who can only do the right thing until Tom DeLay gives them a "death stare".. gutless cowards (although fortunately 3010 failed, even if two gutless wonders helped pass 4241)
DeLayfried and Roy's rule over the House is slipping every day. But the heat has to be on the people who succumb to their pressure.
Sorry if my diary is very dry, but I hope you all distribute this information freely.