[my first attempt at posting this seems to have failed, I'll try again]
Why did Hagel not vote today?
I live in Nebraska and never would have expected an abstention from Hagel. I doubt that anyone would have expected it.
He consistently votes party line and I very conservative.
The only other Senator who didn't vote today was Ensign. He was in a car accident. I have heard no news about Hagel having any emergency. So what gives?
I'm truly baffled by this.
Nelson was given a pass by the rest of the left blogosphere for supporting Alito. Living in Nebraska, I would have to say, that he likely represented the views of most Nebraskans. That's depressing, sure, but it's true. We all have our cross to bear.
But why would Hagel, who consistently votes party-line, decide to sit this one out?
My experiences of the two senators, while limited, have been quite revealing. Nelson has not been very responsive. Hagel, on the other had, is very good at at least replying to comments, of any kind.
I do believe that Hagel sees the writing on the wall. Bush is not going to be somebody any Republican is going to want to be close to in 2008. Hagel, with his public statements, if not his voting record, is setting himself up to be some sort of outsider.
I think he can pull it off.
I even know quite a few liberals here in Nebraska who say the like Hagel and they don't like Nelson.
I'm curious if anyone here sees this.
I find it telling that in the last SUSA survey Hagel was less popular among Nebraskans than Nelson. He still had something like a 55% approval rating.
I post this only because I'm very curious.
What on earth is Hagel up to?
I doubt he'll vote against Alito in the final tally. But don't be surprised if he abstains again.
phat
PS If there is some news about him being unable to make it to the vote, please ignore this diary.