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Dems throwing the old Klansman (Byrd) over the side?
John Bresnahan, PoliticoA group of Senate Democrats has begun quietly exploring ways to replace the venerable Sen. Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.) as chairman of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, believing hes no longer physically up to the job, according to Democratic senators and leadership aides familiar with the discussions. Two reactions: 1. It's about damned time! 2. But, but, I thought he was the "conscience of the Senate"? That's what you said during the Clinton impeachment! . . . there is broad discontent among committee members over the way Byrd has run the panel this year and the resulting problems in completing work on the fiscal 2008 spending bills, leading some members to privately push for Byrds replacement as chairman. His physical condition has been slowly deteriorating for years, and he cannot walk now without the assistance of aides. Byrd has difficultly running committee hearings, and he relies heavily on staffers for guidance. Him and about 80 or 90 other Senators. Still, he can deliver one of his legendary floor speeches on the sanctity of the Constitution and the importance of Congress in the operation of the U.S. government, even if he often repeats himself over and again. No Democratic senators or leadership aides would speak publicly about the situation, preferring to comment only anonymously. Sen. Byrds experience and respect for the Senate speak for themselves. He has no peer, said [Majority Leader Harry] Reids spokesman, Jim Manley. They smile in your face All the time they wanna take your place The back-stabbers (back-stabbers!) Posted by: Mike 2007-12-18 |
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