Despite our complaints about Salazar’s views, the GOP has taken unprecedented steps to oppose Salazar’s repeal of Bush’s policies for opposite reasons-
I can’t think of any other Administration where the minority party has tried so hard and been so successful preventing a new President from filling the positions in a government department. Rather than build allies among conservation groups to help in these battles, however, Salazar has pursued his own anti-conservation policies. Time to rethink?
If Reid is successful blocking the filibuster, an irony will be to make Obama even more reliant on his often troublesome views. High noon in Salazar showdown. A key Senate vote on his top aide at Interior is set for today amid high partisan tensions. By Michael Riley. The Denver Post
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Update. Reid fails to overcome Republican filibuster by 3 votes. Sixty votes are needed to invoke closure — kill a filibuster. New York Times. The vote was 57-39.
Hayes is said to be an environmental lawyer, but there seems to be a question as to how much he worked to protect it versus get corporate lobbyists access in his position during the Clinton Administration.
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Ralph Maughan
Dr. Ralph Maughan is professor emeritus of political science at Idaho State University with specialties in natural resource politics, public opinion, interest groups, political parties, voting and elections. Aside from academic publications, he is author or co-author of three hiking/backpacking guides, and he is past President of the Western Watersheds Project.
Perhaps Salazar should take note as to what is happening. With good people, whom we can rely on, may be able to get past the filibuster.
Rick
Kennedy, Kerry & Mukulski were absent. Reid says they will be there next week. That gives him 61 and he can call for a new vote because he voted no in order to preserve the call for that new vote.
Don
The Republicans left in the Senate are really taking this “Party of No” stuff seriously! 😉
Given Salazar’s background and actions so far, this whole situation should be a clear lesson on the effectiveness of compromise, collaboration, and, frankly, appeasement. Obama could have gone ahead and nominated Grijalva and gotten this much cooperation.
Milkarooni,
I think you are absolutely right. How could a Grijalva nomination have done worse? Plus, conservation groups would be actively helping push the nominations rather than sitting and watching events.