DeLay is a Disgrace

and so is the GOP Leadership

Published on April 7, 2005 By COL Gene In Politics

Yesterday, the Washington Post and the New York Times broke two more stories about Tom DeLay’s indiscretions. The stories reviled that DeLay paid his wife and daughter $500,000 from political contributions and his trip to the Bahamas was tied to Russian business interests. This should have been the last nail in the DeLay coffin and he should have been removed from his position of leadership in Congress.

Today the Republican leadership disgraced itself by calling these actions, “ political character assaults”. Paying $500,000 to your wife and daughter from political contributions and going on trips tied to Russian business interests are not "political assaults", they are revelations of conduct that is not proper for a member of Congress. What the GOP leadership did by supporting his unjustified behavior is to demonstrate that their loyalty is to the Republican Party rather than to the Congress of the United States.

Comments (Page 1)

Draginol

on Apr 07, 2005

I'm sure you were similarly outraged at the more significant "indiscretions" of the Clinton years.

COL Gene

on Apr 07, 2005

Yes I am. But that is past, this is NOW. You can not justify what DeLay is doing with what Clinton did. Two wrongs do not make a right. WHY is the GOP Leadership not acting in the best interest of the Congress and the U S? If they were outraged at what they believed Clinton did wrong why are they not similarly outraged by DeLay? He is, after all, their leader in Congress.

drmiler

on Apr 07, 2005

You want to start on DeLay? Well then lets start on Harry Reid shall we? And please don't whine about what I'm posting. Just try to refute it if you can.

REID: CHIEF DEMOCRAT OBSTRUCTIONIST

Reid Supported Strengthening Social Security In 1990s, Opposes Now:

In 1999, Reid Declared: “[M]ost Of Us Have No Problem With Taking A Small Amount Of The Social Security Proceeds And Putting It Into The Private Sector.” (Fox’s “Fox News Sunday,” 2/14/99)

In 1999, Reid Said: “I Think We Have To Take Care Of Social Security …” (Fox’s “Fox News Sunday,” 7/11/99)

In 1999, Reid Said: “[W]e’re Visiting Chile Because It Is Doing Interesting Things In Social Security And Other Parts Of Its Free Market System…” (Tony Batt, “Reid To Embark On South America Trip,” Las Vegas Review-Journal, 3/30/99)
Now, In 2005, Reid Is Blocking Personal Retirement Accounts. “For instance, [Reid] is against personal retirement accounts: ‘If someone wants to privatize Social Security, they are going to have to find someone else to get in bed with other than me,’ Reid told a television audience in Nevada recently.” (Terence Samuel, “A Leader From The Wilderness,” U.S. News & World Report, 11/29/04)
Reid’s Social Security Record -- Voted For Higher Taxes On Social Security Benefits At Least Eight Times:

Reid Voted Twice For Clinton’s Billion Tax Hike On Social Security Benefits. (H.R. 2264, CQ Vote #190: Passed 50-49: R 0-43; D 49-6, With Vice President Al Gore Casting A Yea Vote, 6/25/93, Reid Voted Yea; H.R. 2264, CQ Vote #247: Adopted 51-50: R 0-44; D 50-6, With Vice President Al Gore Casting A Yea Vote, 8/6/93, Reid Voted Yea)

Reid Voted Three Times To Keep Hike In Clinton Plan. (S. Con. Res. 18, CQ Vote #57: Motion Agreed To 52-47: R 0-43; D 52-4, 3/24/93, Reid Voted Yea; S. Con. Res. 18, CQ Vote #59: Motion Agreed To 55-44: R 0-43; D 55-1, 3/24/93, Reid Voted Yea; S. 1134, CQ Vote #169: Motion Agreed To 51-46: R 1-41; D 50-5, 6/24/93, Reid Voted Yea)

Reid Voted Three Times Against Repealing 1993 Increase. (S. Con. Res. 57, CQ Vote #142: Adopted 50-48: R 49-4; D 1-44, 5/22/96, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 8, CQ Vote #188: Adopted 58-41: R 54-1; D 4-40, 7/13/00, Reid Voted Nay; S. Con. Res. 23, CQ Vote #94: Rejected 48-51: R 48-3; D 0-47; I 0-1, 3/25/03, Reid Voted Nay)
Reid: Just Say No To Qualified Judges:

Reid Has Promised To “Screw Things Up” For Senate Republicans. “If they, for whatever reason, decide to do this [change Senate rules on filibusters], it’s not only wrong, they will rue the day they did it, because we will do whatever we can do to strike back … I know procedures around here. And I know that there will still be Senate business conducted. But I will, for lack of a better word, screw things up.” (Helen Dewar and Mike Allen, “GOP May Target Use Of Filibuster,” The Washington Post, 12/13/04)

“In The Last Congress, [Reid] Conducted A One-Man Filibuster Of Nearly Nine Hours – Sipping Sparingly On Water So He Wouldn’t Have To Leave The Senate Floor For The Restroom – To Upset A Republican Talkathon To Blast Democratic Delaying Tactics.” (Bob Dart, “Harry Reid: Breaking The Democratic Mold,” Cox News Service, 11/19/04)

“Indeed, As Daschle’s Whip, Reid Helped Orchestrate An Unprecedented Filibuster Of Some Of President Bush’s More Conservative Judicial Nominees.” (Allison Stevens, “Senate Democrats Set A Daschle-Like Tone For 2005,” Congressional Quarterly, 11/16/04)

Reid “Also Joined Daschle In Using Procedural Tools To Prevent Conference Committees From Meeting, To Protest What Reid Called Mistreatment By The Majority.” (Allison Stevens, “Senate Democrats Set A Daschle-Like Tone For 2005,” Congressional Quarterly, 11/16/04)
In 2003, Reid Held Up Dozens Of President Bush’s Nominations Until Former Aide Was Appointed To NRC. “Sen. Harry Reid and the Bush administration have made a deal clearing the way for dozens of Bush nominees to take office in exchange for a Reid aide being nominated to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission … Reid announced last month that he would hold up Bush executive branch nominees until Bush picked [Gregory] Jaczko, 32, for an NRC vacancy.” (“Reid Drops Hold On Leavitt Nomination In Deal Involving Aide,” The Associated Press, 10/8/03)

In The 108th Congress Reid Voted Against Cloture On Judicial Nominees Twenty Times. (CQ Vote #40: Motion Rejected 55-44: R 51-0; D 4-43; I 0-1, 3/6/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote #53: Motion Rejected 55-42: R 51-0; D 4-41; I 0-1, 3/13/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote #56: Motion Rejected 55-45: R 51-0; D 4-44; I 0-1, 3/18/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote #114: Motion Rejected 55-44: R 51-0; D 4-43; I 0-1, 4/2/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote #137: Motion Rejected 52-44: R 50-0; D 2-43; I 0-1, 5/1/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote #140: Motion Rejected 52-39: R 49-0; D 3-38; I 0-1, 5/5/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote #143: Motion Rejected 54-43: R 50-0; D 4-42; I 0-1, 5/8/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote #144: Motion Rejected 52-45: R 50-0; D 2-44; I 0-1, 5/8/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote #308: Motion Rejected 53-43: R 51-0; D 2-42; I 0-1, 7/29/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote #312: Motion Rejected 55-43: R 51-0; D 4-42; I 0-1, 7/30/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote #316: Motion Rejected 53-44: R 51-0; D 2-44; I 0-0, 7/31/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote #419: Motion Rejected 54-43: R 51-0; D 2-43; I 1-0, 10/30/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote #441: Motion Rejected 51-43: R 49-0; D 2-42; I 0-1, 11/6/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote #450: Motion Rejected 53-42: R 51-0; D 2-41; I 0-1, 11/14/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote #451: Motion Rejected 53-43: R 51-0; D 2-42; I 0-1, 11/14/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote #452: Motion Rejected 53-43: R 51-0; D 2-42; I 0-1, 11/14/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote #158: Motion Rejected 53-44: R 51-0; D 2-43; I 0-1, 7/20/04, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote #160: Motion Rejected 52-46: R 51-0; D 1-45; I 0-1, 7/22/04, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote #158: Motion Rejected 54-44: R 51-0; D 3-43; I 0-1, 7/22/04, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote #162: Motion Rejected 53-44: R 50-0; D 3-43; I 0-1, 7/22/04, Reid Voted Nay)

Reid Voted Against Miguel Estrada Cloture 7 Times. (CQ Vote #40: Motion Rejected 55-44: R 51-0; D 4-43; I 0-1, 3/6/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote #53: Motion Rejected 55-42: R 51-0; D 4-41; I 0-1, 3/13/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote #56: Motion Rejected 55-45: R 51-0; D 4-44; I 0-1, 3/18/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote #114: Motion Rejected 55-44: R 51-0; D 4-43; I 0-1, 4/2/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote #140: Motion Rejected 52-39: R 49-0; D 3-38; I 0-1, 5/5/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote #143: Motion Rejected 54-43: R 50-0; D 4-42; I 0-1, 5/8/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote #312: Motion Rejected 55-43: R 51-0; D 4-42; I 0-1, 7/30/03, Reid Voted Nay)

Reid Voted Against Priscilla Owen Cloture 4 Times. (CQ Vote #137: Motion Rejected 52-44: R 50-0; D 2-43; I 0-1, 5/1/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote #144: Motion Rejected 52-45: R 50-0; D 2-44; I 0-1, 5/8/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote #308: Motion Rejected 53-43: R 51-0; D 2-42; I 0-1, 7/29/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote #450: Motion Rejected 53-42: R 51-0; D 2-41; I 0-1, 11/14/03, Reid Voted Nay)

Reid Voted Against Cloture On Charles Pickering, William Pryor (Twice), Carolyn Kuhl, And Janice Brown. (CQ Vote #419: Motion Rejected 54-43: R 51-0; D 2-43; I 1-0, 10/30/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote #441: Motion Rejected 51-43: R 49-0; D 2-42; I 0-1, 11/6/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote #316: Motion Rejected 53-44: R 51-0; D 2-44; I 0-0, 7/31/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote #451: Motion Rejected 53-43: R 51-0; D 2-42; I 0-1, 11/14/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote #452: Motion Rejected 53-43: R 51-0; D 2-42; I 0-1, 11/14/03, Reid Voted Nay)
But In 2001, Reid Said: “ Think We Should Have Up-Or-Down Votes In The Committee And On The Floor [On Nominees].” (CNN’s “Evans, Novak, Hunt & Shields,” 6/9/01)

Reid Blocked Homeland Security Department:

Reid Led The Fight Against President Bush’s Department Of Homeland Security. (H.R. 5005, CQ Vote #218: Motion Rejected 50-49: R 0-48; D 49-1; I 1-0, 9/19/02, Reid Voted Yea; H.R. 5005, CQ Vote #225: Motion Rejected 49-49: R 1-47; D 47-2; I 1-0, 9/25/02, Reid Voted Yea; H.R. 5005, CQ Vote #226: Motion Rejected 50-49: R 1-48; D 48-1; I 1-0, 9/26/02, Reid Voted Yea; H.R. 5005, CQ Vote #227: Motion Rejected 44-53: R 1-46; D 42-7; I 1-0, 9/26/02, Reid Voted Yea; H.R. 5005, CQ Vote #228: Motion Rejected 45-52: R 2-46; D 42-6; I 1-0, 10/1/02, Reid Voted Yea; H.R. 5005, CQ Vote #241: Motion Agreed To 50-47: R 48-0; D 1-46; I 1-1, 11/13/02, Reid Voted Nay)

Senate Dems Stalled Homeland Security For 112 Days. (H.R. 5005, Received In The Senate 7/30/02; H.R. 5005, CQ Vote #249: Passed 90-9: R 48-0; D 41-8; I 1-1, 11/19/02, Reid Voted Yea)
Reid Created Taxpayer-Financed “War Room”:

Reid Established “War Room” With As Many As 15 Staffers To Coordinate Messaging For Democratic Obstruction. (Geoff Earle, “Reid Makes It Clear He’s No Daschle,” The Hill, 12/1/04)

Reid’s “War Room” To Be Located In Capitol Building. (Steve Tetreault, “Reid Announces New Office Created,” Las Vegas Review-Journal, 11/30/04)
Staff From Various Democratic Leadership Organizations, Including Taxpayer Funded Groups, Could End Up Folded Into Reid’s “War Room.” “The new Democratic leader is reestablishing authority over a variety of Democratic leadership organizations – the Democratic Policy Committee (DPC), the Democratic Steering Committee, and the Democratic Communications Committee – all of which are headed by other Democratic senators. Some staff from these groups could end up being folded into a new Democratic ‘war room’ being assembled to counter the GOP's political message.” (Geoff Earle, “Reid Makes It Clear He's No Daschle,” The Hill, 12/1/04)

Reid’s Home-State Newspaper Noted The Irony In His Attempt To Reach Mainstream America Using Aides Borrowed From Liberal Northeastern Democrats. “Ironic, that to run Democratic Spin Central, Sen. Reid tapped former aides to two überliberal Eastern Senate Democrats, Ted Kennedy and Charles Schumer, who couldn’t get elected dog catcher in any ‘red’ state.” (Editorial, “Spin Central,” Las Vegas Review-Journal, 12/1/04)

Reid’s Over-The-Top Partisan Rhetoric:

In 2002, Harry Reid Attacked The President Stating “President Bush Is A Liar.” (Erin Neff, “Political Rift Could Hurt State’s Yucca Fight,” Las Vegas Sun, 3/5/02)

As Recently As December 2004, Reid Stood By Comments Attacking President Bush As A “Liar.” NBC’s TIM RUSSERT: “You said, ‘President Bush is a liar. He betrayed Nevada and he betrayed the country.’ Is that rhetoric appropriate?” SEN. HARRY REID: “. . . [P]eople may not like what I said, but I said it, and I don’t back off one bit.” (NBC’s “Meet The Press,” 12/5/04)

Reid’s Aides Are Obstructionists In Their Free Time, Too:

One Reid Aide Was Arrested For Disorderly Conduct During President Bush’s Inaugural Address. “An aide to Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) was arrested on the West Front of the Capitol for disorderly conduct during President Bush’s inaugural address … The aide, Nathan Ackerman, is a television producer on the Senate Democratic Communications Committee - an organization that was folded into Reid’s new communications ‘war room.’ … According to a Capitol Police report, Ackerman and another suspect ‘were blocking the view of the audience and they were engaged in a verbal dispute with members of the audience.’” (Geoff Earle, “Inaugural Run-In For Reid Aide,” The Hill, 1/26/05)

REID: OUT OF TOUCH WITH MAINSTREAM AMERICA

Reid Calls DC Ritz-Carlton Condo Home:

“Son Of A Hard-Rock Miner And Raised In A Cabin Without Running Water, The New Senate Minority Leader Is Soaking Up City Life In A DC Ritz-Carlton Condo That He And His Wife, Landra, Bought In 2001 For $750,000.” (“Where Bush’s Brain Lives,” Washingtonian, 1/05)

The Ritz-Carlton Has Had Michael Jordan And Mia Hamm As “Some Of The Many VIPs Who Have Owned Or Rented Condos At The 23rd Street Northwest Location.” (Ed Henry, “Putting On The Ritz,” Roll Call, 10/29/03)

George Clooney “Camped Out At The Hotel Portion Of The Ritz … While Producing HBO’s ‘K Street.’” (Ed Henry, “Putting On The Ritz,” Roll Call, 10/29/03)
Reid’s Home “The Crown Jewel” Of Upscale Condominiums. “The crown jewels of upscale condominiums in Northwest include the residences at the Ritz-Carlton in Georgetown and the residences at the Ritz-Carlton in the West end. Both projects offer hotel-style amenities and concierge services to their residents.” (Michele Lerner, “Condo Buyers Face Roaring Market,” The Washington Times, 8/27/04)

“Owners Of The Condominiums Have Access To Such Ritz-Carlton Amenities As Room, Maid And Valet Service As Well As Their Own Concierge Desk.” (James R. Hardcastle, “Condos in Washington: $1,000 a Square Foot and Up,” The New York Times, 4/8/01)

“[T]he Average Price For The Condominiums It Sells At The Residences At Ritz-Carlton Was About $750 A Square Foot. This Is Well Over Twice The Most Expensive New Units Built In The Washington Metropolitan Area In The Last Decade, Said Anthony Lanier, President Of Eastbanc Inc., Millennium's Local Development Partner.” (James R. Hardcastle, “Condos in Washington: $1,000 a Square Foot and Up,” The New York Times, 4/8/01)
Reid’s Liberal Voting Record Speaks For Itself:

Deseret News: “Reid Is One Of The Most Liberal Members Of Congress.” (Lee Davidson, “More LDS Members In Congress Than Ever Before: 17,” Deseret News, 11/18/98)

“After Losing A Senate Bid In 1974, Reid Ruefully Concluded, ‘Nevada Isn’t As Liberal As We Thought.’” (Thomas B. Edsall, “Balancing Nevada, National Interests,” The Washington Post, 2/1/05)

Reid’s Most Recent Overall National Journal Rating Was Farther To The Left Than Liberal Icons Such As Sens. Chris Dodd (D-CT), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), And Joe Biden (D-DE). (National Journal Website, nationaljournal.com , Accessed 12/3/04)

According To Non-Partisan National Journal, Reid Was More Liberal On Economic Issues Than Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-MA). (National Journal Website, nationaljournal.com, Accessed 12/3/04)

According To Non-Partisan National Journal, Reid Was More Liberal On Foreign Policy Issues Than Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) And Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY). (National Journal Website, nationaljournal.com, Accessed 12/4/04)
From 1991-2004, Reid And Former Sen. Tom Daschle (D-SD) Voted Together 87% Of The Time. (CQ Vote Analysis, Performed 1/31/05)

In The 102nd Congress, Reid Voted With Daschle 81% Of The Time. (CQ Vote Analysis, Performed 1/31/05)

In The 103rd Congress, Reid Voted With Daschle 87% Of The Time. (CQ Vote Analysis, Performed 1/31/05)

In The 104th Congress, Reid Voted With Daschle 80% Of The Time. (CQ Vote Analysis, Performed 1/31/05)

In The 105th Congress, Reid Voted With Daschle 86% Of The Time. (CQ Vote Analysis, Performed 1/31/05)

In The 106th Congress, Reid Voted With Daschle 91% Of The Time. (CQ Vote Analysis, Performed 1/31/05)

In The 107th Congress, Reid Voted With Daschle 93% Of The Time. (CQ Vote Analysis, Performed 1/31/05)

In The 108th Congress, Reid Voted With Daschle 94% Of The Time. (CQ Vote Analysis, Performed 1/31/05)
Harry Reid Has A 76 Lifetime Rating From The Ultra-Liberal Americans For Democratic Action. (ADA Website, www.adaction.org/ , Accessed 1/11/05)

Reid Has A Dismal Lifetime Rating Of 21 From The American Conservative Union. (ACU Website, acuratings.com/ , Accessed 1/24/05)
Reid Has A 90% Lifetime Rating From AFL-CIO. (AFL-CIO Website, www.afl-cio.org , Accessed 1/24/05)

Reid Has An 89% Lifetime Rating From AFSCME. (SEIU Website, www.afscme.org , Accessed 1/24/05)

Reid Received A Lackluster 34% Lifetime Rating From U.S. Chamber Of Commerce. (U.S. Chamber Of Commerce Website, “How They Voted Scorecards,” www.uschamber.com , Accessed 12/2/04)

Reid Originally Voted For And Then Later Attacked The Patriot Act:

Reid Voted For Patriot Act. (H.R. 3162, CQ Vote #313: Passed 98-1: R 49-0; D 48-1; I 1-0, 10/25/01, Reid Voted Yea)

Reid Admitted He Did Not Know Money-Laundering Provisions Were In Patriot Act When He Voted For It. “Senator Harry Reid, Democrat of Nevada, said he was not aware that the money-laundering provision was in the bill when he voted for it in late 2001. He said he did not expect the bill to be as widely used as it has been in domestic investigations that had little or nothing to do with international terrorism. He said he thought the bill was about thwarting terrorists, not, as he put it, ‘naked women.’” (John M. Broder, “New Tale In Legalized Las Vegas Vice,” The New York Times, 12/15/03)
Reid: “There Are Concerns That Misuse Of The Patriot Act Could Lead To A Widespread Invasion Of Privacy …” (Ken Ritter, “Opposition To USA Patriot Act Swells Among Independent-Minded Nevadans,” The Associated Press, 11/15/03)

Reid “[H]as Said He Is Supportive Of Sunset Provisions That Will Cause Many Parts Of The Patriot Act To Expire In 2005.” (Frank Curreri “Privacy Lost, Volunteer Says,” Las Vegas Review-Journal, 11/11/03)

“Reid Said This Is Another Reminder That A Careful Review Of The Act Is In Order When It Comes Up For Renewal In 2005. ‘We Have To Be Tough On Terrorists, But We Also Have To Guard The Privacy Of American Citizens,’ He Said.” (Steve Friess, “Patriot Act Gets Mixed Review In Vegas,” The Boston Globe, 11/8/03)

Reid Thinks Patriot Act Being Misused. “‘The law was intended for activities related to terrorism and not to naked women,’ said Reid, who as minority whip is the second most powerful Democrat in the Senate. ‘Let me say, with Galardi and his whole gang, I don’t condone, appreciate or support all their nakedness. But having said that, I haven’t heard anyone say at any time he was involved with terrorism.’” (J.M. Kalil and Steve Tetreaul, “Patriot Act: Law’s Use Causing Concerns,” Las Vegas Review-Journal, 11/5/03)

Reid Opposes Federal Marriage Amendment:

Reid Received 100% Rating From Human Rights Campaign (HRC) For 107th Congress. (Human Rights Campaign, “Presidential Candidates,” Human Rights Campaign Website, www.hrc.org , Accessed 12/2/04)

HRC Endorsed Reid During 2004 Election Calling Him “A Leader We Can Count On.” (Human Rights Campaign, “Candidate Profile: Harry Reid,” Human Rights Campaign Website, www.hrc.org , Accessed 12/2/04)

“The Human Rights Campaign, The Largest National Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual And Transgender Advocacy Organization, Envisions An America Where GLBT People Are Ensured Of Their Basic Equal Rights, And Can Be Open, Honest And Safe At Home, At Work And In The Community.” (Human Rights Campaign Website, www.hrc.org /, Accessed 1/31/05)
Reid Said Marriage Should Be Between A Man And Woman. “So marriage should be between a man and a woman, OK? I agree. But why do we need to have to amend the Constitution when we have the Defense of Marriage Act federally? We have the state Constitution, which has it in it.” (Dave Berns, “Candidates See Religion's Role In Diverse Light,” Las Vegas Review-Journal, 10/28/04)

But Reid Voted Against Federal Marriage Amendment. (S.J. Res. 40, CQ Vote #155: Motion Rejected 48-50: R 45-6; D 3-43; I 0-1, 7/14/04, Reid Voted Nay)
Reid’s Mixed Messages On Abortion:

Reid: “ Clearly Oppose Abortion.” (NBC’s “Meet The Press,” 12/5/04)

“Sen. Harry M. Reid (D), A Poker-Faced Lawyer And Former Lieutenant Governor Of Nevada, Has Strong Feelings About The District Of Columbia. The City’s Abortion Policy Was Too Liberal, Says Reid, A Mormon, And Its Gay Rights Law Is Too Radical.” (Eric Pianin, “District Budget Squall May Signal Winds Of Change On Capitol Hill,” The Washington Post, 10/9/88)

“Reid Hasn’t Been Exactly Full-Throated In Opposition To Abortion. His Press Secretary, Tessa Hafen, Says He ‘Has Spoken Out’ Often, But She Cites Only His December 5 Appearance On Meet The Press.” (Fred Barnes, Op-Ed, “When Harry Met Roe,” The Weekly Standard, 12/27/04)

When Discussing Abortion, Reid Proudly Boasted Of His Relationship With Pro-Abortion Leader Barbara Boxer (D-CA). “Oddly, while talking about abortion, Reid said Senator Barbara Boxer of California is the closest thing he’s ever had to a sister. Boxer is passionately pro-abortion. I think the only fair verdict on Reid as a pro-life spokesman is that he isn’t one.” (Fred Barnes, Op-Ed, “When Harry Met Roe,” The Weekly Standard, 12/27/04)

Reid Proud Of Working Relationship With Former NARAL President Kate Michelman. “‘One of the calls I had today was from someone I care a great deal about, [former NARAL president] Kate Michelman,’ [Reid] said. ‘We worked well together and she is someone I have a great deal of affection for. Kate Michelman is not worried, so I don’t think anyone else should,’ he said.” (Mark Preston and Paul Kane, “Republicans Revel In Historic Gains,” Roll Call, 11/4/04)

Reid Voted Initially For A Substitute Bill That Would Have “Gutted” The Partial Birth Abortion Ban. (Fred Barnes, Op-Ed, “When Harry Met Roe,” The Weekly Standard, 12/27/04; S. 1692, CQ Vote #335: Motion Agreed To 61-38: R 50-3; D 10-35; I 1-0, 10/20/99, Reid Voted Nay; S. 3, CQ Vote #46: Approved 60-38: R 47-4; D 12-34; I 1-0, 3/12/03, Reid Voted Nay)

Reid Supported Legislation Watering Down The Laci Peterson Law. (H.R. 1997, CQ Vote #61: Rejected 49-50: R 4-47; D 44-3; I 1-0, 3/25/04, Reid Voted Yea)

Reid Voted To Overturn Reinstatement Of Mexico City Policy, Which Bars Funds From Being Given To Overseas Organizations That Perform Or Promote Abortions. (S. 925, CQ Vote #267: Rejected 43-53: R 42-9; D 1-43; I 0-1, 7/9/03, Reid Voted Nay)

“When Reid Ran For Democratic Leader, Neither NARAL Nor Planned Parenthood Voiced A Peep Of Opposition. And WeNews, An Online Publication For Women, Concluded Reid’s Ascension Wouldn’t Affect The Strong Pro-Abortion Position Of Senate Democrats.” (Fred Barnes, Op-Ed, “When Harry Met Roe,” The Weekly Standard, 12/27/04)

Reid Sponsored NARAL-Favored Legislation. “Prior to the March for Women’s Lives, U.S. Senator Harry Reid co-sponsored and introduced the ‘Putting Prevention First Act’ – bi-partisan legislation aimed at increasing federal spending on women’s health, family planning, and contraception.” (NARAL Website, www.prochoiceamerica.org , Accessed 1/24/05)

National Right To Life (NRLC) Legislative Director Douglas Johnson Highlighted Reid’s Pro-Choice Views. “The news media has labeled Reid as pro-life, but for years he has usually voted against the pro-life side on the most important votes … Indeed, in recent years Reid has played a key role in obstructing both pro-life legislation and judicial nominees, and I expect he will attempt to continue doing so.” (National Right To Life Committee, “Pro-Life Movement Faces Opportunities, Challenges In New Congress,” Press Release, 1/3/05)
Reid Was A Leading Senate Proponent Of “Hillarycare”:

“President Clinton’s Health Care Reform Plan Didn’t Just Die, Sen. Harry Reid Says. It Was Murdered. … One Of Few Democratic Senators Allying Himself From The Outset With First Lady Hillary Clinton And The Administration Health Care Package …” (Brian Hartman, “Reid Again Backs Democratic Leaders, Blasts Health Care,” State News Service, 9/15/94)

In 1994, Reid Hosted Then-First Lady Hillary Clinton In Las Vegas For A Conference On Health Care. (Adrian Havas, “First Lady: Crisis In American Health Care System Is Undisputed,” Las Vegas Business Press, 2/7/94)

“With Her Events Timed For Local Television Coverage, Mrs. Clinton Came Here To Build Support For Mr. Clinton’s Health Plan In A Conservative State. Despite Local Opposition, The President’s Plan Is Backed By Three Top Democrats In Nevada: Senator Harry Reid …” (Adam Clymer, “Hillary Clinton Tells Doctors Crisis In Health Care Is Real,” The New York Times, 1/29/94)
Reid: Scrooge In Senator’s Clothing:

In 2003, With The Holiday Season Nearing, Reid Delayed Action On A Bill Designed To Expand Charitable Giving. “Senate Democrats are blocking the practice of sending bills to conference in order to protest the exclusion of Democratic conferees from recent negotiations. Reid also objected - as Democrats have previously - to a conference on a bill (HR 7) that would expand tax breaks for charitable donations.” (Mary Clare Jalonick and Niels C. Sorrells, “Senate Democrats Block Conferences For Healthy Forest, Charitable Giving Bills,” Congressional Quarterly Daily Monitor, 11/3/03)

Reid Voted To Cut Defense And FBI Funding:

In 1995, Reid Voted To Freeze Defense Spending For 7 Years, Slashing Over $34 Billion From Defense. (S. Con. Res. 13, CQ Vote #181: Rejected 28-71: R 2-51; D 26-20, 5/24/95, Reid Voted Yea)

In 1995, Reid Voted To Slash FBI Funding By $80 Million. (H.R. 2076, CQ Vote #480: Adopted 49-41: R 9-40; D 40-1, 9/29/95, Reid Voted Yea)

Reid’s Extreme Environmental Record:

Harry Reid Has A 74% Lifetime Score From The League Of Conservation Voters And Was Named An “Environmental Champion” In 2004. (League Of Conservation Voters, “LCV Names Senator Harry Reid As Environmental Champion,” Press Release, 7/22/04)

Al Gore Only Has 64% Lifetime Rating From LCV. (Allan Oliver, League Of Conservation Voters Blog, www.lcv.org , Accessed 4/30/04)
Reid Endorsed By Partisan Sierra Club In 2004. (Allison Stevens, “Reid In Line To Succeed Daschle If Needed, But Democrats Insist Leader Will Win Race,” Congressional Quarterly Today, 10/15/04)

Harry Reid Has A 79% Lifetime Rating From Ultra-Liberal US Public Interest Research Group (PIRG). Tom Daschle’s rating was 72%. (US PIRG, “Congressional Scorecard 2004”)

Reid Has Voted 4 Times For Increased CAFE Standards. (S. 1224, CQ Vote #248: Motion Rejected 57-42: R 15-29; D 42-13, 9/25/90, Reid Voted Yea; H.R. 2084, CQ Vote #275: Rejected 40-55: R 6-45; D 34-9; I 0-1, 9/15/99, Reid Voted Yea; S. 517, CQ Vote #47, Adopted 62-38: R 43-6; D 19-31; I 0-1, 3/13/02, Reid Voted Nay; S. 517, CQ Vote #90: Motion Agreed To 57-42: R 39-9; D 18-32; I 0-1, 4/25/02, Reid Voted Nay)

Reid Voted Against Amendment Exempting Pickup Trucks From New Fuel Efficiency Standards. (Amdt. To S. 517, CQ Vote #48: Passed 56-44: R 40-9; D 16-34; I 0-1, 3/13/02, Reid Voted Nay)
Reid Voted Against ANWR Exploration Nine Times. (S. 1220, CQ Vote #242: Motion Rejected 50-44: R 32-9; D 18-35, 11/1/91, Reid Voted Nay; S. Con. Res. 13, CQ Vote #190: Motion Agreed To 56-44: R 48-6; D 8-38, 5/24/95, Reid Voted Nay; S. 1357, CQ Vote #525: Motion Agreed To 51-48: R 45-8; D 6-40, 10/27/95, Reid Voted Nay; S. Con. Res. 101, CQ Vote #58: Motion Agreed To 51-49: R 47-8; D 4-41, 4/6/00, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 2217, CQ Vote #229: Rejected 42-57: R 38-10; D 4-46; I 0-1, 7/11/01, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 10, CQ Vote #344: Rejected 1-94: R 1-47; D 0-46, I 0-1, 12/3/01, Reid Voted Nay; S. 517, CQ Vote #70: Motion Rejected 36-64: R 30-19; D 6-44; I 0-1, 4/18/02, Reid Voted Nay; S. 517, CQ Vote #71: Motion Rejected 46-54: R 41-8; D 5-45; I 0-1, 4/18/02, Reid Voted Nay; S. Con. Res. 23, CQ Vote #59: Adopted 52-48: R 8-43; D 43-5; I 1-0, 3/19/03, Reid Voted Yea)

Reid Voted To Filibuster Comprehensive Energy Bill. (H.R. 6, CQ Vote #456: Motion Rejected 57-40: R 44-7; D 13-32; I 0-1, 11/21/03, Reid Voted Nay)

REID: TAX AND SPEND LIBERAL

Reid: Just Another Tax-And-Spend Liberal:

Reid Voted Against Major Tax Relief At Least 26 Times. (H.R. 2, CQ Vote #196: Adopted 51-50: R 48-3; D 2-46; I 0-1, With Vice President Cheney Casting A “Yea” Vote, 5/23/03, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 2, CQ Vote #179: Passed 51-49: R 48-3; D 3-45; I 0-1, 5/15/03, Reid Voted Nay; H. Con. Res. 95, CQ Vote #134: Adopted 51-50: R 49-2; D 1-47; I 0-1, With Vice President Cheney Casting A “Yea” Vote, 4/11/03, Reid Voted Nay; S. Con. Res. 23, CQ Vote #108: Adopted 56-44: R 50-1; D 6-42; I 0-1, 3/26/03, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 1836, Roll Call Vote #165: Adopted 62-38: R 50-0; D 12-38, 5/23/01, Reid Voted Nay; H. Con. Res. 83, CQ Vote #98: Adopted 53-47: R 48-2; D 5-45, 5/10/01, Reid Voted Nay; H. Con. Res. 83, CQ Vote #86: Adopted 65-35: R 50-0; D 15-35, 4/6/01,Reid Voted Nay; H. Con. Res. 83, Roll Call Vote #69: Adopted 53-47: R 4-46; D 49-1, 4/4/01, Reid Voted Yea; H.R. 2614, CQ Vote #286: Motion Agreed To 55-40: R 50-1; D 5-39, 10/26/00, Reid Voted Nay; H. Con. Res. 290, CQ Vote #85: Adopted 50-48: R 50-4; D 0-44, 4/13/00, Reid Voted Nay; S. Con. Res. 101, CQ Vote #68: Rejected 44-56: R 5-50; D 39-6, 4/7/00, Reid Voted Yea; S. 1429, CQ Vote #230: Motion Rejected 46-54: R 45-9; D 0-45; I 1-0, 7/29/99, Reid Voted Nay; H. Con. Res. 68, CQ Vote #81: Adopted 55-44: R 54-0; D 1-44, 3/25/99, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 2488, CQ Vote #261: Adopted 50-49: R 49-4; D 0-45; I 1-0, 8/5/99, Reid Voted Nay; S. 1429, CQ Vote #247: Passed 57-43: R 52-2; D 4-41; I 1-0, 7/30/99, Reid Voted Nay; S. Con. Res. 27, CQ Vote #90: Motion Agreed To 73-27: R 28-27: D 45-0, 5/23/97, Reid Voted Yea; S. Con. Res. 27, CQ Vote #77: Motion Agreed To 68-31: R 23-31; D 45-0, 5/21/97, Reid Voted Yea; H. Con Res. 178, CQ Vote #159: Adopted 53-46: R 53-0; D 0-46, 6/13/96, Reid Voted Nay; S. Con. Res. 57, CQ Vote #151: Motion Agreed To 57-43: R 50-3; D 7-40, 5/23/96, Reid Voted Nay; S. Con. Res. 57, CQ Vote #140: Rejected 43-57: R 40-13; D 3-44, 5/22/96, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 2491, CQ Vote #584: Motion Agreed To 52-47: R 52-1; D 0-46, 11/18/95, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 2491, CQ Vote #556: Passed 52-47: R 52-1; D 0-46, 10/28/95, Reid Voted Nay; H. Con. Res. 67, CQ Vote #296: Adopted 54-46: R 54-0; D 0-46, 6/29/95, Reid Voted Nay; S. Con. Res. 13, CQ Vote #178: Rejected 31-69: R 31-23; D 0-46, 5/23/95, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 2118, CQ Vote #160: Motion Rejected 39-59: R 35-8; D 4-51, 6/22/93, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 3628, CQ Vote #298: Rejected 51-47 (needed 3/5 majority): R 45-0; D 6-47, 11/15/89, Reid Voted Nay)

Reid Voted Against Historic 2001 And 2003 Bush Tax Cuts. (H. Con. Res. 83, CQ Vote #86: Adopted 65-35: R 50-0; D 15-35, 4/6/01, Reid Voted Nay; H. Con. Res. 83, CQ Vote #98: Adopted 53-47: R 48-2; D 5-45, 5/10/01, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 1836, CQ Vote #165: Passed 62-38: R 50-0; D 12-38, 5/23/01, Reid Voted Nay; S. Con. Res. 23, CQ Vote #108: Adopted 56-44: R 50-1; D 6-42; I 0-1, 3/26/03, Reid Voted Nay; H. Con. Res. 95, CQ Vote #134: Adopted 51-50: R 49-2; D 1-47; I 0-1, With Vice President Cheney Casting A “Yea” Vote, 4/11/03, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 2, CQ Vote #179: Passed 51-49: R 48-3; D 3-45; I 0-1, 5/15/03, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 2, CQ Vote #196: Adopted 51-50: R 48-3; D 2-46; I 0-1, With Vice President Cheney Casting A “Yea” Vote, 5/23/03, Reid Voted Nay)

Though He Voted Against The Bill, Reid Still Likes To Take Credit For 2001 Tax Relief. Reid: “[E]verybody I’ve talked to since I got off the plane here in Nevada is saying, ‘Thanks for helping me get our check ...’” FOX NEWS' BRIT HUME: “Well, they were thanking you for the result of a bill you voted against, correct?” REID: “Yes.” (Fox News' "Fox News Sunday," 5/27/01)
Reid Voted Twice For The Largest Tax Increase In U.S. History. (H.R. 2264, CQ Vote #190: Passed 50-49: R 0-43; D 49-6, With Vice President Al Gore Casting A Yea Vote, 6/25/93, Reid Voted Yea; H.R. 2264, CQ Vote #247: Adopted 51-50: R 0-44; D 50-6, With Vice President Al Gore Casting A Yea Vote, 8/6/93, Reid Voted Yea)

Reid Voted Against Marriage Penalty Relief At Least 20 Times. (S. Con. Res. 13, CQ Vote # 178: Rejected 31-69: R 31-23; D 0-46, 5/23/95, Reid Voted Nay; S. 1357, CQ Vote #552: Motion Agreed To 53-46: R 50-3; D 3-43, 10/27/95, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 2491, CQ Vote #556: Passed 52-47: R 52-1; D 0-46, 10/28/95, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 2491, CQ Vote #584: Motion Agreed To 52-47: R 52-1; D 0-46, 11/18/95, Reid Voted Nay; S. 1415, CQ Vote #154: Rejected 48-50: R 5-49; D 43-1, 6/10/98, Reid Voted Yea; S. 2312, CQ Vote #242: Motion Rejected 48-51: R 4-50; D 44-1, 7/29/98, Reid Voted Yea; S. 1429, CQ Vote #230: Rejected 46-54: R 45-9; D 0-45; I 1-0, 7/29/99, Reid Voted Nay; S. 1429 CQ Vote #247: Passed 57-43: R 52-2; D 4-41; I 1-0, 7/30/99, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 2488, CQ Vote #261: Adopted 50-49: R 49-4; D 0-45; I 1-0, 8/5/99, Reid Voted Nay; S. Con. Res. 101, CQ Vote #68: Rejected 44-56: R 5-50; D 39-6, 4/7/00, Reid Voted Yea; H.R. 6, CQ Vote #82: Rejected 53-45: R 53-1; D 0-44, 4/13/00, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 6, CQ Vote #83: Rejected 53-45: R 53-1; D 0-44, 4/13/00, Reid Voted Nay; H. Con. Res. 290, CQ Vote #85: Adopted 50-48: R 50-4; D 0-44, 4/13/00, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 4810, CQ Vote #214: Adopted 54-45: R 54-0; D 0-45, 7/18/00, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 4810, CQ Vote #215: Passed 61-38: R 53-1; D 8-37, 7/18/00, Reid Voted Nay; H. Con. Res. 83, CQ Vote #79: Adopted 50-50: R 49-1; D 1-49, With Vice President Cheney Casting A “Yea” Vote, 4/5/01, Reid Voted Nay; H. Con. Res. 83, CQ Vote #86: Adopted 65-35: R 50-0; D 15-35, 4/6/01, Reid Voted Nay; H. Con. Res. 83, CQ Vote #98: Adopted 53-47: R 48-2; D 5-45, 5/10/01, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 1836, CQ Vote #165: Passed 62-38: R 50-0; D 12-38, 5/23/01, Reid Voted Nay; S. Con. Res. 95, CQ Vote #36: Rejected 47-52: R 1-50; D 45-2; I 1-0, 3/10/04, Reid Voted Yea)

Reid Voted Against Expanding Child Tax Credit At Least 17 Times. (S. Con. Res. 95, CQ Vote #36: Rejected 47-52: R 1-50; D 45-2; I 1-0, 3/10/04, Reid Voted Yea; S. Con. Res. 23, CQ Vote #108: Adopted 56-44: R 50-1; D 6-42; I 0-1, 3/26/03, Reid Voted Nay; H. Con. Res. 95, CQ Vote #134: Adopted 51-50: R 49-2; D 1-47; D 0-1, With Vice President Cheney Casting A “Yea” Vote, 4/11/03, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 2, CQ Vote #196: Adopted 51-50: R 48-3; D 2-46; I 0-1, With Vice President Cheney Casting A “Yea” Vote, 5/23/03, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 2, CQ Vote #179: Passed 51-49: R 48-3; D 3-45; I 0-1, 5/15/03, Reid Voted Nay; S. Con. Res. 23, CQ Vote #106: Rejected 48-52: R 47-4; D 1-47; I 0-1, 3/26/03, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 1836, CQ Vote #165: Passed 62-38: R 50-0; D 12-38, 5/23/01, Reid Voted Nay; H. Con. Res. 83, CQ Vote #86: Adopted 65-35: R 50-0; D 15-35, 4/6/01, Reid Voted Nay; H. Con. Res. 83, CQ Vote #98: Adopted 53-47: R 48-2; D 5-45, 5/10/01, Reid Voted Nay; S. Con. Res. 57, CQ Vote #151: Motion Agreed To 57-43: R 50-3; D 7-40, 5/23/96, Reid Voted Nay; H. Con Res. 178, CQ Vote #159: Adopted 53-46: R 53-0; D 0-46, 6/13/96, Reid Voted Nay; S. Con. Res. 13, CQ Vote #178, Rejected 31-69: R 31-23; D 0-46, 5/23/95, Reid Voted Nay; H. Con. Res. 67, CQ Vote #296: Adopted 54-46: R 54-0; D 0-46, 6/29/95, Reid Voted Nay; S. 1357, CQ Vote #552: Motion Agreed To 53-46: R 50-3; D 3-43, 10/27/95, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 2491, CQ Vote #556: Passed 52-47: R 52-1; D 0-46, 10/28/95, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 2491, CQ Vote #584: Motion Agreed To 52-47: R 52-1; D 0-46, 11/18/95, Reid Voted Nay; S. Con. Res. 63, CQ Vote #66: Rejected 42-58: R 42-2; D 0-56, 3/23/94, Reid Voted Nay)

Reid Voted At Least 12 Times Against Relief From Death Tax. (S. 1429, CQ Vote #230: Rejected 46-54: R 45-9; D 0-45; I 1-0. 7/29/99, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 2488, CQ Vote #261: Adopted 50-49: R 49-4; D 0-45; I 1-0, 8/5/99, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 8, CQ Vote #196: Motion Agreed To 53-45: R 52-2; D 1-43, 7/14/00, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 8, CQ Vote #197: Passed 59-39: R 50-4; D 9-35, 7/14/00, Reid Voted Nay; H. Con. Res. 83, CQ Vote #86: Adopted 65-35: R 50-0; D 15-35, 4/6/01, Reid Voted Nay; H. Con. Res. 83, CQ Vote #98: Adopted 53-47: R 48-2; D 5-45, 5/10/01, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 1836, CQ Vote #158: Rejected 42-57: R 2-48; D 40-9, 5/22/01, Reid Voted Yea; H.R. 1836, CQ Vote #124: Rejected 43-56: R 2-47; D 41-9, 5/21/01, Reid Voted Yea; H.R. 1836, CQ Vote #165: Passed 62-38: R 50-0; D 12-38, 5/23/01, Reid Voted Nay; S.1731, CQ Vote #28: Adopted 56-42: R 45-2; D 11-39; I 0-1, 2/13/02, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 8, CQ Vote #151: Motion Rejected 54-44: R 45-2; D 9-41; I 0-1, 6/12/02, Reid Voted Nay; S. Con. Res. 23, CQ Vote #62: Adopted 51-48: R 47-4; D 4-43; I 0-1, 3/20/03, Reid Voted Nay)

Reid Supported Higher Gas Taxes At Least 10 Times:

Numbers One And Two: Voted Twice For Clinton/Gore Btu Tax, Increasing Gas Prices 7.5 Cents Per Gallon. (S. Con. Res. 18, CQ Vote #40: Rejected 46-53: R 43-0; D 3-53, 3/18/93, Reid Voted Nay; S. Con. Res. 18, CQ Vote #53: Motion Agreed To 55-44: R 0-43; D 55-1, 3/23/93, Reid Voted Yea; Patrick Burns, “Activist Handbook 2000: Gasoline Tax,” Citizens For A Sound Economy, 7/20/00)

Numbers Three And Four: 1993 Clinton/Reid Tax Plan Increased Gas Taxes. (H.R. 2264, CQ Vote #190: Passed 50-49: R 0-43; D 49-6, With Vice President Al Gore Casting A Yea Vote, 6/25/93, Reid Voted Yea; H.R. 2264, CQ Vote #247: Adopted 51-50: R 0-44; D 50-6, With Vice President Al Gore Casting A Yea Vote, 8/6/93, Reid Voted Yea)

Number Five: Voted To Kill An Amendment That Would Have Eliminated Gas Tax Increase From Budget Resolution. (H.R. 1134, CQ Vote #167: Motion Agreed To 50-48: R 0-43; D 50-5, 6/24/93, Reid Voted Yea)

Numbers Six, Seven, Eight, And Nine: Voted At Least Four Times Against Repealing Clinton 4.3-Cent Increase In Gas Tax. (H.R. 2937, CQ Vote #111: Motion Rejected 52-44: R 52-1; D 0-43, 5/9/96, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 2937, CQ Vote #112: Motion Rejected 54-43: R 53-0; D 1-43, 5/14/96, Reid Voted Nay; S. 1173, CQ Vote #26: Motion Rejected 18-80: R 16-37; D 2-43, 3/11/98, Reid Voted Nay; S. 2285, CQ Vote #80: Motion Rejected 43-56: R 43-12; D 0-44, 4/11/00, Reid Voted Nay; Senate Republican Policy Committee, "White House Unjust Firings/Gas Tax, Minimum Wage, Team Act," 5/9/96)

Number Ten: In 2000, Reid Voted Against Suspending The 18.4 Cent Gas Tax For 150 Days. (H.R. 8, CQ Vote #183: Motion Rejected 40-59: R 40-15; D 0-44, 7/13/00, Reid Voted Nay)
Reid Voted Against Expansion Of Individual Retirement Accounts At Least Seven Times. (H.R. 3628, CQ Vote #295: Motion Rejected 51-47: R 45-0; D 6-47, 11/14/89, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 3628, CQ Vote #298: Motion Rejected 51-47: R 45-0; D 6-47, 11/15/89, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 2118, CQ Vote #160: Motion Rejected 39-59: R 35-8; D 4-51, 6/22/93, Reid Voted Nay; S. Con. Res. 13, CQ Vote #178, Rejected 31-69: R 31-23; D 0-46, 5/23/95, Reid Voted Nay; S. 949, CQ Vote #151: Rejected 33-67: R 3-52; D 30-15, 6/27/97, Reid Voted Yea; H.R. 2676, CQ Vote #120: Adopted 56-42: R 54-0; D 2-42, 5/6/98, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 1836, CQ Vote #165: Passed 62-38: R 50-0; D 12-38, 5/23/01, Reid Voted Nay)

In 1995, Reid Voted For Resolution That Said Middle Class Tax Cuts Were Not Wise. (H.J. Res. 1, CQ Vote #67: Motion Agreed To 66-32: R 49-3; D 17-29, 2/14/95, Reid Voted Nay)

In 1994, Reid Voted Against Making R&D Tax Credit Permanent. (S. 4, CQ Vote #51: Motion Agreed To 57-41: R 2-41; D 55-0, 3/9/94, Reid Voted Yea)

Reid Voted Against Balanced Budget Amendment At Least Four Times. (S. J. Res. 41, Roll Call Vote #48: Rejected 63-37: R 41-3; D 22-34, 3/1/94, Reid Voted Nay; H.J. Res. 1, CQ Vote #98: Rejected 65-35: R 51-2; D 14-33, 3/2/95, Reid Voted Nay; H.J. Res. 1, CQ Vote #158: Rejected 64-35: R 52-1; D 12-34, 6/6/96, Reid Voted Nay; S. J. Res. 1, CQ Vote #24: Rejected 66-34: R 55-0; D 11-34, 3/4/97, Reid Voted Nay)

Taxpayer Groups Belittle Reid’s Record:

National Taxpayers Union Campaign Fund President John Berthoud Said Reid Had “Stale Tax-And-Spend Doctrine.” (National Taxpayers Union Campaign Fund, “Political Action Arm Of Nation’s Largest Taxpayer Group Backs Richard Ziser For Senate,” Press Release, 9/2/04)

National Taxpayers Union Foundation Ranked Reid Below Congress’ Only Self-Proclaimed Socialist. Between 1992 and 2003, Sen. Reid racked up a 17.6 percent average rating from the National Taxpayers Union Foundation. Rep. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) had an average rating of 25.4 during the same time period. (National Taxpayers Union Foundation Website, “Rates Congress Database,” www.ntu.org , Accessed 12/2/04)

Last Congress, Reid Received A Very Low 7.5 Rating Out Of 100 From Americans For Tax Reform. (Americans For Tax Reform Website, www.atr.org , Accessed 1/24/05)

Reid Has A 22 Percent Lifetime Rating From Citizens Against Government Waste. (Citizens Against Government Waste Website, www.cagw.org , Accessed 1/24/05)
REID: OWNED BY THE SPECIAL INTERESTS

Not Just A Friend Of Trial Lawyers, Reid Is One Too:

“‘Have I Seen A Trial Lawyer?’ Asked Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., A Former Plaintiffs' Lawyer. ‘Only When I Look In The Mirror.’” (David Jackson, “High-Rolling Trial Lawyers Keeping A Low Profile,” The Dallas Morning News, 8/18/00)

“[L]awyers Have A Loyal Ally In The New Democratic Minority Leader, Sen. Harry Reid, A Trial Lawyer From Nevada.” (Rob Hotakainen, “Doctors: Premiums Threaten Livelihood,” [Minneapolis] Star-Tribune, 12/29/04)

Reid’s Top Contributors Were Lawyers:

Between 1999-2004, Lawyers Were Reid’s Top Contributors, Giving $1,144,338– Nearly Double His Second Largest Contributing Group – Casinos/Gambling, Which Gave $549,613. (Center For Responsive Politics Website, www.opensecrets.org , Accessed 1/5/05)

Reid “Received $37,000 From Baron & Budd [Between 1999-2004]. Reid Got $17,000 From Weitz And Luxenberg, A New York-Based Law Firm That Boasts Of Winning Verdicts Representing $340 Million In Damages For Asbestos Victims.” (Marty Coyne, “Deal Elusive, Asbestos Bill Up For Cloture Thursday,” Environment And Energy Daily, 4/20/04)

Fred Baron Vowed “Jihad” Against Tort Reform Advocates. “Fred Baron has 10,000 asbestos clients – probably more than any other lawyer in the US – and he has a simple message for those lobbying Washington’s lawmakers to make it harder to bring his cases to court. ‘There will be a jihad,’ he says. ‘We will fight them with everything we’ve got.’” (“Growing Chorus Demands Change In Law,” Financial Times, 9/9/02)
Reid Has Been Obstacle To Tort Reform:

Reid Voted To Block Medical Liability Reform At Least Twelve Times. (H.R. 956, CQ Vote #140: Motion Agreed To 65-35: R 24-30; D 41-5, 5/2/95, Reid Voted Yea; H.R. 956, CQ Vote #141: Motion Agreed To 56-44: R 13-41; D 43-3, 5/2/95, Reid Voted Yea; H.R. 956, CQ Vote #144: Passed 53-47: R 48-6; D 5-41, 5/2/95, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 956, CQ Vote #151: Motion Rejected 46-53: R 44-10; D 2-43; I 0-0, 5/4/95, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 956, CQ Vote #152: Motion Rejected 47-52: R 45-9; D 2-43; I 0-0, 5/4/95, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 956, CQ Vote #160: Motion Agreed To 54-44:: R 46-7; D 8-37, 5/10/95, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 956, CQ Vote #161: Passed 61-37: R 46-7; D 15-30, 5/10/95, Reid Voted Nay; S. 1052, CQ Vote #212: Motion Agreed To 52-46: R 2-45; D 49-1; I 1-0, 6/29/01, Reid Voted Yea; S. 812, CQ Vote #197: Motion Agreed To 57-42: R 6-42; D 50-0; I 1-0, 7/30/02, Reid Voted Yea; S. 11, CQ Vote #264: Motion Rejected 49-48: R 49-2; D 0-45; I 0-1, 7/9/03, Reid Voted Nay; S. 2061, CQ Vote #15: Motion Rejected 48-45: R 47-3; D 1-41; I 0-1, 2/24/04, Reid Voted Nay; S. 2207, CQ Vote #66: Motion Rejected 49-48: R 48-3; D 1-44; I 0-1, 4/7/04, Reid Voted Nay)

Reid’s Home State Of Nevada Is Listed As One Of 20 States Facing A “Medical Liability Crisis,” According To The American Medical Association. (American Medical Association Website, http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/category/12390.html , Accessed 2/4/05)
Reid Voted For Edwards’ Sponsored Motion To Kill Liability Exemption For Doctors Providing Pro-Bono Services. The Malpractice Liability Exemption Was An Amendment To S. 1052, The Patients’ Bill Of Rights. (S. 1052, CQ Vote #212: Motion Agreed To 52-46: R 2-45; D 49-1; I 1-0, 6/29/01, Reid Voted Yea)

Reid Opposed Requirement That At Least 85 Percent Of Large Monetary Awards From Actions Brought Under Patients Bill Of Rights Be Awarded To Patients, Not Trial Lawyers. (S. 1052, CQ Vote #204: Motion Agreed To 62-38: R 11-38; D 50-0; I 1-0, 6/28/01, Reid Voted Yea)

Reid Voted Four Times Against Cap On Punitive Damages For Small Businesses. (H.R. 956, CQ Vote #153: Motion Rejected 43-49: R 41-10; D 2-39, 5/8/95, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 956, CQ Vote #156: Motion Agreed To 60-38: R 46-7; D 14-31, 5/9/95, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 956, CQ Vote #44: Motion Agreed To 60-40: R 48-5; D 12-35, 3/20/96, Reid Voted Nay; S. 648, CQ Vote #188: Motion Rejected 51-47: R 51-2; D 0-45, 7/9/98, Reid Voted Nay)

In July Of 1999, Reid Was One Of Only 18 Senators To Vote Against Conference Report Of Y2K Liability Legislation That Capped Punitive Damages In Civil Suits Related To Millennium Computer Problems. (H.R. 775, CQ Vote #196: Passed 81-18: R 52-2; D 29-16, 7/1/99, Reid Voted Nay)

Reid Voted For Kerry Democratic Substitute To Y2K Liability Bill, Which Was Defeated. Y2K Liability - Democratic Substitute. Hatch, R-Utah, motion to table (kill) the Kerry, D-Mass., amendment to require courts to determine proportionate liability, generally prohibit economic loss recovery and allow stronger state laws to take precedence. (S. 96, CQ Vote # 159: Motion Agreed To 57-41: R 50-3; D 7-38; 6/9/99, Reid Voted Nay)

Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) Called Amendment “[A] Lightning Rod For Additional Frivolous Lawsuits.” (Carolyn Lochhead, “Silicon Valley’s Y2K Lawsuit Limit Gaining In Senate,” The San Francisco Chronicle, 6/10/99)
Reid Opposed Capping Attorneys’ Fees For Tobacco Related Lawsuits. (S. 1415, CQ Vote #160: Adopted 49-48: R 45-8; D 4-40, 6/16/98, Reid Voted Nay; S. 1415, CQ Vote #158: Motion Agreed To 50-45: R 12-41; D 38-4, 6/11/98, Reid Voted Yea)

Reid Is The Democrat Lobbyists “Godfather”:

Hours After Being Sworn In, Reid Was Feted By Democrat Lobbyists At Capitol Hill Steakhouse. “‘It was like a scene out of ‘The Godfather,’’ said one lobbyist at the reception. ‘[Reid] was in the back room and people were lined up to greet him and pay homage.’” (Mark Preston, “Reid To Enlist K Street,” Roll Call, 1/24/05)
“In Addition To Strengthening Ties To Democratic Lobbyists, Reid Is Expected To Turn To A Handful Of Democratic Consultants Including Jim Margolis Of The Firm GMMB, Anita Dunn And Bill Knapp Of Squier Knapp Dunn, And Carter Eskew Of The Glover Park Group For Political Advice.” (Mark Preston, “Reid To Enlist K Street,” Roll Call, 1/24/05)

Las Vegas’ Sure Bet: Harry Reid:

Casinos/Gambling Gave $543,613 To Reid From 1999-2004, His Second Largest Contributor. (Center For Responsive Politics Website, www.opensecrets.org , Accessed 1/5/05)

“Reid, Former Chairman Of The Nevada Gaming Commission, Regularly Collects The Maximum Allowable Political Contributions From Top Officials Of Gambling-Related Companies Such As Circus Circus, Hilton Hotels And Mirage Resorts.” “He also has received more than $160,000 over the past decade from political action committees run by gambling interests, according to a Boston Globe analysis of Federal Election Commission records.” (Mitchell Zuckoff and Doug Bailey, “Indians Pursue A Golden Chance,” The Boston Globe, 9/29/93)
Reid “Offered An Amendment That Extended The Repeal To Casinos For Bets Placed On ‘Sports Books’ And On Certain Other Games.” “A Reid aide said the senator wanted to make sure that tribes and casinos were ‘on an even playing field.’” (Richard Simon, “Special Interests Hitching Rides On Highway Measure,” Los Angeles Times, 4/17/04)

“In May [1993], Reid And Several Others Introduced Legislation That They Said Would ‘Clarify’ And ‘Close Loopholes’ In A 1988 Federal Law, The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, That Cleared The Way For The Rapid Spread Of Indian Casinos.” (Mitchell Zuckoff and Doug Bailey, “Indians Pursue A Golden Chance,” The Boston Globe, 9/29/93)

“Indian Leaders, Though, Say Reid’s Bill Is Designed To Send Them Back To Poverty. [Rick] Hill, The Indian Gaming Association Chairman, Called It ‘The Donald Trump Protection Act.’” (Mitchell Zuckoff and Doug Bailey, “Indians Pursue A Golden Chance,” The Boston Globe, 9/29/93)

COL Gene

on Apr 07, 2005

SO WHAT? I did not say I like Reid. The issue is DeLay and what he has done wrong. I am not a supporter of liberals. This Blog was about DeLay. Do not change the subject as you have said in the past. If you want to write a Blog about Reid be my guest. The issue is DeLay and the GOP leadership who was wrong to defend his actions!

Wise American

on Apr 07, 2005

Col it seems like they will do anything to support their party, even if it includes justifying wrongs because some democrat did the same thing. It's hard for me to remember the last time I saw a republican actually say, you know, you are right, maybe we should adress the problems of correuption on both sides of the board. They are too afraid of what they might find on their side.

COL Gene

on Apr 07, 2005

Yes, the solution to our nations needs and best interest will not be served be either the Republican or Democratic parites the way they are operating. There are far too many special interests and people who are more interested in keeping themselves in power.

Island Dog

on Apr 07, 2005

Can you show where Delay has broken any laws?

Wise American

on Apr 07, 2005

Using political contributions for anything other than a campaign is highly illegal. This is where DeLay has broken the law.

Wise American

on Apr 07, 2005

Exactly, and especially with the fact that our country has never been more divided, it's a surprise that they even sit in the same congress session together without strangling each other. This is a sad place in american history. We need leaders who look out for the people, not for their own political gain, but i somehow doubt this will happen in my lifetime, from either a Dem or a Con.

COL Gene

on Apr 07, 2005

Island Dog

Yes

500,000 dollars diverted from contributions to personal use via his wife and daughter!

Used Homeland Security to locate demcrats in Texas

Tried to coerce a Congressman for a vote on medicare

Took trip paid for by foreign business intetest

drmiler

on Apr 07, 2005

500,000 dollars diverted from contributions to personal use via his wife and daughter!

Used Homeland Security to locate demcrats in Texas

Tried to coerce a Congressman for a vote on medicare

Took trip paid for by foreign business intetest

All of which have yet to be proven in court!

Wise American

on Apr 07, 2005

Actually they have evidence, bank transactions, video tapes of him on vacation in the Bahamas, ect. It seems like he might not get off so easily this time.

Xiozan

on Apr 07, 2005

If the state that DeLay represents still wants him and vote for him, than who am I to say that the man is wrong and such since I am not in his state nor is he in mine.

I can push my state's senators Luger and Bayh to look into it but ultimately the matter of whether this man is misbehaving or not is a state issue, as he represents a state not a party nor the entire government like the office of President.

Let DeLay's state take care of this problem and if they want the guy out, BAM!, he is gone. Other than that you can press for a watchdog group to look into the matter.

- GX

COL Gene

on Apr 07, 2005

Yes, the people he represents in Texas should choose if he is to be re-elected. The position of leadership in the GOP is another matter. He should be removed form that position with delay !

dabe

on Apr 07, 2005

How the republicans can justify and rationalize the illegal and corrupt behaviors of Delay is beyond comprehension. Mind boggling, even. He has already been santioned three times by the Ethics Committee. So, what does he do? He dismisses those who voted to sanction him, and replaced them with members who contributed to his campaigns. If this isn't a subversion of House ethics, then nothing is.

And, what do repubs do to justify his rotten existence in Congress? Bring up the voting record of a democrat. So freakin' what??!! One has absolutely nothing to do with the other, or address the issue of this article at all. Talk about sidestepping an issue..............

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