Senator presses for service 'equity'

[Judi Lynn]

Posted on Fri, Sep. 19, 2003

FLORIDA SOLDIERS
Senator presses for service 'equity'
U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson tries to use his power to get National Guard and Army Reserve soldiers brought home sooner from Iraq.
BY PHIL LONG
[e-mail]

ORLANDO - U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson on Thursday threatened to work against the nomination of a new Army secretary because of new rules that are making Florida National Guard soldiers stay a full year in Iraq while other states' units have come home earlier.

Nelson's challenge came during an emotional hourlong meeting with wives and mothers of Guard and Reserve soldiers stationed in Iraq. Nearly 70, including at least eight from South Florida, showed up to share their frustrations. (snip)

(snip) Nelson also demanded the Department of Defense set specific dates when units of the Florida National Guard will be sent home.

Nelson, a first-term Democrat who sits on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said that until those issues are resolved, he would do all he can to delay the appointment of James Roche as secretary of the Army. (snip/...)

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/local/states/florida/counties/broward_county/6808552.htm

[Wwagsthedog]

1. If Nelson really wants to delay Roche's appointment,...

...can't he put a Senatorial hold on him like Hillary Clinton did to the guy appointed as EPA chief? Dosen't such a move stop all proceedings on the appointment until the hold is lifted? Not to mention causing republicans to get all irritated about the hold, by a Democrat, to say the least.
:nopity:

[The Backlash Cometh]

2. Not a good political move for Bush

This one does not make sense. Florida is a pivotal state in the upcoming elections. Why is he willing to alienate himself from potential Republican votes?

[Frances]

3. Maybe Bush doesn't have to worry about

Florida because his brother will "deliver" the way he did last time.