Republicans apply pressure on Nelson to support Roberts for Supreme Court

[Judi Lynn]

Republicans apply pressure on Nelson to support Roberts for Supreme Court

By Mark Hollis
Tallahassee Bureau
Posted September 21 2005


TALLAHASSEE · Several Florida Republican activists on Tuesday criticized Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson for not saying how he'll vote on John Roberts' nomination to lead the U.S. Supreme Court, exposing an issue that could damage Nelson's standing with crucial swing voters in his re-election bid next year.

The Senate Judiciary Committee has ended questioning of Roberts and the full Senate is approaching a likely vote on his nomination next week.

While Roberts is expected to be confirmed, some Democrats, including Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid of Nevada, said Tuesday they are opposing the confirmation and they want Nelson to join a party-line vote against him.

The Roberts' confirmation question is suddenly creating a new political bind for Nelson in his attempts to reach out to moderate and conservative swing voters.

Nelson is expected to face a challenge from Republican U.S. Rep. Katherine Harris of Sarasota. She is an ardent backer who hopes to win conservative points of Roberts' appointment to replace the late Chief Justice William Rehnquist.
(snip/...)

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/florida/sfl-fsenate21sep21,0,4889070.story?coll=sfla-news-florida

[Cha]

1. Nelson better look long

and hard on this and figure out exactly what he's voting for.

[The Backlash Cometh]

3. I hope Bill is astute enough to feel the tide turning.

As a youngster he was big on civil rights issues, then he went conservative on us. I hope he realizes that if there was ever a time for him to remember why he ever became a Democrat, it is now.

[shanti]

2. time for a visit

from the big dick....:hide:

[ClintonTyree]

4. Republicans are going to distance themselves.........

from all things bush come 2006. He's an albatross hanging around the neck of every Republican, especially Harris. People have not forgotten her role in having bush appointed in 2000.
If Nelson wants to prove to people that he has a set and is not a Republican apologist, he'll vote "no" on Roberts. However, I don't expect him to. He's so damned worried about losing Republican votes he's alienating his Democratic constituency.
We need people to take a stand at this point in time, unfortunately Nelson isn't one of those people. He's always been a bush supporter and is pretty much a DINO in my opinion. Why he still has a (D) behind his name is a mystery.
The only way Harris can win is if the usual voter fraud in Florida is allowed to continue.

[Toots]

6. Another Democrat that takes his base for granted

He seems to have the attitude that Democrats are going to vote for him anyway so why not try for some Republicans as well. Sounds logical but things are changing in America. You can not take anything or anyone for granted any more. I will not vote for a person just because they have a D after their name. Think Zell Miller and how much people like him have harmed our country and the Democratic Party. I will either vote for a competent person or not vote at all. I doubt I am alone in this sentiment either. We have seen too much incompetence of late and I will not allow myself to be a part of it if i can avoid it.

[DrDan]

5. Floridians - send him a note NOW

http://billnelson.senate.gov/