Reach out and bash someone - Mehlmen's / RNC cheap shots

[paineinthearse]

* has repeatedly said not that he has a "mandate" and "political capital" we will reach out to the "other side of the aisle" to work with Democrats.

But at the same time, Ken Mehlmen and his crew at RNC are hurling grenades in the press.

Over the past few weeks I have been posting them individually, but feel it better they all reside in one place. This thread will capture the RNC "grenades". Feel free to add any * language about reaching out and reaching a concensus.

[paineinthearse]

1. Reid Urges Bush to Disavow GOP Criticism

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&u=/ap/20050207/ap_on_go_co/reid_gop_criticism

Reid Urges Bush to Disavow GOP Criticism

2 hours, 15 minutes ago Politics - U. S. Congress



WASHINGTON - Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid on Monday urged President Bush (news - web sites) to stop the Republican National Committee (news - web sites) from calling him an obstructionist and criticizing his Senate record, a tactic the GOP used to help defeat Reid's predecessor. Bush repeatedly has said he wants work with Democrats, most recently during his State of the Union speech last week, Reid noted in a speech on the Senate floor.

"Why didn't he stand and tell the American people last Wednesday that one of the first items of business we were going to do in Washington is send out a hit piece on the Democratic leader?" Reid said.

The Republican committee plans to send a 13-page document to more than a million people — including in Reid's home state of Nevada — analyzing and criticizing his votes and stances before he officially took over as Senate Democratic leader in January.

Republican Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., defeated Democratic leader Tom Daschle last year after the GOP painted Daschle as an "obstructionist" to Bush's agenda and judicial nominees.

<snip>

Bush can't divorce himself from what the RNC is doing, Reid said.
The RNC "is the president's organization," Reid said. "He can't say one thing to the American people and then ... send out scurrilous letters saying that I'm a bad guy. In great detail. I mean, is President George Bush (news - web sites) a man of his word?"

more....

[paineinthearse]

2. 2/6/05 Sen. Kennedy Cut And Run Strategy

http://www.gop.com/News/Read.aspx?ID=5141

Statement By RNC Communications Director Brian Jones On The Sen. Kennedy Cut And Run Strategy


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Brian Jones
202-863-8614
“It's disappointing that only a week after the first free elections in Iraq in fifty years, Sen. Kennedy is still preaching a cut and run strategy. Sen. Kennedy's pessimism and defeatism stands in remarkable contrast to the Democratic party that once proclaimed it would pay any price and bear any burden to protect and promote liberty.”
- Brian Jones, RNC Communications Director

The New Old Face Of The Democrat Party Calls Again For “Immediate Troop Withdrawals”:

Kennedy Again Referred To His “Call For The Immediate Troop Withdrawals.” (NBC’s “Meet The Press,” 2/6/05)

Kennedy Called For The United States To Cut-And-Run In Iraq. SEN. TED KENNEDY (D-MA): “And we ought to establish as a goal--not as a requirement, as a goal - that we are going to negotiate that time frame with the new Iraqi government, but as a goal that we want our troops out by 2006.” (NBC’s “Meet The Press,” 2/6/05)

Kennedy Believes Terrorists Will Wait Out U.S. Troops No Matter What. SEN. TED KENNEDY (D-MA): “The fact remains, those that have been critical of this idea say that we should not set the date because somehow the insurgents are going to wait. They’re going to wait for 18 months or two years. And then after we train these Iraqi troops, they’re going to somehow come back in and take over Iraq?” (NBC’s “Meet The Press,” 2/6/05)

Kennedy Said Last Month That Troops Were Part Of The Problem In Iraq. “‘The U.S. military presence has become part of the problem, not part of the solution,’ Kennedy said in remarks prepared for delivery at Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies.” (Lolita C. Baldor, “Kennedy Calls For Troop Withdrawal, Says Military Is Fueling Insurgents,” The Associated Press, 1/27/05)

[zulchzulu]

9. Chimpy and Dick Boy sure knew how to cut and run

They do, however, love to have others fight their battles. History is going to be a bitch to these yellow-tailed war profiteers.

[tk2kewl]

3. Good. It's a start.

Dems need to keep hanging repuke crap around *bush's neck and bush's crap around every repuke's neck.

[paineinthearse]

4. 2/6/05: Pelosi Provides No Plan For Social Security

RNC Deputy Communications Director Danny Diaz: Pelosi Provides No Plan For Social Security


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Danny Diaz
202-863-8614
“Representative Pelosi well represented the ‘party of no’ this morning. Offering criticism rather than leadership, the San Francisco liberal falsely characterized the President’s plan to fix Social Security. It’s apparent that today's Democrat Party still doesn't understand America is looking for solutions rather than political attacks.”
- Danny Diaz, RNC Deputy Communications Director

Pelosi Provides No Democrat Alternative On Social Security:

When Asked For A Democrat Alternative Plan On Social Security, Pelosi Dodged The Question And Claimed: “It’s Not A Question Of Alternative.” ABC’S GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: “Well, you heard Senator McCain there. He said opponents of the President’s plan have an obligation to come up with an alternative. What’s your alternative?” PELOSI: “It’s not a question of alternative. The President has described this as a crisis. The President is making a proposal. We haven’t seen the full plan, but let’s just say this right up front. Democrats agree that if we have a long-term challenge, and we do in social security, that we should address it now before it turns into a crisis.” (ABC’s “This Week,” 2/6/05)

Pelosi Described Social Security As A “Long Term Challenge,” And Not A Crisis. “Democrats agree that if we have a long-term challenge, and we do in social security, that we should address it now before it turns into a crisis.” (ABC’s “This Week,” 2/6/05)

Desperate Pelosi Relied On Factually Inaccurate And Retracted Language To Attack President’s Social Security Plan:

Pelosi: “If You Took A Private Account At The End Of The Day You Would Have To Pay About 70% Of Your Original Social Security Benefit To Offset. It’s Called A ‘Claw-Back Not A Name Many Are Familiar With. It’s Called A ‘Claw-Back Not A Name Many Are Familiar With.” (ABC’s “The Week,” 2/6/05)

Factcheck.org Issued Clarification On “Claw Back” And Removed The Term From Its Release. “We originally used the term ‘clawback’ to describe the sum of money that the government would require workers to use to purchase an annuity upon retirement. The White House does not use that term and specifically denies that the mandatory annuity purchase requirement constitutes a ‘clawback.’ We have removed our references to that term to characterize the mandatory annuity purchase.” (Factcheck.org Website, http://www.factcheck.org, Accessed 2/6/05)

The Real Meaning Of The Term “Claw Back:” “A ‘claw back’ is typically a feature of a plan where the government guarantees a certain combined benefit from the traditional system and the personal account. Under such a plan, the better your account does, the less you get from the government. Therefore, the gains in the accounts are ‘clawed back.’” (The White House, Office Of The Press Secretary, “Setting The Record Straight,” Press Release, 2/3/05)

Why The President’s Plan Does Not Fit That Definition: President Bush’s plan “does not have a ‘claw back.’ Under the President's plan, you, not the government, get all the gains in your personal retirement account. The amount you receive from the government is NOT reduced if your personal account does well. The better your account does, the better off you are.” (The White House, Office Of The Press Secretary, “Setting The Record Straight,” Press Release, 2/3/05)

Washington Post Issued Correction Explaining It Was Wrong In Saying Portion Of Worker’s Personal Account Would Be Taken Back By Government. “The Washington Post incorrectly reported Thursday that the balance of a worker's personal account would be reduced by the worker's total annual contributions plus 3 percent interest. In fact, the balance in the account would belong to the worker upon retirement …” (Jonathan Weisman, “Benefit Cuts Would Offset Contributions,” The Washington Post, 2/4/05)

[paineinthearse]

10. Similar story from Reuters - Reid Calls on Bush to Repudiate Attack on Him

Reid Calls on Bush to Repudiate Attack on Him

<snip>

"Is President Bush a man of his word (or) is what he is telling the American people just a charade?" Reid asked.

At the White House, spokesman Trent Duffy said, "The president looks forward to working with Senator Reid on addressing our country's challenges."

An RNC spokeswoman said a "research document" about Reid that the Senate Democrat had denounced would be distributed to about a million people, including donors, party activists and reporters.

"It introduces the public to the real Harry Reid," said spokeswoman Tracey Schmitt. "He can try to paint himself as a centrist, but his votes to block tax reform and tort reform and his opposition to strengthen Social Security prove otherwise."

"We intend to make clear that Reid is an obstructionist who is out of the mainstream and we will hold him accountable as the Senate leader of the party of 'no,"' Schmitt said.

[paineinthearse]

5. 2/3/05 Democrats: The Party Of “No”

Democrats: The Party Of “No”


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Brian Jones
202-863-8614


----------------------------------------------------------------------

“President Bush’s State of the Union presented a positive agenda for keeping America safe and preserving Social Security, but the Democrats have defined themselves as the party of ‘no’ in responding with obstruction and pessimism. President Bush realizes the challenges facing our country require bipartisan solutions, not political attacks.”

-Brian Jones, RNC Communications Director


----------------------------------------------------------------------


Meet The Party Of “No”

“s The President Spoke In The House Chamber, Several Democrats Hissed And Rumbled ‘No, No, No’ During Some Of His Assertions About Social Security.” (Charles Babington and Mike Allen, “Bush’s Address Wins Over Few, If Any, Democrats,” The Washington Post, 2/3/05)

Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) Said President Should “Forget” About Strengthening Social Security Because “It Will Not Happen.” (Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV), Press Conference, 2/1/05)

Washington Post Article Suggested Senate Democrats Could Filibuster Social Security Plan. “Because Senate rules require 60 votes in the 100-member chamber to overcome delaying tactics, Democrats appear positioned to block Bush’s partial privatization efforts unless he makes concessions that attract moderate Democrats from states that the president carried last fall.” (Charles Babington and Mike Allen, “Democrats Claim Votes To Halt Social Security Plan,” The Washington Post, 2/2/05)

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) Said Democrats “Are United” Against President’s Social Security Plan. (David Espo, “Democrats: Social Security A Distraction,” The Associated Press, 2/1/05)

Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-ND): “We’ve Got To Fight On This Issue, And We’ve Got To Wage An Aggressive Fight.” (Sheryl Gay Stolberg, “For Democrats, Social Security Becomes A Defining Test,” The New York Times, 1/30/05)

Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY): “We Will Not Allow The President To Play Retirement Roulette And Turn Social Security Into Social Insecurity.” (Richard Simon and Maura Reynolds, “Democrats Give A ‘No’ To Privatization,” Los Angeles Times, 2/3/05)

“Rep. John D. Dingell Of Michigan Said That Bush’s Social Security Proposal Reminded Him Of ‘That New Coke From The 1980s -- The Name On The Can Was The Same, But Nobody Could Stomach What Was Inside.’” (Richard Simon and Maura Reynolds, “Democrats Give A ‘No’ To Privatization,” Los Angeles Times, 2/3/05)

[paineinthearse]

6. 2/1/05: Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid’s obstructionism

http://www.gop.com/news/read.aspx?ID=5112

Statement By RNC Communications Director Brian Jones On Nancy Pelosi And Harry Reid’s Obstructionism Today


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Brian Jones
202-863-8614

WASHINGTON –RNC Communications Director Brian Jones issued the following statement on Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid’s obstructionism today:

“Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid today continued their efforts to transform the Capitol into an obstruction factory. Pledging to obstruct the President’s judicial nominees from even coming up for a vote in the Senate may please left-wing extremists, but again shows the Democrat leadership has chosen petty politics over progress. It’s disappointing the Democrats are pursuing a Social Security scare campaign rather than engaging in an honest discussion about the President’s plan to preserve Social Security for future generations.”

[paineinthearse]

7. 1/31/05: The New Democrat Dynamic Duo of Obstructionism

The New Democrat Dynamic Duo of Obstructionism


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Brian Jones
202-863-8614

“Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid’s obstructionist remarks today were full of pessimism and personal attacks but lacked any vision for winning the War on Terror or preserving Social Security for future generations. While President Bush is looking to work with Democrats in confronting the challenges facing our nation, the Democrat leaders’ attacks on a speech that has not even been delivered are a sad reminder of their determination to score partisan political points even at the cost of accomplishing the business of the American people.” -Brian Jones, RNC Communications Director

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Pelosi’s Record: Obstruction, Pessimism And Inflammatory Remarks

Pelosi Voted Against Use Of Force In Iraq. (H. J. Res. 114, CQ Vote #455: Passed 296-133: R 215-6; D 81-126; I 0-1, 10/10/02, Pelosi Voted Nay)

Pelosi Fought To Water Down Support For War And President. “The debate over the wording was much more contentious in the House, where Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi … unsuccessfully fought into the late evening to tone down support for Bush and delete other passages opposed by antiwar Democrats, congressional sources said.” (Jim VandeHei, “Hill Resolutions Supporting Bush, Troops Are Approved,” The Washington Post, 3/21/03)
Inability To Stop War One Of Pelosi’s “Great Disappointments.” “‘I consider it one of the great disappointments of my public life that I couldn’t use my influence to stop this war,’ Pelosi said somberly as the first wave of shock and awe began …” (Marc Sandalow, “Pelosi Picks Her Way Through Brambles Of War,” The San Francisco Chronicle, 3/30/03)
Pelosi Called Resolution To Support Troops “Bitter Pill.” (Sheryl Gay Stolberg, “With Democrats Divided On War, Pelosi Faces Leadership Test,” The New York Times, 4/1/03)
Pelosi Voted Against Creation Of Homeland Security Department. (H.R. 5005, CQ Vote #367: Passed 295-132: R 207-10; D 88-120; I 0-2, 7/26/02, Pelosi Voted Nay)

Pelosi Said Homeland Security Legislation Took “Giant Step Backwards” And Was “Exercise In Futility.” (“Partisan Tone Is Struck At Homeland Security Markup,” National Journal’s CongressDaily, 7/19/02)
Pelosi Does Not Consider War On Terror A Real War. “‘I don’t really consider ourselves at war,’ Pelosi said. ‘We’re in a struggle against terrorism throughout the world, and we stand with the president in that fight.’ But that does not bestow ‘some kind of mantle on the president that he can’t be subject to criticism.’” (Miles Benson, “Democrats Show Greater Audacity In Criticizing Bush,” Newhouse News Service, 5/6/02)
Pelosi Said President Bush “Is An Incompetent Leader. In Fact, He’s Not A Leader” And “Has On His Shoulders The Deaths Of Many More Troops.” ("Pelosi Criticizes Bush on Iraq Policies," The Associated Press, 5/20/04)

Pelosi Said The Bush Administration Pursues Policies Of “Fear And Terror.” (Rep. Nancy Pelosi, “You Have Re-Ignited The Democratic Party,” Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee E-Mail, 7/1/04)

Pelosi Said That If America Is Attacked “It Will Be Because This President Was So Focused On Iraq.” (Spencer S. Hsu And Dana Milbank, “Kerry Rips Cheney Statement,” The Washington Post, 9/9/04)

Pelosi Said President “Has Failed In How He Has Tried To Protect America.” (ABC’s “This Week,” 10/31/04)

Reid’s Record: The “One-Man Filibuster” Promises To “Screw Things Up”

“In The Last Congress, 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)

Reid Has Promised To “Screw Things Up” For Senate Republicans. “If they, for whatever reason, decide to do this , 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)

“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)

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; 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 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 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)

[paineinthearse]

8. 1/25/05: Boxer & Dems Attempt To Profit Off Their Partisian Obstructionism

http://www.gop.com/news/read.aspx?ID=5093

Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) And The Democrats Attempt To Profit Off Their Partisian Obstructionism


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Brian Jones
202-863-8614
“Sen. Boxer’s actions today provide an interesting prism for viewing the Democrat Party at the start of the new Congress. While President Bush and Republicans in Congress are working to implement the agenda on which they campaigned by strengthening Social Security, lowering healthcare costs and winning the War on Terror, the Democrats led by Sen. Boxer are sending out self-aggrandizing fundraising letters proudly bragging about their obstructionism. Sen. Harry Reid’s refusal to condemn these tactics shows that Sen. Boxer and her message of obstructionism have become the new face of the Democratic Party.”
-Brian Jones, RNC Communications Director

Boxer Uses Obstructionism For Fundraising

Boxer Seeks Donations In Email Solicitation Bragging About Her Objection To Dr. Condoleezza Rice’s Confirmation. “The Republicans were expecting the Senate to confirm Dr. Rice with little debate and questioning from the Foreign Relations Committee. They didn't count on me to ask the tough questions. … Click here to contribute to the DSCC today.” (DSCC Email, 1/25/05)

Reid Refuses To Condemn Boxer’s Tactics

Reid Unwilling To Criticize Boxer’s Use Of Obstruction As Fundraising Tool. QUESTION: “The DSCC has a new fund-raising letter out talking about Senator Boxer's strong opposition to Condi Rice for secretary of state. Do you think that's a good way to try and raise money for Democrats?” REID: “I'm sorry. I'm not familiar with the letter.” QUESTION: “What do you think about using opposition to Condi Rice as a way to raise money?” REID: “I'd have to see the letter to see how it's used, so I really don't know what that letter says.” (Press Conference, 1/25/05)

Boxer Attacks Condoleezza Rice

Boxer’s Questioning Of Rice Described As “The Most Aggressive…” (Barbara Slavin, “Both Parties Press Rice For Answers,” USA Today, 1/19/05)

Boxer’s Staff: “‘This Is Just Boxer Being Boxer,’ Said David Sandretti, The Senator’s Communications Director.” (Zachary Coile, “Where Feinstein Woos, Boxer Wallops,” San Francisco Chronicle, 1/24/05)

The Press-Enterprise: “This Week’s Biggest Grandstander Was Sen. Barbara Boxer …. Chairman Richard Lugar … Didn’t Step In Until Boxer Had Far Exceeded Her Allotted 10 Minutes. … Lively Debate Is Essential To Any Deliberative Process, Of Course, But ‘Advise And Consent’ Shouldn’t Be Confused With ‘Scold And Berate.’” (Editorial, “‘Scold And Berate’?” The Press-Enterprise, 1/21/05)

Boxer Even Got Off Jury Duty “To Prepare For … Hearings Of Condoleezza Rice.” “When Sen. Barbara Boxer showed up for hometown jury duty in Marin County a little while back, she gave the judge a unique excuse for why she couldn’t serve: ‘I need to prepare for the confirmation hearings of Condoleezza Rice.’” (Phillip Matier and Andrew Ross, “Battling Boxer Just Doin’ What Comes Naturally,” San Francisco Chronicle, 1/23/05)

Boxer’s Left Of Liberal Voting Record

“Boxer’s Voting Record Has Been Strongly Liberal, The Most Liberal In The Senate In 1999, 2000 And Second Only To Paul Wellstone In 2001 And 2002 In National Journal’s Ratings.” (Almanac Of American Politics, http://nationaljournal.com/pubs/almanac/2004/people/ca/cas2.htm#ratings, Accessed 1/24/05)

Boxer Has A 96 Lifetime Rating From The Liberal Group Americans For Democratic Action. (Americans For Democratic Action, http://www.adaction.org/lifetimesencalifornia.html, Accessed 1/24/05)

[xchrom]

11. return the favors

this is how the current game is played.
personally, harry reid publicly asking for mercy is a waste of time.
something a good deal more forceful would be more effective.

take a page from the repukes. send out similar mailers.
and if you can get a cover organization to send it to repuke mr and mrs six pak addresses -- even better.

[paineinthearse]

12. DNC is currently rudderless.

Dean will hit them back....hard!

[calimary]

13. The only way to beat a bully is to hit back, and serve him/her a taste

of his/her own medicine.

So if they throw a cheap shot at us, I say we throw one back, immediately, and preferably one with a little more sting to it. Think in terms of WWrD (What Would republi-CONS Do?) and respond accordingly. See how they like it when it's shoved back down their throats.

[paineinthearse]

14. Who Is Harry Reid? Sen. Minority Leader Determined to Obstruct * Agenda

Republican National Committee: Who Is Harry Reid? Sen. Minority Leader Determined to Obstruct Bush's Agenda

2/7/2005 8:00:00 PM

----------------------------------------------------------------------

To: National Desk

Contact: Republican National Committee, 202-863-8614

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Following fact sheet is by the Republican National Committee:

"While President Bush and Republicans in Congress are working to win the War on Terror, preserve Social Security and lower healthcare costs, Harry Reid and his taxpayer-funded war room are focused on obstruction." -- Brian Jones, RNC Communications Director

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 No. 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 No. 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 No. 57: Motion Agreed To 52-47: R 0-43; D 52-4, 3/24/93, Reid Voted Yea; S. Con. Res. 18, CQ Vote No. 59: Motion Agreed To 55-44: R 0-43; D 55-1, 3/24/93, Reid Voted Yea; S. 1134, CQ Vote No. 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 No. 142: Adopted 50-48: R 49-4; D 1-44, 5/22/96, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 8, CQ Vote No. 188: Adopted 58-41: R 54-1; D 4-40, 7/13/00, Reid Voted Nay; S. Con. Res. 23, CQ Vote No. 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 No. 40: Motion Rejected 55-44: R 51-0; D 4-43; I 0-1, 3/6/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote No. 53: Motion Rejected 55-42: R 51-0; D 4-41; I 0-1, 3/13/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote No. 56: Motion Rejected 55-45: R 51-0; D 4-44; I 0- 1, 3/18/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote No. 114: Motion Rejected 55- 44: R 51-0; D 4-43; I 0-1, 4/2/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote No. 137: Motion Rejected 52-44: R 50-0; D 2-43; I 0-1, 5/1/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote No. 140: Motion Rejected 52-39: R 49-0; D 3- 38; I 0-1, 5/5/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote No. 143: Motion Rejected 54-43: R 50-0; D 4-42; I 0-1, 5/8/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote No. 144: Motion Rejected 52-45: R 50-0; D 2-44; I 0-1, 5/8/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote No. 308: Motion Rejected 53-43: R 51-0; D 2-42; I 0-1, 7/29/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote No. 312: Motion Rejected 55-43: R 51-0; D 4-42; I 0-1, 7/30/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote No. 316: Motion Rejected 53-44: R 51-0; D 2-44; I 0- 0, 7/31/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote No. 419: Motion Rejected 54- 43: R 51-0; D 2-43; I 1-0, 10/30/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote No. 441: Motion Rejected 51-43: R 49-0; D 2-42; I 0-1, 11/6/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote No. 450: Motion Rejected 53-42: R 51-0; D 2- 41; I 0-1, 11/14/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote No. 451: Motion Rejected 53-43: R 51-0; D 2-42; I 0-1, 11/14/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote No. 452: Motion Rejected 53-43: R 51-0; D 2-42; I 0-1, 11/14/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote No. 158: Motion Rejected 53-44: R 51-0; D 2-43; I 0-1, 7/20/04, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote No. 160: Motion Rejected 52-46: R 51-0; D 1-45; I 0-1, 7/22/04, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote No. 158: Motion Rejected 54-44: R 51-0; D 3-43; I 0- 1, 7/22/04, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote No. 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 No. 40: Motion Rejected 55-44: R 51-0; D 4-43; I 0-1, 3/6/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote No. 53: Motion Rejected 55-42: R 51-0; D 4-41; I 0-1, 3/13/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote No. 56: Motion Rejected 55-45: R 51-0; D 4-44; I 0-1, 3/18/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote No. 114: Motion Rejected 55-44: R 51-0; D 4-43; I 0- 1, 4/2/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote No. 140: Motion Rejected 52- 39: R 49-0; D 3-38; I 0-1, 5/5/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote No. 143: Motion Rejected 54-43: R 50-0; D 4-42; I 0-1, 5/8/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote No. 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 No. 137: Motion Rejected 52-44: R 50-0; D 2-43; I 0-1, 5/1/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote No. 144: Motion Rejected 52-45: R 50-0; D 2-44; I 0-1, 5/8/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote No. 308: Motion Rejected 53-43: R 51-0; D 2-42; I 0-1, 7/29/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote No. 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 No. 419: Motion Rejected 54-43: R 51-0; D 2-43; I 1-0, 10/30/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote No. 441: Motion Rejected 51-43: R 49-0; D 2- 42; I 0-1, 11/6/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote No. 316: Motion Rejected 53-44: R 51-0; D 2-44; I 0-0, 7/31/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote No. 451: Motion Rejected 53-43: R 51-0; D 2-42; I 0-1, 11/14/03, Reid Voted Nay; CQ Vote No. 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: "(I) 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 No. 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 No. 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 No. 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 No. 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 No. 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 No. 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 No. 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 5/8berliberal 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 percent Of The Time. (CQ Vote Analysis, Performed 1/31/05)

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

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

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

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

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

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

-- In The 108th Congress, Reid Voted With Daschle 94 percent 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, http://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 percent Lifetime Rating From AFL-CIO. (AFL-CIO Website, www.afl-cio.org, Accessed 1/24/05)

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

Reid Received A Lackluster 34 percent 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 No. 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 percent Rating From Human Rights Campaign (HRC) For 107th Congress. (Human Rights Campaign, "Presidential Candidates," Human Rights Campaign Website, http://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 No. 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: "(I) 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 No. 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 No. 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 No. 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 No. 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 No. 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 No. 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 percent 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 percent 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 percent Lifetime Rating From Ultra-Liberal US Public Interest Research Group (PIRG). Tom Daschle's rating was 72 percent. (US PIRG, "Congressional Scorecard 2004")

Reid Has Voted 4 Times For Increased CAFE Standards. (S. 1224, CQ Vote No. 248: Motion Rejected 57-42: R 15-29; D 42-13, 9/25/90, Reid Voted Yea; H.R. 2084, CQ Vote No. 275: Rejected 40- 55: R 6-45; D 34-9; I 0-1, 9/15/99, Reid Voted Yea; S. 517, CQ Vote No. 47, Adopted 62-38: R 43-6; D 19-31; I 0-1, 3/13/02, Reid Voted Nay; S. 517, CQ Vote No. 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 No. 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 No. 242: Motion Rejected 50-44: R 32-9; D 18-35, 11/1/91, Reid Voted Nay; S. Con. Res. 13, CQ Vote No. 190: Motion Agreed To 56-44: R 48-6; D 8-38, 5/24/95, Reid Voted Nay; S. 1357, CQ Vote No. 525: Motion Agreed To 51-48: R 45-8; D 6-40, 10/27/95, Reid Voted Nay; S. Con. Res. 101, CQ Vote No. 58: Motion Agreed To 51-49: R 47-8; D 4-41, 4/6/00, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 2217, CQ Vote No. 229: Rejected 42-57: R 38-10; D 4-46; I 0-1, 7/11/01, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 10, CQ Vote No. 344: Rejected 1-94: R 1-47; D 0-46, I 0-1, 12/3/01, Reid Voted Nay; S. 517, CQ Vote No. 70: Motion Rejected 36-64: R 30-19; D 6-44; I 0-1, 4/18/02, Reid Voted Nay; S. 517, CQ Vote No. 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 No. 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 No. 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 No. 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 No. 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 No. 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 No. 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 No. 165: Adopted 62-38: R 50-0; D 12-38, 5/23/01, Reid Voted Nay; H. Con. Res. 83, CQ Vote No. 98: Adopted 53-47: R 48-2; D 5-45, 5/10/01, Reid Voted Nay; H. Con. Res. 83, CQ Vote No. 86: Adopted 65-35: R 50-0; D 15-35, 4/6/01,Reid Voted Nay; H. Con. Res. 83, Roll Call Vote No. 69: Adopted 53-47: R 4-46; D 49-1, 4/4/01, Reid Voted Yea; H.R. 2614, CQ Vote No. 286: Motion Agreed To 55-40: R 50-1; D 5-39, 10/26/00, Reid Voted Nay; H. Con. Res. 290, CQ Vote No. 85: Adopted 50-48: R 50-4; D 0-44, 4/13/00, Reid Voted Nay; S. Con. Res. 101, CQ Vote No. 68: Rejected 44-56: R 5-50; D 39-6, 4/7/00, Reid Voted Yea; S. 1429, CQ Vote No. 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 No. 81: Adopted 55-44: R 54-0; D 1-44, 3/25/99, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 2488, CQ Vote No. 261: Adopted 50-49: R 49-4; D 0-45; I 1-0, 8/5/99, Reid Voted Nay; S. 1429, CQ Vote No. 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 No. 90: Motion Agreed To 73-27: R 28-27: D 45-0, 5/23/97, Reid Voted Yea; S. Con. Res. 27, CQ Vote No. 77: Motion Agreed To 68-31: R 23-31; D 45-0, 5/21/97, Reid Voted Yea; H. Con Res. 178, CQ Vote No. 159: Adopted 53-46: R 53-0; D 0-46, 6/13/96, Reid Voted Nay; S. Con. Res. 57, CQ Vote No. 151: Motion Agreed To 57-43: R 50-3; D 7-40, 5/23/96, Reid Voted Nay; S. Con. Res. 57, CQ Vote No. 140: Rejected 43-57: R 40-13; D 3-44, 5/22/96, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 2491, CQ Vote No. 584: Motion Agreed To 52-47: R 52-1; D 0-46, 11/18/95, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 2491, CQ Vote No. 556: Passed 52-47: R 52-1; D 0-46, 10/28/95, Reid Voted Nay; H. Con. Res. 67, CQ Vote No. 296: Adopted 54-46: R 54-0; D 0-46, 6/29/95, Reid Voted Nay; S. Con. Res. 13, CQ Vote No. 178: Rejected 31-69: R 31-23; D 0-46, 5/23/95, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 2118, CQ Vote No. 160: Motion Rejected 39-59: R 35-8; D 4-51, 6/22/93, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 3628, CQ Vote No. 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 No. 86: Adopted 65-35: R 50-0; D 15-35, 4/6/01, Reid Voted Nay; H. Con. Res. 83, CQ Vote No. 98: Adopted 53-47: R 48-2; D 5-45, 5/10/01, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 1836, CQ Vote No. 165: Passed 62-38: R 50-0; D 12-38, 5/23/01, Reid Voted Nay; S. Con. Res. 23, CQ Vote No. 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 No. 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 No. 179: Passed 51-49: R 48-3; D 3-45; I 0-1, 5/15/03, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 2, CQ Vote No. 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 No. 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 No. 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 No. 178: Rejected 31-69: R 31-23; D 0- 46, 5/23/95, Reid Voted Nay; S. 1357, CQ Vote No. 552: Motion Agreed To 53-46: R 50-3; D 3-43, 10/27/95, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 2491, CQ Vote No. 556: Passed 52-47: R 52-1; D 0-46, 10/28/95, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 2491, CQ Vote No. 584: Motion Agreed To 52- 47: R 52-1; D 0-46, 11/18/95, Reid Voted Nay; S. 1415, CQ Vote No. 154: Rejected 48-50: R 5-49; D 43-1, 6/10/98, Reid Voted Yea; S. 2312, CQ Vote No. 242: Motion Rejected 48-51: R 4-50; D 44-1, 7/29/98, Reid Voted Yea; S. 1429, CQ Vote No. 230: Rejected 46- 54: R 45-9; D 0-45; I 1-0, 7/29/99, Reid Voted Nay; S. 1429 CQ Vote No. 247: Passed 57-43: R 52-2; D 4-41; I 1-0, 7/30/99, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 2488, CQ Vote No. 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 No. 68: Rejected 44-56: R 5-50; D 39-6, 4/7/00, Reid Voted Yea; H.R. 6, CQ Vote No. 82: Rejected 53-45: R 53-1; D 0-44, 4/13/00, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 6, CQ Vote No. 83: Rejected 53-45: R 53-1; D 0-44, 4/13/00, Reid Voted Nay; H. Con. Res. 290, CQ Vote No. 85: Adopted 50-48: R 50-4; D 0-44, 4/13/00, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 4810, CQ Vote No. 214: Adopted 54-45: R 54-0; D 0-45, 7/18/00, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 4810, CQ Vote No. 215: Passed 61-38: R 53-1; D 8-37, 7/18/00, Reid Voted Nay; H. Con. Res. 83, CQ Vote No. 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 No. 86: Adopted 65-35: R 50-0; D 15-35, 4/6/01, Reid Voted Nay; H. Con. Res. 83, CQ Vote No. 98: Adopted 53-47: R 48-2; D 5-45, 5/10/01, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 1836, CQ Vote No. 165: Passed 62- 38: R 50-0; D 12-38, 5/23/01, Reid Voted Nay; S. Con. Res. 95, CQ Vote No. 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 No. 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 No. 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 No. 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 No. 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 No. 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 No. 106: Rejected 48-52: R 47-4; D 1-47; I 0-1, 3/26/03, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 1836, CQ Vote No. 165: Passed 62-38: R 50-0; D 12-38, 5/23/01, Reid Voted Nay; H. Con. Res. 83, CQ Vote No. 86: Adopted 65-35: R 50-0; D 15-35, 4/6/01, Reid Voted Nay; H. Con. Res. 83, CQ Vote No. 98: Adopted 53-47: R 48- 2; D 5-45, 5/10/01, Reid Voted Nay; S. Con. Res. 57, CQ Vote No. 151: Motion Agreed To 57-43: R 50-3; D 7-40, 5/23/96, Reid Voted Nay; H. Con Res. 178, CQ Vote No. 159: Adopted 53-46: R 53-0; D 0-46, 6/13/96, Reid Voted Nay; S. Con. Res. 13, CQ Vote No. 178, Rejected 31-69: R 31-23; D 0-46, 5/23/95, Reid Voted Nay; H. Con. Res. 67, CQ Vote No. 296: Adopted 54-46: R 54-0; D 0-46, 6/29/95, Reid Voted Nay; S. 1357, CQ Vote No. 552: Motion Agreed To 53-46: R 50-3; D 3-43, 10/27/95, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 2491, CQ Vote No. 556: Passed 52-47: R 52-1; D 0-46, 10/28/95, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 2491, CQ Vote No. 584: Motion Agreed To 52-47: R 52-1; D 0-46, 11/18/95, Reid Voted Nay; S. Con. Res. 63, CQ Vote No. 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 No. 230: Rejected 46-54: R 45-9; D 0-45; I 1-0. 7/29/99, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 2488, CQ Vote No. 261: Adopted 50- 49: R 49-4; D 0-45; I 1-0, 8/5/99, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 8, CQ Vote No. 196: Motion Agreed To 53-45: R 52-2; D 1-43, 7/14/00, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 8, CQ Vote No. 197: Passed 59-39: R 50-4; D 9-35, 7/14/00, Reid Voted Nay; H. Con. Res. 83, CQ Vote No. 86: Adopted 65-35: R 50-0; D 15-35, 4/6/01, Reid Voted Nay; H. Con. Res. 83, CQ Vote No. 98: Adopted 53-47: R 48-2; D 5-45, 5/10/01, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 1836, CQ Vote No. 158: Rejected 42-57: R 2- 48; D 40-9, 5/22/01, Reid Voted Yea; H.R. 1836, CQ Vote No. 124: Rejected 43-56: R 2-47; D 41-9, 5/21/01, Reid Voted Yea; H.R. 1836, CQ Vote No. 165: Passed 62-38: R 50-0; D 12-38, 5/23/01, Reid Voted Nay; S.1731, CQ Vote No. 28: Adopted 56-42: R 45-2; D 11-39; I 0-1, 2/13/02, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 8, CQ Vote No. 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 No. 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 No. 40: Rejected 46-53: R 43-0; D 3-53, 3/18/93, Reid Voted Nay; S. Con. Res. 18, CQ Vote No. 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 No. 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 No. 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 No. 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 No. 111: Motion Rejected 52-44: R 52-1; D 0- 43, 5/9/96, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 2937, CQ Vote No. 112: Motion Rejected 54-43: R 53-0; D 1-43, 5/14/96, Reid Voted Nay; S. 1173, CQ Vote No. 26: Motion Rejected 18-80: R 16-37; D 2-43, 3/11/98, Reid Voted Nay; S. 2285, CQ Vote No. 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 No. 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 No. 295: Motion Rejected 51-47: R 45-0; D 6-47, 11/14/89, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 3628, CQ Vote No. 298: Motion Rejected 51-47: R 45-0; D 6-47, 11/15/89, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 2118, CQ Vote No. 160: Motion Rejected 39-59: R 35-8; D 4-51, 6/22/93, Reid Voted Nay; S. Con. Res. 13, CQ Vote No. 178, Rejected 31-69: R 31-23; D 0-46, 5/23/95, Reid Voted Nay; S. 949, CQ Vote No. 151: Rejected 33-67: R 3-52; D 30-15, 6/27/97, Reid Voted Yea; H.R. 2676, CQ Vote No. 120: Adopted 56-42: R 54-0; D 2-42, 5/6/98, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 1836, CQ Vote No. 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 No. 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 No. 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 No. 48: Rejected 63-37: R 41-3; D 22-34, 3/1/94, Reid Voted Nay; H.J. Res. 1, CQ Vote No. 98: Rejected 65-35: R 51-2; D 14-33, 3/2/95, Reid Voted Nay; H.J. Res. 1, CQ Vote No. 158: Rejected 64-35: R 52-1; D 12-34, 6/6/96, Reid Voted Nay; S. J. Res. 1, CQ Vote No. 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 No. 140: Motion Agreed To 65-35: R 24- 30; D 41-5, 5/2/95, Reid Voted Yea; H.R. 956, CQ Vote No. 141: Motion Agreed To 56-44: R 13-41; D 43-3, 5/2/95, Reid Voted Yea; H.R. 956, CQ Vote No. 144: Passed 53-47: R 48-6; D 5-41, 5/2/95, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 956, CQ Vote No. 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 No. 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 No. 160: Motion Agreed To 54- 44:: R 46-7; D 8-37, 5/10/95, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 956, CQ Vote No. 161: Passed 61-37: R 46-7; D 15-30, 5/10/95, Reid Voted Nay; S. 1052, CQ Vote No. 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 No. 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 No. 264: Motion Rejected 49-48: R 49-2; D 0-45; I 0-1, 7/9/03, Reid Voted Nay; S. 2061, CQ Vote No. 15: Motion Rejected 48-45: R 47-3; D 1-41; I 0-1, 2/24/04, Reid Voted Nay; S. 2207, CQ Vote No. 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 No. 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 No. 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 No. 153: Motion Rejected 43-49: R 41-10; D 2-39, 5/8/95, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 956, CQ Vote No. 156: Motion Agreed To 60-38: R 46-7; D 14-31, 5/9/95, Reid Voted Nay; H.R. 956, CQ Vote No. 44: Motion Agreed To 60-40: R 48-5; D 12-35, 3/20/96, Reid Voted Nay; S. 648, CQ Vote No. 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 No. 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 No. 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 No. 160: Adopted 49-48: R 45-8; D 4- 40, 6/16/98, Reid Voted Nay; S. 1415, CQ Vote No. 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)

Reid's Lobbying Relations:

Reid's Family's Clients Include Many Nevada Interests. CNBC'S EAMON JAVERS: "Take a look at Senator Harry Reid. He's a Democrat from Nevada. His son, Key Reid, is a lobbyist. He's with Lionel, Sawyer & Collins. His clients include the Olympic Land Corporation, the city of Las Vegas, the city of Boulder, Colorado; about $220,000 worth of billings reported to Key Reid's clients in 2002. ... Steven Barringer is Senator Reid's son-in- law. He's also a lobbyist, in fact works in the same building with Key Reid. He works for a firm called MGN, Inc. His represents American Electric Power Company, the National Mining Association and Verizon, among others. He's married to the senator's daughter, Lana." (CNBC's "Capital Report," 8/7/03)

-- "So Pervasive Are The Ties Among Reid, Members Of His Family And Nevada's Leading Industries And Institutions That It's Difficult To Find A Significant Field In Which Such A Relationship Does Not Exist." (Chuck Neubauer and Richard T. Cooper, "In Nevada, The Name To Know Is Reid," Los Angeles Times, 6/23/03)

Reid Introduced Legislation That Benefited Sons' Firm. "What Reid did not explain was that (The Clark County Conservation of Public Land and Natural Resources Act of 2002) promised a cavalcade of benefits to real estate developers, corporations and local institutions that were paying hundreds of thousands of dollars in lobbying fees to his sons' and son-in-law's firms, federal lobbyist reports show. ... Other provisions were intended to benefit a real estate development headed by a senior partner in the Nevada law firm that employs all four of Reid's sons..." (Chuck Neubauer and Richard T. Cooper, "In Nevada, The Name To Know Is Reid," Los Angeles Times, 6/23/03)

Reid's Defense: His Kids Are Great. "If there is an appearance of a conflict, Reid said, it is unavoidable in a large, talented and politically active family such as his. 'My kids are well- educated. They are nice young men. My daughter is a lovely young woman,' Reid said, adding that his son-in-law is a 'brilliant lawyer.' 'I have done, I think, everything I can to protect myself and to protect my boys,' he said. 'The only thing I could do to help myself is to have less kids.'" (Chuck Neubauer and Richard T. Cooper, "In Nevada, The Name To Know Is Reid," Los Angeles Times, 6/23/03)

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)

Paid for by the Republican National Committee; Not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.

http://www.usnewswire.com/

[paineinthearse]

15. Reid Comes to White House Dinner With a Bitter Taste in His Mouth

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A6133-2005Feb7.html?sub=AR

After GOP Attack, Reid Comes to White House Dinner With a Bitter Taste in His Mouth

By Charles Babington
Tuesday, February 8, 2005; Page A05

It's safe to assume that the mood at the White House dinner table last night was a bit more tense than usual. A few hours before dining with President Bush and a handful of others, Minority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.) took the Senate floor to rebuke the president and his political party for a 13-page mass-mail attack on Reid, authored by the Republican National Committee.

"Is this how he wants to be a uniter?" Reid asked in his speech. The RNC, he said, "is his committee," so how can Bush call for bipartisanship one minute and then "send out scurrilous letters saying that I'm a bad guy? In great detail. I mean, is President George Bush a man of his word? . . . Mr. President, I call upon you to repudiate this document, to tell the Republican National Committee, 'Don't mail it.' "

The RNC document, first reported by Roll Call, is headlined "Reid All About It," and contains a list of complaints about Reid's voting record and statements about judges, Social Security, taxes and other topics. It says Reid is "out of touch with mainstream America," has an "extreme environmental record" and is a "Scrooge in senator's clothing." The language echoes GOP attacks on Reid's predecessor, Thomas A. Daschle (S.D.), who lost a bitter race last fall to John Thune (R).

RNC spokesman Brian Jones said his committee is sending the newsletter to about a million activists, journalists and others. "Harry Reid's record speaks for itself," he said in an interview. White House spokeswoman Claire Buchan said: "The president has been reaching out to Republicans and Democrats alike, and he looks forward to continuing to do so." As part of that outreach, the president and first lady earlier had invited Reid and Sens. Christopher J. Dodd (D-Conn.), Richard C. Shelby (R-Ala.) and Gordon Smith (R-Ore.) and their wives to dinner.

[calimary]

16. And the corresponding truth serum about frist/delay/mcconnell/etc is...

??? Hello? Uh, ATTENTION DEMOCRATIC PARTY: It would be MIGHTY NICE to hear something about this besides a lot of crickets chirping.

[DesEtoiles]

17. Morning kick