Behind-The-Scenes Tensions Abounded In Capitol Today

[babylonsister]

http://electioncentral.tpmcafe.com/blog/electioncentral/2007/mar/08/behind_the_scenes_tensions_abounded_in_capitol_today

Behind-The-Scenes Tensions Abounded In Capitol Today
By Greg Sargent | bio

Okay, so I just spoke to a Capitol Hill source who shared some interesting detail about just how tense the behind-the-scenes back and forth was today in the House over what to do about Iraq. Some tidbits:

* There was an awkward moment this morning during a closed door meeting -- before the press conferences today -- where the House Dem leadership was trying to get everyone on board behind their approach. The source says that while Nancy Pelosi was addressing the assembled Dems, a bunch of liberal Dem members stood up and walked out to get to their previously scheduled press conference at which they unveiled their own approach. This was a tense and pregnant moment, my source says.

* Also interesting: It appears that there's been some behind-the-scenes erosion in support for the liberal position, according to this source. After both press conferences, another closed-door meeting ensued. "A number of folks who were supportive of the seemed to have heard the magic words they needed to hear from the leadership to get on board with their approach," this source says. "There was some erosion of support for the Progressive/Out Of Iraq position."

Adds the source: "There's been a big push back and forth all day on this."

* According to my source, one of the things that's particularly galling to the liberals is that earlier drafts of the leadership's approach contained a measure that would have forced funding to stop if the troops weren't withdrawn by the date mandated in the legislation. But, my source says, that language was gone from the final version. This pissed off some liberals who think that this was a needless concession to moderate "Blue Dog" Dems that will dilute the measure's ultimate effectiveness.

Incidentally, right now the liberal House Dems are crafting a statement in response to the leadership's proposal. It should be out shortly. (Update: The liberal Dems' statement is out. It's after the jump.)

Anyway, there you have it: A little behind-the-scenes color. It's been quite a day in D.C.