The Future Is Chaos: GOP Threatens Retribution Against Cao For Health Care Vote

[ccharles000]

Rep. Joseph Cao (R-LA) was solely responsible for dashing the Republican leadership’s hopes of having all 177 of its members vote against historic health care legislation on Saturday. Cao broke with his party and voted with Democrats after speaking personally to President Obama and pressing for more federal funds for his district, which is still struggling after Hurricane Katrina. In a statement, Cao explained that the needs of his constituents trumped partisan politicking:

I read the versions of the House bill. I listened to the countless stories of Orleans and Jefferson Parish citizens whose health care costs are exploding — if they are able to obtain health care at all. Louisianans needs real options for primary care, for mental health care, and for expanded health care for seniors and children. <...>

I have always said that I would put aside partisan wrangling to do the business of the people. My vote tonight was based on my priority of doing what is best for my constituents.

The reaction to Cao from the right wing has been swift and fierce, with some comparing the only non-Hispanic minority in the GOP caucus to Mao Tse Tung and calling him racial epithets. Rep. Don Young (R-AK) — who has defended Cao’s vote — had to stand beside him during Saturday’s roll call, “fending off his GOP colleagues who might have twisted Cao’s arms.” Last week, RNC Chairman Michael Steele made clear that moderates who don’t walk the Party line have no place in the GOP:

So candidates who live in moderate to slightly liberal districts have got to walk a little bit carefully here, because you do not want to put yourself in a position where you’re crossing that line on conservative principles, fiscal principles, because we’ll come after you.

Cao “chuckled” in response to Steele’s comments, pointing out that his vision would essentially lead the party toward a path of political suicide. “He has the right to come after those members who do not conform to party lines,” said Cao, “but I would hope that he would work with us in order to adjust to the needs of the district and to hold a seat that the Republican party would need.”

http://thinkprogress.org/2009/11/09/boehner-cao-health/

[Arkana]

1. Joseph Cao = smartest Republican alive besides Linc Chafee.

[Vinca]

2. Cao can always jump ship. He seems too sane to be a Republican anyway.

[RepublicanElephant]

15. not too mention, he's too compassionate to be a repub! nt

[joeybee12]

3. Hey Michael Steele, give us Cao, and we'll give you Landrieu!

Or Lincoln, or Liar-berman....et al.

[Truth2Tell]

4. He's a better Democrat than Specter. nt

[Jennicut]

5. Racial epithets...so classy.

[MNDemNY]

6. At least THAT party has some balls, WE still allow the like of Liarman in our caucus.

[zbdent]

7. wait a minute ... hmm ... I remember something about how courageous it was

that someone broke from the confines of "voting party, not conscience" and went against Obama ...

Now, who was it that the Repugs were touting?

OH YEAH! It was Independent "Democrat" Joe Lieberman who broke ranks "courageously" ...

Where are the cheers for someone not being 100 percent beholden to party politics now?

[Roosesvelte]

8. No Party Likes IT When Somome Breaks Ranks

Unless it's someone from the other side. Then he's "heroic."

[HopeOverFear]

9. QUESTION: how do you pronounce his last name?

[POAS]

11. I think it would be GOW!

[aSpeckofDust]

10. You guys do realise that Cao said he wouldn't vote for the HCR without stupak's amendment, right? nt

[Harry Monroe]

13. And that would because he represents New Orleans and the surrounding area

A HEAVILY Catholic district. He does represent his constituents and is respecting their wishes. I think Rep. Cao should jump ship and come over to our side.

[wiggs]

12. Kudos to Cao. Each member should think for himself and should represent his

or her district. This "Gang of Six" crap, the voting in a block strategy, the trading of votes, holding out your vote to pressure leadership for bribes, etc ALL are undemocratic. If each member voted individually after thought, input, and reflection we would all be much better off.

The filibuster would be extremely rare. Vote outcomes would reflect America, not what one or two congressmen demand. Obstructionism would disappear.

[Harry Monroe]

14. And we may finally have the representative democracy that has eluded us for so long!!

[LynnTheDem]

16. Make sure we continually REMIND AMERICANS...esp the MAJORITY who want HCR;

"the needs of his constituents trumped partisan politicking"

ONE republican put WE THE PEOPLE first, over "partisan politicking"...ALL other republicans prefer 44,829 Americans to die EVERY YEAR.

Party uber alles; it's the republican party platform.