Aaron Schock praises bipartisanship while remaining partisan

[Willinois]

http://www.democratsforprogress.com/2011/01/01/aaron-schock-praises-bipartisanship-while-remaining-partisan/

By Willinois, on January 1st, 2011

A recent Gatehouse news headline declares, “Schock: Congressional bipartisanship a good omen for 2011.”

That sounds like good news! We need more Republican Congressman who will set aside the past two years of obstruction.

But it started to sound less appealing when I read down the article.

“The president deserves credit for bringing his party along and getting them to move to the center,” Schock said.

“I think this is a good sign for 2011,” Schock said. “So long as the president continues to exhibit this kind of leadership, I believe the Republican House will want to continue to work with him to take up America’s challenges.”

Lame-duck accomplishments for Democrats included an arms reduction treaty with Russia and the repeal of the military’s ban on gays serving openly, Schock said.

Yes, repealing the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy is a good example of bipartisanship since a few Republicans voted for it. Except that Schock wasn’t one of them. He voted No. In fact, Schock has a reliably partisan voting record.

The funny thing about Schock’s comment is that he praises Obama for moving Democrats, but gives no indication that Republicans might compromise as well. He gives a very conditional prediction of bipartisanship that depends on Obama moving to the right. Apparently, he thinks bipartisanship is something that’s good for others to practice, but not for him.

Schock’s position looks no different than that of his friend and fellow Congressman John Shimkus, who declared that Republicans would “just say no” to Obama for two years. I have to admit that the strategy paid off for Republicans in the recent election. It hurt America, but it was an effective partisan tactic.

I’m interested to see if one of Schock’s resolutions for the new year will be trying out bipartisanship for himself, instead of expecting it only from others.

[Critters2]

1. Is Schock your congressman? If so, my condolences. He's a partisan hack

if ever there were one.