Ben Cardin - Senatorial Hopeful - sides with the GOP

[aintitfunny]

in voting against his party to extend the Patriot Act.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/custom/attack/bal-te.patriot15dec15,1,6716044.story?coll=bal-nationworld-headlines

"Maryland's eight House members split on the legislation, as they did when an earlier version passed the House in July. Democrats Benjamin L. Cardin, C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger and Steny H. Hoyer supported the bill, as did Republican Rep. Wayne T. Gilchrest. Democrats Elijah E. Cummings, Chris Van Hollen and Albert R. Wynn voted against it, as did Republican Roscoe G. Bartlett.

Cardin, who is running for the Democratic Senate nomination, said the bill could be better but that the compromise is an improvement over the original House version. He said he remains worried that the Bush administration could abuse the power granted by the law.

"It's important for those tools to be available, it's also important to have proper oversight," said Cardin. "I have some concerns about this administration, but I think it's appropriate for the Congress to pass the necessary tools."

Allan Lichtman, another Democrat competing to fill the seat of retiring Sen. Paul S. Sarbanes, criticized Cardin for breaking with the majority of his party. "

The "Jewish Paul Sarbanes" turns out not to be so after all. I do not believe Paul Sarbanes would have voted this way. I am certain Kweisi Mfume would not. Allan Lichtman obviously would not. Republican Michael Steele certainly would vote to support the renewal, no questions asked.

I am horribly disappointed, this was very depressing news. The Patriot Act represents all that is bad about the Bush Administration. It is a tool, it is a tool that shreds the Constitution and tramples on our rights in the name of handing the Bush Administration more power with no expectation of accountability.

I was initially torn between Mfume and Cardin. Admiring both, alternating between each, pleased that I would be more than happy to support either as the nominee. I would still likely vote for Cardin in the General, but my enthusiasm has been whittled down considerably and my support for his candidacy over other good Democrats is now withdrawn.

[nickshepDEM]

1. They Maryland delegation split 4/4.

I still support Cardin. It was a smart vote considering the bill was going to pass no matter what.

[aintitfunny]

2. Conversely - wouldn't it be smarter to vote against

a bad thing since it was going to pass no matter what? My concern is right now there is a fight going on in the Senate. Democrats are standing up for what it right with Feingold leading the charge. Cardin has just pointed out very clearly what side he would stand on in this important issue. While I am disappointed in all 3 of the Maryland Democrats who voted for this, only Cardin is seeking the Senate seat. I am proud of the 3 Democrats who voted against it, including my Congressman Elijah Cummings.

[DaveinMD]

3. I don't get this vote

its not like it helps him politically in Maryland.

[nickshepDEM]

4. Maybe he truely believes the Patriot Act is working...

Its hard to deny the results. Sure some of the sneak & peak and library provisions should have been scrapped, but overall, most Congressman and Senators (including Russ Feingold) believe its a solid bill.

[DaveinMD]

5. I haven't looked at the bill

so I can't really comment on that. I really am a political hack and not a policy guy. :-)

[aintitfunny]

6. I would have to question that

It was a good bill, when the bi-partisan committee passed it. It was bastardized overnight overtly sacrificing civil rights and allowing abuse of power. This is what Russ Feingold is fighting. This is what Ben Cardin should have stood up against along with the other 43 democrats, rather then rubber stamping the Bush Administration.

I spent the evening with a group of democrats tonight, some of who are in Cardin's Congressional district. Not a one was happy with his vote and he has lost primary support as a result.

[aintitfunny]

7. It seems it would only hurt him

Noone seems to understand why he would do it. I spoke with several people tonight who are rethinking their support because of this.

[karendc]

8. Lise Van Susteren had something to say about it

"I am appalled with yesterday's action by the House in support of the "Patriot Act." We should not be tearing down our own fundamental freedoms and the principles on which this country was founded all in the name of yet another empty slogan. This again, represents the kind of groupthink that has characterized this Congress and has put Americans at such great risk. Where we have needed courage and leadership we have found politics instead. We saw the same thing when Congress voted for the war in Iraq. The President and Congress have already gotten Fs on homeland security. Sacrificing American ideals is no substitute for securing our transportation systems, for protecting us against biological and chemical weapons and making sure we have adequate security in our streets. The creeping influence of big brother in our lives may make some politicians feel better but big brother in our lives is anything but patriotic. As a U.S. Senator, I will stand up for what is right even if it means at times standing alone."

http://www.vansusterenforsenate.com/node