RollCall story on House Dems, not good

[TayTay]

Democrats See Rift in House
Roll Call 04-25-2005
By By Erin P. Billings Roll Call Staff

A major rift has developed within the House Democratic Caucus, as moderates and liberals wage a war over influence and questions mount over the leadership's direction for the minority party.

While allegations of ethical abuse on the other side of the aisle have helped mask Democrats' divisions, the split burst into public view last week at a whip meeting. Tensions flared at the gathering over recent defections by moderate Democrats on key votes, most particularly the recent bankruptcy bill, in which 73 Members including House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (Md.) sided with the GOP. The meeting left Hoyer defending the moderates' votes and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (Calif.) siding with progressives and criticizing centrists.

"People are frustrated we had a divided leadership on this bill and they were very outspoken on the opposite sides. Maybe that's what helped this meeting turn into what it turned into," said a senior Democratic staffer. "It's possible this was the final straw for many."

Numerous House Democratic sources said the meeting simply underscored broader tensions between a growing and emboldened centrist faction and the traditionally dominant liberal wing of the Caucus. It also raised new questions from some about the direction of House Democrats and the party as a whole, and once again underscored the ideological division that exists between Hoyer, a moderate, and Pelosi, a liberal.

"There is a feeling that there is nothing to unite this party right now," said another senior Democratic staffer of the Caucus' failure to take strong, detailed positions on issues. "There is Social Security, and we're doing a good job on that, but that's it. There are no grand ideas or principles for the party.

SNIP


Oh boy, more infighting. Just what we need.:sarcasm:

[rox63]

1. This is NOT a good time for infighting

We need to be prying open the cracks in the Rethug camp, not creating rifts of our own. :banghead:

[whometense]

3. Let me help you with that.

:banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

I guess it was inevitable, though. Clearly a large ideological chasm between a dem who could vote for the bankruptcy piece of garbage and a dem who couldn't dream of doing so.

I hope the senate dems are more united, but I'm concerned about the filibuster compromise as well. No time for caving.

[sandnsea]

2. senior Democratic staffers

Need to be fired. I am so sick of this shit getting into the newspapers.

[whometense]

4. Could not agree more.

WHY do they do this????????

[Pirate Smile]

5. Since the Washington Post story from today was on A-1

I would sure as hell hope they all read it - ("Unexpectedly, Capitol Hill Democrats Stand Firm")

The reason they have been kicking ass is because they have been staying unified on most things.

Don't get stupid now, guys!