http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2010/08/19/19climatewire-democrats-after-opposing-climate-bill-still-62724.htmlA group of Democrats who defied their party to oppose a landmark climate bill last year is facing attacks by political challengers from an unexpected direction:
Cap and trade is being used against them, despite the fact that they voted no.
Forty-four Democrats broke ranks last summer on the muscular measure seeking to create a carbon limit for thousands of factories and power plants. Many of them represent districts striped with coal veins, or in conservative pockets of the country where congressional seats shift parties like a manual transmission.
That is the case in several swing districts held by Democrats in the group of 44, all of whom opposed cap and trade. Republican challengers are expanding the race to national proportions, accusing the incumbents of failing to alter the liberal agenda of their party in Washington. The result, they warn, could increase local utility costs and decrease jobs in high-energy manufacturing sectors -- the same arguments that members of the 44 often voiced.
Cap and trade is just one issue being used by Republicans. Votes expanding health care insurance and enacting the expensive economic stimulus program are playing high-profile roles, as well. All of them are expected to help Republicans gain seats in November, perhaps pushing them into the majority.
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