The House just cleared a temporary spending measure that keeps the government running for another three weeks, but five Florida Republicans voted against their party -- including frosh Reps. Allen West, Dennis Ross and Steve Southerland.
"I rise today to take a stand, a stand that may not be popular with the Leadership of the House of Representatives, but a stand I must take because I believe we cannot kick the can down the road for even another three weeks," West said. He later tweeted, "Just now, 54 of my Republican colleagues voted with me... against the 3-week CR. A testament that this is no longer business as usual."
Also voting no: Reps. Connie Mack, Dennis Ross and Cliff Stearns. On the Dem side, Reps. Alcee Hastings and Frederica Wilson were among the 104 Dems to vote no.
Southerland in a statement said "Congress must have the courage to look beyond the small, short term cuts included in today’s spending resolution and begin to think big. We have a moral obligation to implement long-term spending cuts that shrink the debt and restore certainty for our small businesses.
Yada yada yada....these guys following the Tea Baggers Party isn't going to help in 2012. Here's betting West and Southerland are beaten in the General, Stearns loses in the Primary because "his" district is chopped up, and Ross gets a serious scare.
Posted by: Cynical Idealist | March 15, 2011 at 04:12 PM
NO on this latest CR is the only correct vote. Go West! We voted the freshmen Republicans in to stand firm and stop the fiscal irresponsibility. Thank goodness West has principles and sticks to them. How sad there are only 53 others like him in the House.
Posted by: Fishymish | March 15, 2011 at 05:43 PM
Kudos to Allen West for sticking to his principles. Imagine trying to run a company 3 weeks at a time. Compromise? The only time people can compromise is if both groups want to go in the same general direction. If one wants to head North, and another South, where is the opportunity for compromise?
Where is the leadership in Washington? If you want to see leadership, come talk with Allen West at his next town hall meeting. West is the real deal.
Posted by: HankS_FtLauderdale | March 15, 2011 at 07:04 PM
Jeff Miller (R-Oblivious) Votes "Yes" on Budget Three Week Extension
http://www.practicalstate.com/?p=6146
Cheers
Posted by: Muckraker | March 15, 2011 at 09:14 PM