Strong Quotes, Weak Votes
Smith takes ineffectiveness and cowardice to a new level this week on two important issues.
The gap between U.S. Senator Gordon Smith’s (R-OR) votes and his quotes grew this week as Smith turned two opportunities to show leadership into a clinic on senatorial cowardice.
ALBERTO GONZALES
Despite tough talk, Smith blew an opportunity to stand up to President Bush and stand for Oregonians by not supporting a no confidence vote on U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.
Smith’s Quote:
“Sen. Gordon Smith, R-Ore., told reporters recently ‘it would be helpful’ if Attorney General Alberto Gonzales resigned.”
(The Oregonian Editorial, 5-17-07)
Smith’s Vote:
"’I've made very clear the lack of confidence that I have remaining in the attorney general, but I think a vote of no confidence effort is just born out of political meanness,’ Smith said. ‘We're not a parliamentary system. Ultimately, this is the decision of the president of the United States.’"
(Oregonlive.com, 5-22-07)
“Smith's comments today come as some Senate Democrats push to have a vote of no confidence in Gonzales, amid revelations about the firing of U.S. attorneys and his role in attempting to gain approval for a domestic wiretapping program.”
(Oregonlive.com, 5-22-07)
IRAQ WAR
On a return trip from Iraq, Smith takes a similar ineffective tone. He claims to be for benchmarks for withdrawing troops, but votes against a timetable for withdrawing our troops from Iraq.
Smith’s Quote:
“Oregon's other senator, Democrat Ron Wyden, voted against authorizing the Iraq invasion and has backed measures to withdraw most U.S. troops from the country by next year. Now, Smith said, he supports holding the Iraqi government to firm benchmarks. ‘I think benchmarks are very important because we need to keep up maximum appropriate pressure on Iraqi government officials,’ Smith said.”
(The Bulletin, 5-23-07)
Smith’s Vote:
“Sen. Gordon Smith, R-Ore., voted against bringing to a vote an amendment that would remove most troops from Iraq by March 31. The amendment, sponsored by Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wisc., failed in a 29-67 vote. It needed 60 votes to be brought for an up-or-down vote. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., voted for the amendment.”
(Oregonlive.com, 5-16-07)
“There may not be enough land in Oregon to cover the gaps between Gordon Smith’s quotes and his votes,” DPO Chair Meredith Wood Smith said. “His view of representation is to make measured comments to the media and cowardice votes in the U.S. Senate. That may win him support from people looking for an ineffective flip-flopper, but not with Oregonians who want someone to stand up to President Bush and stand for Oregon values.”
Posted May 23, 2007 Smith + Bush, Smith vs. Smith 0 comments
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