We'll see..........

Another repub leaves because he can no longer function in the toxic atmoshere of the new republican party.

Rob - seriously? Democrats are just not that interested in derailing the crazy train. Talk about spin !!!

ManOMan, talk about Rob trying to Spin this the best he can, the Fact remains, that Malibu Mitts 2 wins lastnight are being Stepped allover by his fellow Republicans!

Talk about Malibu Mitts version of Rodney Dangerfields "I can't get No Respect"!

Occupy SoggyBottom!

Clara -- My spin.....they're jumping ship to get away from the crazies.

Who's going to run the asylum is what's frightening.

Rob -- That is just silly talk. Everyone heard Santorum pleading with dems to cross party lines and vote for him in that primary. Most appeared to have ignored him by the results.

So much partisanship on these boards...it's really sad that people can't, or don't seem to want to, think for themselves. My suggestion is to stop looking at the R/D label and focus on the merits of the individual ideas and candidates. Once people start voting based on the quality of the ideas, then we can start getting this country moving forward again.

There are 16 republicans retiring from the house and 21 democrats retiring. Why no mention of that anywhere??

It's sad when the more reasoned are being chased out of the party. They've allowed the fringe to maneuver the party with an iron fist.Maybe it is time for a third party.

Rick Santorum defended his campaign’s robo-calling in Michigan urging Democrats to crossover and vote for him in this state’s open primary.

His campaign did it “to prove the point we can attract voters we need to win states like Michigan,” he told reporters as he exited a diner here.

In a tight face-off with Mitt Romney in his rival’s home state, Santorum said it doesn’t matter to him that the Romney campaign has voiced its opposition to the robo-calls, blasting them as ”shameful desperation” and “dirty politics.”

abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2012/02/rick-santorum-touts-robo-call-says-it-proves-he-can-attract-democratic-voters/

Romney & Republicans "Love" Wall Street Bail Outs, what's new?

I told you so from day one of their shouts that "Bailouts Don't Work". They have been playing their base as total fools all along!

That is why they scream to remove financial regulations & attack Dodd-Frank which stopped the Bail Outs

Clara: I see a BLUE Congress and Whitehouse - in the very near future!

Do you also see a welfare nation? Because that's where we'll be. Obama has already turned this country into a food stamp nation how much further into the abyss do you liberals want us to go?

Rob in MA, you DO realize the 'welfare' states are predominantly RED states, right?

and no, I don't see a 'welfare nation'; but I do see some desparate rhetoric implying that Government spending under Dems is somehow more evil than Government spending under Repubs.

Review the FACTS on the existing debt, dan, if you aren't afraid of some reality based outcomes.

soaz, give credit where credit is due. George Bush and the Republicans created the need for so many people to go on food stamps by ruining the economy.

Say Rob, just how much of that republican kool aid did you drink this morning?

Clara,

Here comes the wackos to run the the various GOP state primaries. This guy in Ill, who put on "family friendly neo Nazi events" is running as a Republican.!!!

I think with redistricting and a presidental election, the Democrats have a good chance to win back the House.

All the big GOP donors will be stretched thin with the GOP primaries and state elections.Romney is running through millions with each primary and will have to spend some of his own money in the general election.

SoazDan, you seem to forget the part about the near depression that bush and the republicans left our country just 3 years ago.

Not only did the republican kill regulations that let Wall Street rob America, the republicans now want to kill the legislation to keep Wall street from robbing us again.

Your answer to the near fatal crash the republicans brought to our country too is to blame the democrats because we won't let the people starve like the republicans would after they caused the crash.

President Obama has pulled us out of the abyss, but republicans want to blame him for the damage they caused, right Dan?

Too bad you have so much hate Dan that you can't see the truth.

Dan you should move to Iran for a year and come back with a report on how great it is to live with someone pushing their religious beliefs as law. You claim it is different because you don't believe in their religion. Well, I don't believe in yours. So now how is it different?

"family friendly neo Nazi events"

Yeah, if you're skinhead.

is running as a Republican.!!!

Not all that shocking with the current state of the GOP.

Katherine Brandy - There is a 3rd party... they compose approximately 1/3 of the voters... they are called independents. Independents choose not to identify with either republicans or democrats. The two major parties in this country are so full of BS it's not funny. They claim to represent different ideas, but the fringe elements seem to always control the main flow of their ideology. The likenesses of each party are stark. While democrats are further to the left, the republicans are vying to catch up with them. As polarized as they are, they are actually very similar. It's similar to two youths (yutes) that have the same skills always working to expose the weakness of the other. Entertaining at best, frightening most of the time.

We know the facts are very inconvenient but the biggest "welfare states" are very very red.

Brian,

The independents should ORGANIZE a third party. Not just sit on the sidelines , get out there and get actively involve.

Here in MN we do have a Independence Party that has gotten enough votes that they do make a difference in some state elections. One even became our governor.

[Rob in MA, you DO realize the 'welfare' states are predominantly RED states, right?]

...sure he does...

[Obama has already turned this country into a food stamp nation...]

It's a shame all those "red states" need federal help, right?

Republicans like to portray the welfare recipients as black liberals but in reality most all I know are white voting Republicans. The statistics also shows more whites drawing welfare than the other races combines. Go figure.

What president has had more people joining the welfare rolls during their term? G W Bush

What president is responsible for the increase of welfare recipients? G W Bush with the economic collapse under his term.

http://www.factcheck.org/2012/01/newts-faulty-food-stamp-claim/

Before you try to spin this as Bush serving 8 years and Obama serving only 3......remember the economy is improving and more people are finding work so the number may actually start decreasing in the next few months. Either way you slice it there would not be as many on welfare and food stamps if the economy had not taken a hit under the Bush administration.

Now for the subject of the story, there are many representatives retiring because of redistricting but there will be just as many new ones coming to office because of the new districts that had other representatives. Maybe same party...maybe different party. It's just too bad they cannot reduce the actual number of representatives. There's just too many freeloaders in congress where the expenses of their position could be use for a more useful purpose.

"We all know that this institution has an abysmally low approval rating," Dreier said, "and the American people are asking for change in Congress. And so, I'm announcing today that I will leave the congress at the end of this year."

All together now:

Another one bites the dust
And another one gone, and another one gone
Another one bites the dust!

:)

Last night was just a foreshadowing of the Romney landslide coming in November.

Rob, my advice is to stock up on the hard stuff now. It's gonna be scarce on November 6th, what with Democrats celebrating and Republicans drowning their sorrows.

Have a nice day.

Americans First, Clinton signed the repeal of glass-Stegall which helped cause the near depression, along with dems forcing banks into giving those sub-prime loans. As for Iran that's the direction we're heading here with the demogogue in office with his new green religion.

I see Dreier's announcement on the heels of Olympia Snowe's announcement as telling. Old-school Eisenhower and Ford repubicans are being driven out of Congress by the likes of far-right wingers and the reason is clear. The far right does not believe in compromise, it is their way or the highway despite the fact that this Government's Constitution was written and established by compromise--by two opposing sides meeting in the middle. Republicans have lost complete sight of what government and governing means. The GOPers all need a 10-week session in Civics with an emphasis on government and legislating history.

TO: soazDan who wrote:

"Americans First, Clinton signed the repeal of glass-Stegall which helped cause the near depression ..."

See what happens when folks don't take their medication -- delusional.

The United States was NOWHERE NEAR any kind of "depression" when Bush took office, quite the opposite. We had over $450 billion surplus in the U.S. Treasury, which Bush immediately spent as soon as he took the oath of office, and we had 4% unemployment, which Bush EXPLODED into some 12% unemployment and an unprecedented collapse of the U.S. Economy, just as Osama Bin Laden wanted, all courtesy of the Republican Party.

The 2nd Great Depression occurred as a result of Bush lying us into war in Iraq, allowing super high gas prices to wipe out the American People's savings, tax cuts for the rich, pay cuts for Working Americans, and the trillion dollar spending spree that Republicans went on when they took over the White House.

Republicans ONLY protect the rich, which is why the rich keep on getting richer, and the poor keep on getting poorer.

Obama / Biden 2012

soazDan, ahhh, the democrats didn't force all those banks to give sub-prime loans. Deregulation allowed it, encouraged it, and gave the green light for it. As much as I liked President Clinton, I totally disagreed with him signing away the last fire wall of protection between banks and financial investment firms. You failed to mention that Reagan began the de-regulation of financial institutions and while he was still President, we suffered the Savings & Loan scandal as a direct result. The S&L disaster should have been fair warning to both political parties but no, the rhetoric of the day, which continues in the GOP as I post this, regulations are bad for the economy, kills jobs and business growth. What's bad for the economy is de-regulating and allowing the greed and corruption to wreck havoc on the public. The role of government is to protect the public from the greed and corruption of the private--and the best way to do that is reasonable regulations such as Dodd-Frank and reinstating the ones such as Glass-Stegall that were removed in the first place; the ones that protected this country from another Great Depression for 50 years until repealed which brought this country to its knees.

If you're going to blame someone, try blaming the man who started us down the path of de-regulation--the one and only Ronald Reagan or is that too much to ask?

Excellent comment, Jody.

Republicans have selective amnesia.

Jody - I both agree with you and disagree with you at the same time... what a dichotomy. I agree that regulations are needed for a modicum of control over the protection of the public from scurrilous institutions that can take advantage of Joe Anybody. What I disagree on is over-regulation where the government takes complete autonomy away from business only to replace it with bureaucratic disillusionment. If the government could produce regulations that actually make sense without imposing their complete control system over private enterprise, it would help to alleviate much of the anxiety the right has over what the government is attempting to do.

If you're going to blame someone, try blaming the man who started us down the path of de-regulation--the one and only Ronald Reagan or is that too much to ask?

Yes indeed.

@SoazDan - Clinton signed the repeal of glass-Stegall....

Yes he did. The repeal bill was sent to him by a republican house and senate.

Rob in Ma - clearly you're delusional. President Obama will win MI handily and pick up new states - states he did not carry the last election. Romney winning in MI - barely - is no concern for Obama. The economy is looking up, jobs are being created, the stock market is up - all things that bring tears to the eyes of the GOP who wanted the US to fail if it meant they could beat Obama. Pathetic group of losers the GOP!

Brianb - simple. Most of us actually use our brains instead of regurgitating the GOP garbage that you seem to be tied to. The economy is getting better; stock market up; more jobs; he has increased our respect overseas; those of us with brains (sorry that leaves you out) know he is NOT responsible for the price of gas; he is working to help the middle class; he hasn't declared war on women; and at least he HAS a green policy.

Moderate Republicans are sick and tired of the impact the far right has had on their party and will either not vote at all or cross over and vote for Obama over the sick Tea Party candidates Romney and Santorum.

You really need to get over yourself. As a registered Independent I actually look at facts - not the moronic babbling of people like you whose only agenda is to defeat Obama even if it means the demise of our great country. The great harm done to this country was done by Bush/Cheney. Even the current deplorable GOP candidates are finally admitting that. President Obama has not failed our country. But, people like you, who can only see your own hatred of this man - YOU have and are failing our great country.

And, I am a member of an elite group. We actually THINK FOR OURSELVES! We don't parrot losing thugs like Fox News (and I clearly use the term News loosely when referring to Fox).

@ Brianb Glad things are looking good for you pal.

I get the feeling that what Israel does with Iran will blow the price of gas through the ceiling. Time to get out the shovel and dig the basement deeper and buy some lead lining. :-)

Ideology,

I live in Florida and cannot have a basement. Know anything about surviving under the ocean?

It is shameful that a man of moderate views and considerable skill is bypassed for leadership simply because he has principles. Forget representing the people who sent you to Congress; you must be an extreme right (or left wing) loon to obtain key positions. It is far past the time for at least a third party....

Sanity said: Brianb - simple. Most of us actually use our brains instead of regurgitating the GOP garbage that you seem to be tied to.

It's not so simple. What you call GOP garbage is proven. Obama has acted in the exact manner I described. The failures are a part of history... so how is that talking points? These are my private observations of Obama... not talking points... so please, spare me the partisan garbage.

The economy is getting better; How so? Because there have been additions to the extremely slumping job market? That's not enough to sustain the growth rate of this country.

he has increased our respect overseas; Are you delusional? We are the laughingstock of the world right now. In fact there is so much fear about our economy collapsing, the dollar has completely shrunk in comparison to other currencies... do you know the dollar is being considered to be removed from oil purchases as the currency standard... how is that increased respect?

those of us with brains (sorry that leaves you out) know he is NOT responsible for the price of gas

Unfortunately you fall way short in the brains department if you believe he can't do something to control gasoline prices. Apparently you don't play chess.

Moderate Republicans are sick and tired of the impact the far right has had on their party and will either not vote at all or cross over and vote for Obama over the sick Tea Party candidates Romney and Santorum... I didn't know you had an "in" with moderate republicans. Pray tell, what else are moderate republicans saying about the things I mentioned in my original post to you? I'd love to hear how you communicate with them, all of them, and that you are so intune with their thinking process.

You really need to get over yourself. Awww, you just don't like me challenging you on your warped ideas, that's all.

I would have put more of your remarks on this post and commented on them, but what's the use? There's a very simple term for the rest of what you said... Blah blah blah blah blahhhhh! And you talk about the right using talking points... take a look in the mirror.

Ideology said:

@ Brianb Glad things are looking good for you pal. Thanks a bunch... still negotiating, but it's all positive news so far. I'm actually doing a little work preemptively.

I get the feeling that what Israel does with Iran will blow the price of gas through the ceiling. Time to get out the shovel and dig the basement deeper and buy some lead lining. :-)

Isn't this the truth... I remember when Israel bombed Iraq's facilities... Most of us thought the absolute worst was going to happen... that was then, this is now. It's much more dangerous these days... I realize Israel has to protect herself, but what I'm hoping for is that she doesn't open a huge wormhole and totally destabilize the region. I know Israel will garner a whole lot of flak from what she's planning on doing... The US won't back her either... not with Obama as president.

Brianb - again, all you spout is nonsense with nothing to back it up. Your "private observations" show your unintelligent hatred of the man.

Our reputation in Europe is much stronger than it was under dear little Bush. We are now respected and our opinion valued because of Obama.

Again, with the gas prices. Try doing a little research - he is NOT IN control of gas prices as any 1st year college student could tell you. I do play chess - and usually win thank you! But, this isn't a chess game, it's real life so get back on topic.

Our dollar is as strong as it is because of Obama. Had it been left to the far right nut cases, we would have no value to our dollar. We are still strong and it is growing in strength. Perhaps you should try Economics 101. Clearly you haven't ever studied.

I have many friends who are moderate Republicans who are cringing at the idiotic field the GOP is running. And, it's interesting they all (the candidates) finally turned on Bush recently. It shows how desperate they and you are.

You don't have logical arguments and no facts. Discussions with someone like you is like talking to empty suit Romney. No ideas, no facts, just rambling.

Give it a rest- you're embarrassing yourself.

Blah! Blah! Blah! Yeah, that's so intelligent but clearly all you have to offer!

Brianb-999431

Israel is banking, read the Likud Party, on America's reaction either way.They are playing a game of survival that does not take into consideration America's economical survival. The Likud party is like the current GOP. it survives on fear. What is the price fear we ask, and what the current crop of GOPers offer us is fear.

Sanity, I can do this all day.

again, all you spout is nonsense with nothing to back it up. Your "private observations" show your unintelligent hatred of the man.

What is nonsense? Let me copy what I said... you tell me what is nonsense... you are only challenging me and not what I am saying... and that's really stupid. Here's my quote:

SeekingSanity - Explain to me how Obama is going to overcome the issues of increasing inflation, the jobs market, rising gasoline prices, his actions overseas, the falling dollar, the reduced credit rating of the US, the half trillion in losses to Solyandra, his green policy that wasn't thought out, and the diminishing middle class? How is he going to present his being a member of the 1%, his ties to wall street, his union ties and all the things that the independents and republicans are against?

You avoided answering any of this... your simple excuse to avoid it was to say these are talking points. What part of the above is talking points? Explain to me bit by bit where what I am saying is wrong. Every point I make is not only salient, but has happened or is happening...

Come on big guy... prove what I say is wrong... you know what? You can't... all you can do is say they are talking points... You get an F in debate. Find another forum to toss your non-ideas out on.

BrianB- yes clearly you, unlike most of us, have nothing else to do.

I did answer your questions. Jobs are increasing and inflation is still undetermined; he IS NOT responsible for rising gas prices (what part of the industry do you not understand -oh right, all of it) our actions overseas have been good and we are gaining respect for the US because of his sensible actions; the reduced credit rating is totally on the GOP as the agency stated they lowered the credit rating because they felt the GOP was unwilling to compromise to help the economy (how conveniently you forgot that point); his green policy is better than the GOP but needs refining which he will continue to do throughout his next term; the diminishing middle class again can be put firmly on the GOP which is continuing to try to kill what is left of the middle class; his being part of the 1% is not a crime and his ties to Wall Street are less than Romney and Santorum. And, Independents and moderate Republicans are firmly in his corner against the likes of Santorum and Romney who will do all they can to further destroy the middle class and take women's rights away.

I didn't avoid any of your "points that weren't points." Apparently whoever is reading things to you failed to totally read my response. Now, unlike you, I am going to go back to work. And, just for the record, I aced debate in college. Not like you! Clearly you got an F for foolishness and stupidity!

Ideology said: Israel is banking, read the Likud Party, on America's reaction either way.They are playing a game of survival that does not take into consideration America's economical survival. The Likud party is like the current GOP. it survives on fear. What is the price fear we ask, and what the current crop of GOPers offer us is fear.

I agree that fear is a very strong tool to control the masses. The GOP has been using it in one manner... and the democrats use it in another manner. Be not deceived Ideo... they both utilize it to their advantage. We are the victims of it... but the smart ones see through it.

I will have to read up on the Likud Party. I haven't really had the time to research the various parties of Israel...

I am real curious about what they are planning. The day they start their mobilization and attacks is going to be a red letter day in the history of this world... How many other players will arrive on the scene and what will Israel do to shield herself. I know they have Patriot Missiles and Viking Missiles placed in various locations in the country... the US is there too right now... The military has set up a semi-permanent base there in the eastern portion of the country.... not many people know about that one... My nephew called us a couple of months ago and was telling me about the mobilization of 2000 troops to Israel to set up that base... it includes an airstrip and several fighters along with a contingency of tanks and armor. It wasn't highly publicized, nor was it a secret either.

I suspect the actions to occur within the month... but that's just a guess.

Sanity - Look, you are trying to overcome the negatives in defense of Obama. Simply stated, you can't do it. No matter what positives you throw out there, the negatives are in existence no matter how much you wish they weren't. I can't help the fact that the negatives are there for everyone to see.

While I have been polite to you, you are doing your best to call me names and belittle me. The only thing I can say about this is... how childish of you. I'm pretty used to the immaturity of liberals so I mildly tolerate it. You don't have anything to prove my points wrong and your only defense is to ignore them or think they don't exist. If you want to lie to yourself, be my guest. The only one you are deceiving is yourself. I can't help you on that front. When you mature past the point of denial, talk to me again. Maybe sometime in the future you will become more mature. Having an adult conversation with you at this point in your life is seemingly impossible.

Yes Obama CAN do something about the rising prices of gasoline. You just don't have the ability to think of the answer to what he can do. Obama doesn't have the desire to do it... he'd much rather see Americans pay more at the pump so he can further push his premature green ideas down our throats... those ideas that cost more than what they are worth in value at this point in history.

Brianb: you ask how Obama will overcome increasing inflation. First, inflation isn't increasing dramatically (but I'll admit that "yet" should be on the end of that sentence). Second, is a positive thing in the sense that it'll make the US debt easier to pay off as we'll pay it off in dollars worth less than those we borrowed. The banks won't like it, but it'll be good for the Treasury.

Brianb-999431
US naval forces have also been built up offshore Libya of late ... but this is from what might be considered an anti-US source ... the chickens are running free ... truth even comes from those we would deny. I understand Netanyahu is coming to town, I expect an even testier visit than the last.

And so, I'm announcing today that I will leave the congress at the end of this year."

Why wait??? Leave now! Avoid the rush of Republicans leaving...

And don't let the door on the Capitol building hit you in the butt on the way out.....

BrianB - I can and have overcome the negatives to those who are not so biased. Your bias is your problem, not mine. You began the childishness then can't stand it when it is turned back on you. How totally immature of you. I am not deceived however, you appear to think by going on with your baseless arguments and no facts that you are going to convince someone to see through your eyes. It isn't going to happen. The facts are against that.

The price of gasoline is partially based on speculation - as all of us know. Obama - just like his predecessors - does NOT control gas prices. This has been discussed in great detail - you just choose to ignore facts.

You cannot have a mature discussion unless someone totally agrees with you and you will find few who are lockstep with your inaccurate portrayal of our President. I truly pity you that you are so filled with dislike for a man who is doing a good job. So sad!

SeekingSanity

All biases are inaccurate, it is but the armchair of history that we choose to occupy. brianb's thinking unlike Spanky aka NoJo aka JoJo springs from a purer source. Although I disagree with what comes out in B_b's posts, I do not disagree with what goes in. Read my name avatar ... it is a 'tuff' one but work it out.

ideologyspoilstheview - (love the ship by the way) I can see your point. I just don't actually believe Brianb's are any purer. Again, one opinion.

SeekingSanity

Hang in there ... what i post tomorrow should relegate me to cold storage.

ideologyspoilstheview - NO! No! No! Don't go over to the dark side!!!!

@Brianb-999431

Explain to me how Obama is going to overcome the issues of increasing inflation, the jobs market, rising gasoline prices, his actions overseas, the falling dollar, the reduced credit rating of the US, the half trillion in losses to Solyandra, his green policy that wasn't thought out, and the diminishing middle class? How is he going to present his being a member of the 1%, his ties to wall street, his union ties and all the things that the independents and republicans are against?

Do you have anything to bolster your arguments? I just did a little research in some of your claims, and here's what I found:

On inflation
Just straight numbers. Historically nothing unusual about our current rate of inflation.

Job Market
Well you never actually said anything about the job market. Do you think it's terrible? In comparison to when? I'm curious.

Rising Gas price
I would think the cause was obvious to everyone, but maybe not. But in a sense you're right about the president having an influence on the price of gas. He could back off of any sanctions and putting other pressure on Iran. He could also order our Navy out of the area, and thus ease tensions. Is that what you think he should do, or did you have some other idea?

The Dollar
Look at the value of the dollar vs. the euro from 2008 to present.

Thanks for making me look into some of your claims. Makes me that more informed and able to base my conclusion.

Its easy to spot the posters that get their Info. from Faux made up not news.

Re@son -

You forgot to mention the Strategic Oil Reserve. Obama can decide to release some of that stored-up oil. But, in fairness to Obama, the cost of gasoline is being impacted by many factors, including the moth-balling of refineries by the oil companies to drive up the price. Interestingly, the Koch brothers, Charles and David, own some refineries, and may (or may not) be involved in running up the price of gas for political reasons. Wall-street speculators (especially hedge funds) are also involved, as is OPEC, which has the option of decreasing their oil exports to keep the price high.

If I remember correctly, Bush released some of the oil reserves in 2008 to try to quell the run-up in oil prices and at least one hedge fund went belly up when the price crashed at the end of 2008 (I was happy to hear that). At the time the price skyrocketed many OPEC countries upped their production because they believed the deleterious effect of extreme oil prices on the global economy was a threat to their bottom line. Then when the price crashed. they cut back on production in an effort to keep prices around $100 a barrel.

So, there are many players on the rise of oil prices, and the president can be one of those players regarding the release of oil from the Strategic Oil Reserve.

Man the First Read gremlins are active this morning...

Edit to my comment #2

Dum... Dum...Dummm and...

Another one bites the dust... lol

Any Republican with two fully functioning neurons can see the writing on the wall...

In his floor speech, he said he made the decision, because Americans are asking for change in Congress.

"We all know that this institution has an abysmally low approval rating," Dreier said, "and the American people are asking for change in Congress. And so, I'm announcing today that I will leave the congress at the end of this year."

Hey at least Dreier "manned up" as opposed to Barney Frank. But then again how can we expect Frank to "man up"? It's a biological impossibility.

What does Dreier's retirement have to do with Frank's retirement?

Frank quit because he was going to get beaten silly after redistricting unfortunately he just wouldn't admit it like Dreier.

Man the First Read gremlins are active this morning...

Just wait until President Obama wins re-election. They will be going crazy.

Another one bites the dust... lol

Dang! I was hoping this article was going to be about Issa...

I was hoping it was Issa, too.

HAH! Try living in his district :( I hate that guy.

teknishan,

What happened to his district boundaries? Are they the same for 2012?

Rob in ma-3189632

Rob, stop drinking the urine samples in your avatar bottles. What they say on the Net as to it being cleansing is not true.

Feisty, no kidding. The gremlins are on a roll today. You never know what will actually post and where it will land.

Rob in MA, really now. Frank was going to retire in 2014 but with redistricting, as he said, this was the opportunity to allow a new candidate to start from scratch because his old district was so changed it meant he would be starting over and, he just didn't want to do that. The same can be said for Dreier only he worded it diffferently.

What rules ??????

Pubs only have three rules :

1-lye

2-cheat

3-steal

sorry forgot number four

4-always vote NO !!

LOL Rob in Ma, you are taking completely missing the point to an entirely new level. Both parties historically crossover to vote for the "weaker" perceived candidate. It tells you nothing but this is a normal product of open voting in primaries across party lines.

Why is this another great day for the democrats? Dreier is from a safe Republican district, so there will be no loss. He has been there for over 30 yrs and I would think burned out, and decided to retire. I wish more of the members of congress felt the same way and those who have served 20 or more years should also retire, regardless of party.

Dreier is from a safe Republican district

And they said Scott Brown couldn't take Kennedy's seat.

Amy, well said. It had to happen sooner or later--when a party allows itself to be ruled by right-wing media, it dumbs down its own electorate and gives voice to the right-wing whack-a-dos. The GOP did this to themselves.

Just wait until the election is over in Nov. and America finds about all the Red States voter fraud. The GOPERS have NO shame lie cheat and steal its a full time job for them. It will probably start another Civil War.

Their family members still love them for now!! LOL

D.C. call girls?

Da Noid, I agree congress has a very low rating and some of the blame has to be laid at the feet of the Democratic controlled Senate. The senate has been one of the biggest bottle necks in the congress.

But there is hope, the democrats have to defend 22 seats while the republicans only have to defend 11 seats. The Republicans will take over the Senate and keep the House (the democrats would have to win 24 seats to take the house, won't happen). Then maybe we can get something done in Washington.

sfcret - you just keep telling yourself those lies. We all heard the GOP say they would do anything to make sure Obama (and the US) failed. The obstructionists of the GOP are to be blamed for the low rating of congress. But, don't worry, the November elections are about to change that - BIG TIME! I wouldn't bet the far the Dems can't take 24 seats in the house - maybe more like 30!

SeekingSanity,

The only ones lying are the democrats. Of course the Democratic Senators have a lot to do with the failure of Congress. The Senate hasn't passed a budget in over 3 yrs and Reid says he won't pass one this year neither. Remember, the budget can not be filibustered, so what is the democrats excuse?

I will bet that the democrats will not take back the house and the republicans will take the Senate.

BTW, get some new talking points, everyone is getting tired of the left wingers singing the same old turn.

Why are the moderate Republicans retireing? Have they given up on the Teapublican radicalism.

sfcret - and still not sanity to be found in the GOP. YOUR "talking points" are the ones with no merit but you continue to spew them every chance you get.

The Democrats stand a very real chance of getting the house back and there is no way the GOP will take the senate or the White House. It is hard to win when your entire platform is built on hatred and putting women and the middle class down.

Your rants have no depth and your constant lies are getting old.

Carl, everyone with values has given up on the GOP which no longer has moderates - just far right haters. They offer nothing to anyone but think everyone will flock to their hate.

SeekingSanity: While I hope you're right about the House, Senate, and White House, I'm afraid the Republican tactics (unemployment declining and the Dow up 5000 points from the Bush low and bin Laden killed? Hey! Let's talk about gay marriage and abortion!) may work. They've worked before.

dslsca - I know. It's really frightening that people buy into the stupidity. But, some people are so blinded by hatred for anyone who is not like them they will go that route. I keep hoping we're getting better!

SeekingSanity,

I will bet that the Republicans take control of the Senate and will retain the House. If I win you stay off of First Read for 6 months. If you win I will stay off of First Read for 6 month. The same bet is good for any other far left liberal who wants to take the bet.

As they say, "Put up or shut up".

sfcret - Nope! I don't go by your rules but feel free to stay off for 6 months if you like. . But, I will win!

SeekingSanity,

Now you have admitted that you won't/can't win so you won't take the bet. Where's your confidence in the Democrats? BTW, these are not my rules, it's just a straight up or down bet.

No guts No glory.

sfcret - No I haven't admitted that at all. I just refuse to play your silly game. But, go right ahead. As it is it means you'll be off the boards for 6 months. But, I'm not stupid - you'll never do it!

SeekingSanity,

Oh come on, you know in your heart you will loose the bet and won't be able to spin your left wing talking points for 6 months. Why would I go off the boards if you won't put something up? I guess you don't have very much confidence in your position.

Mark

Maybe you can explain why the dems give us the likes of Harry and Nancy. Those two clowns are the reason that nobody works together in this Congress.

Those two clowns are the reason that nobody works together in this Congress.

BWAHAHAHAHA!

Clean up on Feisty's monitor...

ROTLMFAO!

I find it interesting that it is always someone else fault when republicans do wrong.

Republicans have made compromise a dirty word and this is the democrats fault?

Speaking of grown ups, did you know that Grover Norquist wrote his tax plan to destroy America when he was just 12 years old and is the same plan that Norquist pushes today. I always knew republicans were childish, I just didn't know how much.

Only republicans would put a tax plan in place created by a 12 year old. Destroy America for the rich 1%, a plan only a child would come up with.

Last evening Mittens even stated that he wants to give the ultra rich an opportunity to 're-patriate' their millions/billions from off shore accounts with no penalty or tax.

Mittens, self-serving, protecting the rich!

...a plan only a child would come up with

or support...

Good addition Clara.

Hummbird,

I second that!!

Democrats: Fiscally conservative. Strong on defense. Pro-business. Democrats are the new Republicans.

The Democrats had 2 years of total control and did nothing,but Obamacare and pass Cowboy day.

Fiscally conservative?? Pro-business?? You surely aren't talking about Democrats...especially here in California with the likes of Jerry Brown and his gang of thieves! Now he is advocating for more taxes (surprise, surprise) to pay for the funding increased public unions. So explain how is that fiscally conservative?

JK, please name the last fiscally responsible, conservative republican President? Hint: fiscally conservative is not limited to those pushing tax cuts.

Do you like roads and bridges, garbage collection, public schools, fire and police, clean water in the faucets? Well, if you do, someone has to pay for it. Want good teachers, hire the best and to do that requires paying good salaries. We pay football coaches as much or more money that math and science teachers.

Amy B. Portland, ME

Point well taken ... the GOP has abandoned the center.

StormerF: you write the Dems did nothing but pass Obamacare. You may not like the other accomplishments of the Dem controlled Congress but: they repealed Don't Ask, Don't Tell; they twice extended unemployment benefits during the worst economic turndown since the Great Depression; they ratified a long stalled arms reduction treaty; they lifted ridiculous restrictions on stem cell research; they passed (an admittely too weak) consumer protection bill and (an admittely inadequate) banking regulation bill; they saved the US automobile industry from bankruptcy and restored it to profitability. Add to that Obama's mostly good handling of the Arab Spring, partial role in deposing Qadaffi, using sanctions to force Iran to admit IAEA inspectors, and offing of bin Laden and al-Awlaki, and I think the Dems have accomplishments to be proud of.

Jody,

Of course, but I also don't care for a $95 BILLION high speed rail line... Argue you all you want but when the government spends more than it takes in, it not being fiscally conservative...

It missed the funnel date, Paul, because the proposed GOP House Amendment to the Constitution legislation would have allowed criminals and the mentally ill to buy and carry guns; anyone, no questions ask, just do it. It eliminated all restrictions, all registration of weapons, all limits. The GOPers bill was the equivolent of The Wild, Wild West revisited. The bill was so bad, it didn't even have enough support from republicans let alone democrats. I live in Iowa and I know what that so-called piece of legislation was--and it stunk. Our local GOP Representative said it was good riddance and expressed that he was glad it didn't make the funnel date last Friday.

P.S. There is no law in Iowa against gun ownership. In fact, the law is pretty lenient. The US Constitution gives us the 2nd Amendment right to bear arms. Does Iowa really need another one to re-affirm what the US Constitution says which was reaffirmed by SCOTUS? Does Iowa really need one that would allow guns in schools and public places. Ask the people of Chardon, OH, how they would like the idea of guns in schools. Talk about a waste of time and taxpayer money.

Perfectly summed up, Jody.

Yup. The GOP is eating its own.

You mean like what Texas is trying to do? Redistrict to favor republicans in TX. In other words, it's bad in California but good in red GOPer states. It cuts both ways, paidmyfee.

paidmyfee - oh pleeeeeze! In your little world that is what happened!

You mean like the Republicans did in PA? Their pitiful attempt at redistricting in PA was found to be so laughably inadequate that it was thrown out by the state Supreme Court. Something about it being unconstitutional.

If it was up to me,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,all congressional districts would be squares, triangles or rectangles,,,,,,,,,,,,,no gerri-mandering of any kind for either party.

and on a level where moderates feel so unwelcome,...they'd rather retire than continue,...

welcome to the 'new' normal.

FactOfTheMatter - sad isn't it? GOP used to be a party with ideals and values (no, not far right values) that moderates could buy into.