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Subscribe to RSSMichigan Sen. Carl Levin has announced he will not seek re-election in 2014. NBC's Brian Williams reports.
Michigan Sen. Carl Levin, D, a mainstay of the upper chamber since 1979, will not seek re-election next fall, he said Thursday.
Levin, the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, announced in a statement that he would not seek a seventh term in 2014. Levin is currently 78-years-old.
"As Barbara and I struggled with the question of whether I should run again, we focused on our belief that our country is at a crossroads that will determine our economic health and security for decades to come," he said. "We decided that I can best serve my state and nation by concentrating in the next two years on the challenging issues before us that I am in a position to help address; in other words, by doing my job without the distraction of campaigning for re-election."
Levin was the fifth-most-senior Democrat remaining in the Senate, a legislative body that's undergone tremendous turnover in recent years following the deaths and retirements of some of its most senior members.
Late Thursday President Barack Obama thanked Levin in a statement, praising his work on behalf of the blue-collar workers he represented not only in the Wolverine State, but throughout the country.
"If you've ever worn the uniform, worked a shift on an assembly line, or sacrificed to make ends meet, then you've had a voice and a vote in Senator Carl Levin," read the statement. "No one has worked harder to bring manufacturing jobs back to our shores, close unfair tax loopholes, and ensure that everyone plays by the same set of rules."
Democrats are regarded as having an advantage in holding onto Levin's seat, since Michigan is a state that has tended toward Democrats in statewide and national elections in recent cycles. Moreover, Republicans' bench in the state is regarded as relatively thin.
Levin's older brother, Sander, is a high-ranking congressman from Michigan.
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Thank you for your years of loyal service Senator Levin!
I commend those who recognize when it's time to retire.
May you and Barbara enjoy your "golden years" together.
Thanks for your Service, Mr. Levin.
We will miss you.
We thank you for your questions to Goldman Sachs executives about their @!$%#ty deals and selling 'crap' during congressional hearings conducted in the wake of the Great Recession
Oh my God!!!
So:
* Franken, Hagen, Begich, Landrieu, Shaheen, Udall and Pryor are in jeopardy of losing reelection.
* Lautenberg, Harkin and now Levin are retiring.
* Menendez is in big trouble for allegedly currying favors and patronizing underage prostitutes
Democrat Senate majority is in trouuubbbbleeeee.
I guess when you don't pass a budget in 5 years, there are repercussions?
correction to #1.1
We thank you for your questions to Goldman Sachs executives about their $hitty deals and selling 'crap' during congressional hearings conducted in the wake of the Great Recession
The Senate would pass a budget if Republicans wouldn't keep filibustering it.
I'm guessing that Americans will be so tired of the Republicans by 2014 that they will lose the house.
I'm sure Democrats have a replacement in mind for Levin.
Which allegations are you talking about? Do you mean these allegations?
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Well, I am sure the #1 poster here is glad to see another 'old, white man' out of the way.
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Da Noid, from the same article:
Menendez’s relationship with Melgen has brought both of them intense scrutiny. Melgen gave $700,000 to Menendez and other Democratic senators in the last election cycle. Menendez has repeatedly sought to help his friend, including efforts on behalf of a port security deal in the Dominican Republic that would benefit Melgen.
Oopsie!
Yes, because with stellar candidates like Christine O'Donnell, Linda McMahon, Carly Fiorina, Ken Buck, Sharron Angle, Dino Rossi, John Raese, Todd Akin, Richard Mourdock, Pete Hoekstra and George Allen the Democratic majority in the Senate is shaking in its collective boots.
Da Noid. More like Para Noid.
Keep naming candidates from the past!
This is 2014 we're talking about. There are a dozen retirements and other vulnerable Democrats!!!!
And I would love for Fiorina and Allen to run again.
Arthur: in your dreams.
We are ready, not just to hold onto the Senate (Go Kay Hagen!) but we are going to take the House back in 2014 so the grown-ups can get some work done.
Only about 22% of Americans will even admit to being 'Republicans' anymore. And 50,000 of our Latino friends turn 18 . . . every month. They KNOW what ReThuglicans think of them; as do women; and African-Americans . . . we are the coalition of Americans who will rebuild America's future . . . while you guys Conserve the 19th century. We won't make the mistake again, that we made in 2010, believe me. We are moving . . .
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FORWARD! :-)
Another dem who's seeing the light about the destruction their party is laying upon this country and getting out of town!
Me too!
Along with the rest of the re-treads currently starring in the GOP circus!
Watching them get beat down for the second time would be priceless!
*popcorn*?
I saw that too KC, now why do you suppose that is?
Head lice are more popular then the GNOP... lol
...and the $700,000 in question is illegal because...?
See, the reason I'm naming past candidates is because I'm noting something called a "Statistical Trend". Once upon a time we were told it was a lock that Republicans would win a majority in the Senate in 2010 and then again in 2012. How'd that work out?
Be careful what you wish for. You may get what you want but will you want what you get?
pay-to-play is illegal, Para Noid.
Eric-######
The Budget Bills are EXEMPT from the Filibuster. Try again.
As a person rather involved in New Jersy politics, I can assure you that Menendez is most certainly not at risk of loosing re-election. NJ politics are a breed apart. He'll be fine.
And as Booker is probably going to replace Lautenberg, I see two strong Democratic Senators in my state.
BTW, how does one come to the conclusion that Franken, Landrieu, and Shaheen are at risk? I don't think so. The Senate Democratic majority will hold.
The House, on the other hand, is another animal. 'Redistricting' after the 2010 census will preserve a Republican majority there until at least the next census (2020).
Thanks, Arthur...I'll keep this in mind when we start playing Connect The Dots with the money going towards Republican campaigns.
I have always admired this man. A true Representative of the PEOPLE! It's time for some Republicans to leave the Hill as well... Droopy for one, McLame, and Libby Graham.
Authur66,
6 retirments ...
Retiring Democrats (4): Tom Harkin, Karl Levin, Frank Lautenberg, Jay Rockefeller
Retiring Republicans (2): Saxby Chambliss, Mike Johanns
Undecided (3): Thad Cochran (R-MS), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Tim Johnson (D-SD)
Remaining seats up for election 15 D's and 11 R's
Total seats to be contested in 2014 (so far): 21 D's and 14 R's = 35
But he was dark on the inside (rolling my eyes)
Thank you Senator Levin, you have served myself and other Michigan-ganders well. We will miss you. Republicans probably cannot get elected in a state wide election in this state. We learned our lesson with the election of 2010. Now to get rid of Snyder before he can do any more damage to this state.
News Flash...this just in... the New York Representative for the NRA had his guns and ammo confiscated for a year due to allegations of domestic violence, and a restraining order was sought and granted to his ex-wife...
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2013/03/07/1192314/-NRA-Official-bullied-wife-had-his-guns-confiscated-All-39-of-them
BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
...back to you, Chuck...
In the upper chambers since 1979......that is why D.C. never changes.......same OLD.....same OLD....B.S.
My God, 78 years old!
Go home!
And then we get Hillary running for Pres assuming she doesn't have another stroke before then!
Clear out all these old relics, if you're over 60 stop running for office, get the hell out!
"Hi, I'm John McCain. I was a hero in a war that ended before you were born. What have I done since then...........did I mention I was a war hero?
Remind us oh wise one, when did Hillary have a stroke?
The exact date will be sufficient!
Effin idiot!
Levin serving in his sixth term, and is 78 years old? 28 years of the same old bad blood in the same place, and this guy is only the fifth senior democrat in the senate? No wonder this country is in the shape it is. Anyone ever hear of young minds fresh Ideas?
Well at least we tax payers will not have to pay for his retirement for 50 years.
About time this fossil stopped stealing a salary from the taxpayers
Maybe John Conyers and John Dingell will get the hint.
[About time this fossil stopped stealing a salary from the taxpayers]
Much like yourself, hypocrite?
So WhiteCollar@!$%#, when are you finally going to write that letter to President Obama for bailing out the auto industry, saving your job? You do work in the auto industry, don't you?
C'mon Capt. Cupholder, you can do it, can't you?
Sure you can...
Micks,
Please don't provoke WCA!
You are aware of how when called out, he devolves into a quivering stain of Jello, while rocking in the corner, his lower lip quivering, while pissing himself!
Fisting Redhead,
Like everyone believed that little slip and fall in the kitchen was anything other than a stroke, look at her face and all the sagging skin, the way she slurrs her speach.......stroke for certain.
He SHOULDN'T have bailed them out! Ford WASN'T and they made it and are stronger now.....Mickey,NY
You two broads just can't get enough of me can you?
You two been sitting here all day just waiting for me?
How flattering in a very creepy kind of way.
So, you write that thank you note yet?
White Collar Auto
Amen!
After the nightmare of Granholm we need to purge the rest of the miscreants out of Michigan. Especially that mob they call the City Council in Detroit.
If anyone wants to see what our nation will look like with Liberals running all of it, meet Detroit.
I'm glad Snyder is cleaning the trash out including the corrupt goonions that have destroyed everything they touch.
So in other words... you got @!$%# to back up your slanderous claim!
First rule of FR, you had better to be able to prove your claims, or you will be taken to task for LYING!
I see you still can't back up your crap! lmao@U
No darling, we are not talking TO YOU - we are talking about you!
Big difference, dumbfux! ;o)
It's up to you to figure out the difference... Another night and here you are rather then spending quality time with the family.
How SAD is THAT, when even your family wants nothing to do with you, you loser?
Yes thank you sooooo much!! You will be dearly missed youve done so much for our country and the city of Detroit is a reflection of your efforts for the country! nice job now enjoy those bennys you so deserve
Another one that should have left years ago and another one that won't be missed.
... Another night and here you are
Says the broad who was here at 9 am this morning and probably on every thread all day long.
Again.
BTW, Old Gal, that would be talking 'to' me. Try to get it right.
You really need to look up hypocrite in the Dictionary Old Gal.
Nice to see my dog whistle still works.
Now please get off my leg.
Monkey and Fisted Rottencrotch dry humping your leg WCA?...I hope both are sterile after all the gas they've been huffing over the years...
because you break that rule daily and the other shlthead to follow you in NY, cant even have a thought on any subject..Right Chessboy...Zugzwang all day...
[because you break that rule daily and the other shlthead to follow you in NY, cant even have a thought on any subject..Right Chessboy...Zugzwang all day...]
My oh my, such unadulterated rage...is it because of the black man in the White House?
Levin saw the writing on the wall when the didn't "Bring home the BACON" to Detroit.
Wow, the Progressives are really in trouble come 2014.....AND BEYOND.
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FLYesity must have completed her "Progressive Refresher Course" in Wisconsin. She is RAGING back.
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Bumper sticker for Hillary:
Both McCain and Lavine should face charges for co-sponsoring the NDAA of 2012 and violating their oath of office to defend the laws of this country and its Constitution. Who needs due process with these two around?
Next
Well done, Levin. Take Detroit by the hand and show them the way to bankruptcy with your liberal policies... then quit.
If MS/NBC rolls out Feisty to be the first blogger than you know it is begging for defense of a crappy Democrat.
Adios Senator Detroit is a perfect example of your political career.
Ido,
As I recall, you and the other lunatic right wingers were all prophesying doom for the Dems in the last election. Remember, you promised a Romney sweep and a Republican takeover of the Senate? How did that prediction work out for you?
I find the criticism of the esteemed senator to be ridiculous. The majority of you have no idea what his record looks like or what he has done or not done as a Senator. You only know that he's a Democrat and that's all you need to know to bring out the slash and burn attacks. You have no ammunition, so you just make stuff up. Romney is living in California. Shall we blame him for the murder rate in Oakland? Or maybe, since he was born in Michigan, we should blame him for the mess in Detroit? What about the crime problems they have in Massachusetts? He was governor there.
PIGOTRY wrote: We thank you for your questions to Goldman Sachs executives about their @!$%#ty deals and selling 'crap' during congressional hearings conducted in the wake of the Great Recession.
Speaking of questions to Goldman Sachs, one could have gone directly to Obama. No corporation did more to finance his election in 2008. If Obama is too busy playing golf, you could contact several of his cabinet members who once worked for or with Goldman Sachs, which include: Larry Summers, Timothy Geithner, Rahm Emanuel, Gary Gensler and Mark Patterson, amongst others.
Those that spent years in Washington rapping and pillaging the country for personal and political gains are now abandoning ship. Levin knows the path the nation is on, and does not want to be in Washington when we face a real financial collapse. Since all Obama has done is accelerate our nations drive toward bankruptcy, Levin knows staying in Washington another term risks his being in office when the American people realize that these politicians were never serving for us.
Eric,
Re 1.4, Budgets cannot be fillibustered. They only need 51 votes.
Its not the GOP that prevents the Senate from passing a budget. It's Harry (bowel obstruction) Reid that refuses to allow it.
Reid is the cause of legislative constipation, and just like the Senate Eric you are full of $hit!
had ejuf of our elected ones: You're right. What's worse is that many, if not most, Obama supporters wait for him to speak and then it's fact, no questions asked. You notice that Obama's speeches have little substance but serve mainly to point out the flaws and bias of Congress. Americans get mired in between two groups that could give a @!$%# about WE THE PEOPLE. All Obama does, like his first term, is act unilaterally, blame, and campaign.
Here's an example of how people listen without question: Katt Williams did an "act" where he tried to out Jamie Foxx as being gay. Then, he went on to say he was offered the part in Django Unchained that ultimately went to Foxx. Then, he said he refused due to the excessive use of the "n" word. Finally, and most interesting, he even told the audience that he stills has his copy of the movie, written in Steven Spielberg's own hand. We, of course, know Spielberg wasn't tied to this move; Tarantino wrote it. Sadly, the audience reacted with "oohs" and "aahs." Williams should go into politics because he's already got lots of folks that sit, wait, listen, and swallow.
Eric: Did you ever hear of cloture? If the Obama controlled Senate couldn't get it, it was because some Democratic Senators were voting against it. Wake up !!
And, BTW, what budget are you referring to? Please enlighten me.
In other words, "I don't care if I piss off the public because I'm not running again. I have long outlived my usefulness."
A budget will never be passed nor filibustered when it is never presented.
I think his home state cities of Detroit and Flint are more in line what Levin has it mind when it comes to what he thinks is "good budgeting".
Hey Levin, instead of being an obstructionist, why don't you talk to Reid about bring a budget to the Senate floor for consideration. Better yet, why don't you take one of the many budgets that the House has passed, bring it to the floor and make a counter offer to the House?
Michigan and the US will be a better place when this clown is done. What a joke.
Feisty, I'm sure he was only referring to the fact that Hullary will only be older, more senile, fatter, and more beligerent in 2016, that's all.
I do like Sen. Levin a lot...an institution upon himself inside the Senate.
But he does look like the Penguin in a Batman Movie, doesn't he?
Holy Herring Batman......it's Senator Levin.
Age 78!? Way past retirement freshness dating. There needs to be age limits set across the board for gov't positions.
yeah...I agree, ProFreedom-5130956, don't stay in Senate until past 100, like that idiot, named Strange Thurmond of South Carolina
How about Sen. ROBERT BYRD....remember him pig......he was a card carrying member of the KKK in his youth.
and apologized for it later in life...
The same one that personally filibustered for 14 hours against the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
We should accept apologies from a an overtly racist dem but not from a repub?
Hey Just because he is retiring doesnt mean the GOP is automatically gonna slip into those spaces that are empty. Good luck with that. Not everyone are blind zombie followers like the righties. Heck Most of you couldnt win an election for dogcatcher at the rate you tbaggers are going.
This means Levin is free to kick your a$$es without fear of your fake propaganda spin attacks.
Thanks for your service Mr. Levin..you will be missed.
The chances of a conservative being elected to replace Senator Levin are roughly those of that famed snowball...
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"The chances of a conservative being elected to replace Senator Kennedy are roughly those of that famed snowball..."
-- Steven B, January 2010
Why not? We do need competent people for these roles after all.
I don't understand how voters in Mass. voted Ted in again AFTER Chappaquidik.....left that poor woman in the car to die....didn't even report it untill the NEXT morning. Drinking and carousing...of course the Kennedys have ALWAYS gotten away with a lot. Just don't understand that mentality in Massachussets, never will.....Arthur66
It's simple, really.
If powerful Arkansas Democrats can come to New York, set up a residence and immediately win a Senate seat then what are the good chances you see for anyone to replace Levin?
Tell me, in 2013 who are the senators from MA?
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Enlighten me.
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I don't think any respectable republican would want to be senator of that sewer of a state.
Harry Reid said after the last election that the top priority for the Democrats was convincing five Senators not to retire. With Levin that makes four of the five have already announced their retirements. Seems they all know the ship is sinking and they are abandoning the mess they helped create. They all know the country is on an unsustainable path, maybe even past the point of no return, and they do not want to be in office when the American people realize that our politicians were there for themselves not for us.
yo - arthur - AND HOW LONG DID HE LAST???
If a republican did replace Levin, the republican party would be held accountable for decades of corruption in Detroit.
another old, pale and stale throws in the towel
He saw the handwriting on the wall. Obama has destroyed any chance he had at getting re-elected.
you don't read well do you?
sorry ul - Levin could be re-elected even if he WERE DEAD
After all jesse jr got re-elected by a landslide after being obviously absent from his post for months while he worked out a plea deal for him and his wife's illegal activities.
and the brown and down have no idea when their usefulness has passed
Now if we could just get the rest of Congress to do the same, wipe the slate clean and start over we may get somewhere.
Now he can hang out at the schul with his friends. That's what a 78 year old should be doing.
Good, get the hell out! I'm sure the founding fathers intended everyone to make a career out of politics. Doesn't matter, Dem or Reb, there needs to be term limits. The average "Joe" can't run against the million & billionaires, it time to return the country back to the common people.
Don't you find it interesting? You guys keep pouring on the lunacy and disrespect and you keep losing elections! Actually is downright hilarious. Keep up the good work.
Who is "you guys?" There is no lunacy and disrespect. Do you think the founding fathers intended people to make a career out of politics? If you do, you need to go back and read some history.
They pick and choose their history.....
politics was not INTENDED as a VOCATION - it just worked out that way. In the late 1700's and up to about the middle 1800's the "citizen politician" served in congress AND tended to his FARM (or business). Sadly, times have changed - they have "staff" and it is a "full time job" (unless, of course, you add up the days off every year for whatever reason...)
Go figure. The good ones retire while Mitch and Harry keep on coming back like a bad toothache.
TERM LIMITS.....at least that way we don't have years and years of damage......
fine - but it will take a CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO GET THERE
It was able to be done for other political offices so it can certainly be done for congressman. The problem is that there isn't a single politician up there who has the "stones" to try to pass a bill. DEATH THREATS will abound as they try to retain their stranglehold on their positions.
It is up to the citizens to enact term limits by voting them out. But that will never happen either because the politicians will "buy" their votes with false promises.
Thinker, it has been tried by state legislatures (term limits on US Senate/House) and shot down by the SCOTUS as unconstitutional. The Scotus reasoned that since Article II of the main body of the Constitution establishes the Congress and the qualifications for election thereto, said qualifications can only be changed or added to by amendment. Thus, a state has no authority to limit set term limits on any federal office, including those of members of the US Congress who represent it. This has been done one time in the past, I believe it was the 17th Amendment, which called for direct election of U.S Senators.
Reference your last statement, "It is up to the citizens to enact term limits by voting them out.": Feel free, to vote out your neophyte congressman while I keep re-electing mine until he becomes the House Speaker. He may be a crook, but he'll be MY crook. Are you starting to see why it is futile to leave this up to the states?
What he really means is that he can now focus on the extreme liberal Democratic policies without having to worry about the voters kicking him out of office. He can be his own man rather than uphold the Constitution and represent the wishes of the citizens who live in his state. Michigan is a blue state, but percentage wise it is less liberal than most having voted 54% for Obama in 2012.
Yep, elect a Democrat, they've done wonders for Detroit and Chicago.
why not? budget problems resultant from people moving OUT of the cities aren't the result of any political party. Just think - Detroit COULD drop the personal income tax entirely - then they would just be BANKRUPT FASTER. There's no TRICKLE DOWN IN LOCAL GUMMINTS. (besides, Detroit's problems have more to do with unfunded pension guarantees) It's been a death spiral for some 40 years now...
Unless the political party was the reason the people OUT of the city and the politicalparty is the reason people did not move INTO the city. Of course the outright corruption of members of the political party had nothing to do with the demise of the city, as in Detroit et al.
WTF? Republicans have a much deeper bench in Michigan than the Democrats.
No wonder NBC comes dead last in ratings with such BS.
NBC just prints what David Axelrod tells them.
Thanks Mr. Levin. You will be really missed. Please stay engaged -
Rats are jumping the sinking Obama ship. There is a GOD after all!! CYA Levin. You will NOT be missed.
Another poster child for term limits. 3 terms for Senators, and 9 terms for Representatives. (Just so it's fair)
You will never see age limits, that would be discrimination. But term limits would be awesome. Right or wrong on the issues ,14 years in Congress is a service and I will add my thanks. I don't think he plans to vote any more liberal than he has without a pending election. The Senate votes as a block now, whatever way Harry tells them to vote. Mostly they don't get to vote because, Harry sits on anything that come out of the house.
Age limits huh...what is the age limit for someone wanting to join the FBI, DEA, etc....
....whereas John Boehner allows for votes on bills that come his way from the Senate?
Then it has to be TERM LIMITS.....but they will NEVER vote for themselves to go.....they are just TOO self important for that. Hey, I just thought of something.....a referendum on LAWYERS....NO MORE LAWYERS!
Another old fa*t retaring, now if we can get a few more to do that we might be a lot better off.
Adler,
Like a fool, you prove your ignorance by speaking.
I knew Senator Levin. He fought hard for both my state and the best interests of the American people in his role on the Senate Armed Services Committee. He helped me personally with an administrative issue in the US Navy, in which I served with honor for four years. I even met him in a rally in Michigan.
A few more leaders like him and a few less false visionaries like Mitt Romney, and our country would be much farther along the road to balanced growth and prosperity.
Archer - Because you are willing to get on your knees for a politician everybody should?
Remember? Levin was just another Demo-Rat! Party first and to Hell with the country!!!
One step closer to a GOP congress in 2014 and a lame duck Obama. Beautiful.
obama has been a lame duck since the night the votes were counted. But his whole political life has been lame.
I would LOVE to see Clinton win in 2016 and the Senate and House both be Republican. I honestly think meaningful changes would occur because Hillary can form coalitons and reach across the aisle.
I'd love to see Hilary Clinton as President, too, Matt...but I don't think will happen now. Obama stole that from her......
I personally could without the GOP majority, however.....
Hill.....who allowed herself to be HUMILIATED in front of the entire nation by her philandering husband and picking power over her OWN SELF RESPECT......Not the kind of woman I would vote for.
Are we talking about Hillary "What Difference Does It Make; I dodged sniper bullets" Clingon?
We need real live people in Congress and we need to push the Obama Lap Dogs out permanently into the trash where they belong.
As a Democrat, and as a Liberal, please believe me, Senator Levin, when I say....it's about damned time you get out office. You are a classic example of what is wrong with this country's politics...the Professional Politician.
WOW! That is refreshing. A Liberal who actually thinks logically. Thank you for that, in all seriousness that was refreshing as hell.
What's worse...I really do believe it, William....I really do believe in term limits...no more than two terms.... for ALL politicians.
Thankyou Michael.....I am a fiscal conservative and I want McCain and Graham to go also. Be gone with all you professional politicians.
Amen to that. 12 years MAX and you are out. I am a conservative also, and I can't wait to see McCain and all the other "old school" get out. The problem is, they will never pass legislation basically cutting themselves off and forcing themselves to drumroll........... "get a real job or retire"
Don't let the door hit you on the butt on the way out, you Liberal waste of space. 2014 will be a Red year. Republican Red.
Good Riddance to another Deluded Old FOOL Demo-Crap! One-By-One Until They're ALL GONE!
Which senator was behind the NDAA?......Some of the comments above are far better than any comical material you can ever dream of.........