| The Chronicle has a nice rundown of where Northern California House Democrats stand on today's war funding vote. The lines of fissure have pitted Nancy Pelosi against Lynn Woolsey, which, if it's safe to assume that San Francisco is every bit as progressive on Iraq and Afghanistan as Marin and Sonoma Counties are, you could fairly depict as a struggle between the priorities of the majority leadership and the preferences of constituents back home in the Bay Area. Lynn Woolsey comes out here fighting like a champ for her district, while the Speaker is representing, in effect, the Obama administration. Which I suppose we should just start getting used to (it's her job, after all).
One surprise here is that Sam Farr (CA-17) is now "on the fence." Farr used to be a 'no' vote. He signed a letter in 2007 committing not to vote for funding without timelines, as well as another letter objecting to the bill in its current form with the IMF provisions included. His even straddling the fence now is a pretty major reversal, and demonstrates how hard these members are being pushed to break with principle on this decision.
If you live in Farr's district and believe that a war funding bill without an exit plan and with an IMF bailout is a dumb idea, his office could use a gentle push: 202-225-2861. One question you could ask is the question Jane Hamsher put to Zoe Lofgren: How exactly does the Congressman justify supporting a bailout of European banks after his own state has been refused assistance when on the brink of bankruptcy?
The vote is today and the final outcome is being shaped this very moment, so your call would need to be placed right now.
As per The Chronicle, here's where other Northern California Democrats come out:
Where Northern California Democrats stand
How House members polled Monday broke down on the $106 billion bill:
On the fence: Sam Farr, Monterey; Mike Thompson, Napa; Mike Honda, San Jose; Jerry McNerney, Pleasanton; Doris Matsui, Sacramento
Likely/definite yes: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, San Francisco; George Miller, Martinez
Likely/definite no: Lynn Woolsey, Petaluma; Barbara Lee, Oakland; Pete Stark, Fremont; Jackie Speier, San Mateo
Not returning calls: Anna Eshoo, Palo Alto; Zoe Lofgren, San Jose |
