From the Harris campaign via the WMD Mailbag:Zanesville, Ohio (March 7, 2006) – Rep. Bob Ney (OH-18), under investigation in the Abramoff felony scandal and pressured by Republican primary challenger James Brodbelt Harris, today flipped his vote on the Patriot Act, voting YEA on renewal rather than NAY against the Act as he voted in 2001 and 2005. The Patriot Act’s renewal barely passed a two thirds supermajority requirement with Ney’s vote and only one extra vote. Ney voted for the renewal of the Patriot Act even though in early press releases on his website trumpeting his “NAY” votes, Ney warns of draconian losses to American liberties, “If the United States suspends or otherwise violates the freedoms guaranteed in the Bill of Rights, then the terrorists will have already succeeded.” So in 2001 and late 2005, Ney stated that the Patriot Act violated American freedoms giving victory to Arab terrorists, but now Ney thinks anti-terrorism measures are o.k. – whatever works to defend against his primary challenger. Almost everyone who voted against the Act did so again, but not Mr. Ney, because he realized that to win the Republican primary against Harris, he would have to try to pretend to adhere to Republican policies. Ney is the only Republican Representative to have voted NAY against the original Patriot Act, certain Republican Trade laws, and the Republican Budget Reconciliation bill. Now, Ney changes his vote on the Patriot Act after Harris’s Primary Challenge. Perhaps he will vote for free trade and budget restraint soon. Harris comments:I really don't know why politicians do this...they send out these press releases that are supposed to be about one thing (Ney and the Patriot Act) and wind up throwing in unrelated scandals (Abramoff). To me, it just shows that the campaign isn't serious about the issue they are talking about...
“I am pleased that Mr. Ney has finally voted affirmatively with almost all other Republicans on this important issue. I take credit for pushing Ney to readopt some of our Republican principles. The Patriot Act is important in order to safeguard our nation from terrorism, but Mr. Ney twice voted against the Patriot Act, in 2001 and 2005. Now Ney has changed his mind and finally voted “Yea.” Obviously Ney has been pressured by my primary challenge against him, and he has decided to flip-flop and vote for the Act’s renewal. If my involvement in this campaign has forced this embattled incumbent to vote more Republican than usual, then my candidacy is already successful. Voters of the 18th District should look at Mr. Ney’s risky volatility on this issue, and his votes against the party voting against spending restraint and against free trade, and question whether a wishy-washy, compromising insider is the kind of leader we want representing us – especially one who is always in some kind of political trouble. Can we trust him to vote Republican when I’m no longer in the race against him? For my part, I would forcefully represent the Ohio Republican point of view in Washington. With me, you get 100% Ohio Republican authenticity. I will do the job Ohio Republicans want done in Congress.”
The Abramoff felony scandal in Washington has shown all Americans the voracious desire of Special Interests and Criminal Lobbyists to bully, bribe or buy our government and the votes of our leaders. I call on all voters to stand up and take back ownership of America, voting for decent candidates, challenging incumbents on their unusual positions, or even running for office themselves. Only then will we get the votes we deserve.”
At any rate, I care for Ney about as much as I care for DeLay...if they are guilty, they should get the full punishment. If they aren't, then I don't see what all the fuss is about...
As for Harris...he seems like a pretty nice guy, but I'm not real sure he has much of a chance in this race. The only thing that would save him is if Ney self-destructs...
