Shays Votes For More War Again, Says Withdrawal Deadline "Foolish"

Jim Himes statement on Shays' vote yesterday (0.00 / 0)

Jim Himes came out right away last night reminding voters that Shays' vote is in contradiction with his pre-election stance last year:

Jim Himes Statement on Chris Shays' Vote Today Against the
Responsible Redeployment from Iraq Act

Stamford, CT -- Affordable housing executive, businessman and Democratic Congressional candidate Jim Himes issued the following statement today in response to Chris Shays' vote against HR 2956, the Responsible Redeployment from Iraq Act, which requires the Secretary of Defense to begin the redeployment of troops from Iraq within 120 days, limiting our presence in Iraq by April 1, 2008. 

"Chris Shays' vote today is a betrayal of the trust of the people of the 4th Congressional District.  Rep. Shays promised voters last year that he would support a timeline for troop withdrawal from Iraq, but since the election he has not only failed to support timelines for ending the war, he has instead enthusiastically supported President Bush's escalation of the war.

"Since the so-called "surge" supported by Shays began earlier this year, nearly 600 more American troops have been killed in Iraq.  While Chris Shays continues to support spending $329 million dollars a day in Iraq with no end in sight, he is neglecting the real needs of the people of the 4th Congressional District.

"Today, Rep. Shays  called again for a new Iraq Study Group report, while disregarding the most important recommendation of the Iraq Study Group: ending major combat operations in Iraq by spring 2008.  Rep. Shays' vote today not only goes against ISG recommendations, it is in direct violation of his campaign promise to the people of the 4th District.  After 5 years of Chris Shays steadfastly supporting Bush's failed Iraq policy, it's time for a change. "

While watching the debate on this vote yesterday, I was really struck by figure of $329 million a day that we're spending in Iraq.  Jim also notes how many more Americans have died since Shays supported the escalation of the war. 

My activist Hallmark card: I'm doing some part-time consulting for Himes for Congress.

---

by: Maura @ Fri Jul 13, 2007 at 10:51:31 AM CDT

What a line!!! (4.00 / 2)

Shays says: "Give me a timeline I can support and I'll vote for it."  OK, Chris.  I'll tell you what: why don't you tell us what timeline you are willing to support?  All you've said is that you will support a timeline declared by President Bush.  But since Bush has refused to set a timeline, you get to have your cake and eat it, too.  Of course, your clever construction will be seen for what it really is- a self-serving trick to continue the war while pretending to be in favor of a timeline for withdrawal. 

Unfortunately, you lied last year when you said you favored a set timeline for withdrawal and told the Washington Post that most of our troops could be withdrawn in 2007.  And since the voters in this district aren't stupid, your clever construct will not keep people from voting you out this time.  Look up next time you're in Fairfield County, and you will see American flags, once again, flying at half-staff in mourning for yet another American from this state killed in Iraq.  Killed in a senseless war while you offer clever tricks in order to cover up the fact that you have no qualms with letting those young men and women continue to bleed.

And let's be clear about a couple of things:  you berate Democrats for not permitting "bi-partisan amendments."  Yet you participated in the Republican farce that blocked the Democrats from offering a timeline for withdrawal in November 2005, substituting the call for "immediate withdrawal."  So your complaint is blatantly hypocritical.

And your pretence of supporting the Iraq Study Group's recommendations is nothing but dishonest.  The ISG called for the withdrawal of our combat troops by the end of the first quarter of 2008, a timeline for withdrawal that you have now voted against twice this year.

You talk so frequently about your personal credibility.  Congressman, it's gone- forever.

---

by: thomashooker @ Fri Jul 13, 2007 at 11:09:38 AM CDT

hey (0.00 / 0)

yes  i agree  i does not work with the dems

---

by: sal_liccione @ Fri Jul 13, 2007 at 11:10:58 AM CDT

Jane Hamsher just nominated MLN (0.00 / 0)

for a major award - it's the (drum roll)
Dishonest War Pigs Who Tell One Thing to Voters and Then Don’t Want to Risk Being the Target of a Presidential Tantrum When They Actually Cast Their Votes Award

TParty, fully deserved.

---

by: Sue @ Fri Jul 13, 2007 at 16:03:44 PM CDT

Whoops - wrong award (0.00 / 0)

Let's call that the:

Those Who Expose Dishonest War Pigs Who Tell One Thing to Voters and Then Don’t Want to Risk Being the Target of a Presidential Tantrum When They Actually Cast Their Votes Award

TGIF

---

by: Sue @ Fri Jul 13, 2007 at 16:05:29 PM CDT

I got nothing for this one (0.00 / 0)

Shays seems immune to the insanity.

Who the hell voted for this schmendrick!!??!!

.Adding Another Dimension of Vituperation Toxicity to Blogging since 1999!.

---

by: nolopro @ Fri Jul 13, 2007 at 20:25:06 PM CDT