VOTING FOR DOLLARS: Cowardice or Compromised?

by: greenpeas

Tue Nov 21, 2006 at 11:40:01 AM EST

Both certain Dems and so-called moderate GOP members didn't stand up to the Bush policies that supposedly went against their principles. So is it accurate to call it spinelessness or we failing to identify their objectives?

Maybe we're letting them off too easily, citing a benign, seemingly nonfatal character flaw that's annoying but not as pernicious as, say, corporate influence would be.

To paraphrase a former President, it all depends on how you define "spinelessness".  "I did not vote for your principles" may sound spineless to you and me, but is it possible that these legislators may be ROARING LIONS in the eyes of their favorite PAC donors?  If we found out they were really just spineless, we'd at least be uniquely educated in our criticisms.

While plenty of research has been done along the lines of individuals and who contributes to them, is anyone analyzing particular vote tallies to see how direct a correlation there is between money and votes?

Could we tally up how much a particular positive vote "cost" the industry?  And would we be able to identify past voting patterns and, predicting future "cowardice", vigorously shine light on the upcoming vote and get everyone to say "I see you!  Vote for us back home, not for the PACs!"

In the world of my morning shower, this seemed a wonderful world indeed.

Does it make sense to do a test case,  an anatomy of one vote?  And if we did, what vote should it be?
UPDATE:  I'm not sure it makes sense to decide before having a look at this stuff together - hope you will join in.
Links follow for the intrigued...

PAC Rats

by: BranfordBoy

Wed Aug 23, 2006 at 19:20:29 PM EDT

Lamont has made it clear that he thinks the lobbyists and special interests who own politicians like Joe Lieberman are the only bipartisan force on Capitol Hill. These groups form PACs (Political Action Committees) to funnel money to pols who will do their bidding. Lamont has pledged not to accept this kind of PAC money.

However -- wake up members of the Fourth Estate, important point ahead -- Lamont will accept contributions from so-called Leadership PACs set up by other Democrats.