Dodd threatens filibuster on warrantless-wiretap bill

[Dawggie]

Source: Baltimore Sun

He may not be making a huge dent in Iowa or New Hampshire as a Democratic presidential candidate but, by God, Sen. Chris Dodd has decided he's going to make a big splash somewhere.

That somewhere happens to be the Senate floor on which Dodd is threatening to mount an old-fashioned filibuster over one of the most controversial issues of the day, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.

Specifically, the senator wants to strip from legislation that would renew FISA that would retroactively provide telecommunications companies with immunity for allowing the Bush Administration access to their networks to conduct warrantless surveillance.

<snip>

"This is not something that happens very often. It is actually fairly rare. But the senator felt that this is what is needed in order to do whatever he could in the Senate rules to stop the bill from moving forward.

Read more: http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/politics/blog/2007/12/dodd_threatens_filibuster_on_w.html

[monmouth]

1. This is great for Senator Dodd. Will give him a lot of great exposure,

give the public a chance to see what he really is about. Good for him. Ya gotta love a go getter!

[daa]

2. I received an e-mail from Rep Conyers

with a link to the Dodd Web site to send Clinton, Obama and Biden an e-mail telling them to support his filibuster and vote against immunity. This really is a hot button for me and if the candidate that wins the nomination votes for this then I am not voting.

[Acadia Blue]

3. Harry Reid is trying to prevent it. Why Harry? Bush got something

on you?

[AndyTiedye]

19. You Can Bet On It (It's Nevada, After All)

[Ammonium]

4. Call them all! Call them now!

Call Hillary, Biden, and Obama and tell them to get their asses to washington and help. They all talk about how they have the leadership and drive to be president, well here is their chance. This bill is so so awful and it needs to be blocked.

[BearSquirrel2]

13. It doesn't matter ...

They can get up and talk, but you don't vote AGAINST a filibuster. You vote for ending closure. A non-vote is a no vote.

However, I think it would be very interesting to hear the candidates stance on this particular issue.

[vanboggie]

5. Great filibuster reading

If the good Senators filibuster, I suggest they read DU to the nation...starting with posts from 2000.

[HuffleClaw]

6. nice to see SOMEONE doing the right thing n/t

[Dawggie]

8. You ought to be watching.

The man is on fire.

[LiberalLovinLug]

7. Oh My Gawd!

Someone quick, call the DLC! He must be stopped!
:sarcasm:

[baldguy]

9. Why isn't EVERY Dem Senator joining him?

[fujiyama]

10. Harry Reid can go fuck himself

and so can every other Dem not supporting Dodd.

Enough bullshit already. Dodd is kicking ass. Good for him.

[santamargarita]

11. He did It!

The bill is dead, I'm surprised it's not a headline.

[TankLV]

15. Really? Is that TRUE?

I don't believe it...

[santamargarita]

17. Kinda' Sorta'

[BearSquirrel2]

12. Go CHRIS!!!

Finally someone with balls. You may not be able to win the presidency, but a good stand good make you majority leader!!!

[TankLV]

14. Ooooooo! - THAT'LL show 'em. How 'bout not RELEASING THE GODDAMNED BILL to begin with Harry Potter

Reid!

Like that'll change things and make it better.

Only uncertainty is how long it will be before our Dems GIVE UP AND CAVE ONCE AGAIN!

Pathetic...

On Edit: Reid pulled the bill...I'll be goddamned...I apologize for thinking the worse...

first time for anything, I guess!...

[santamargarita]

16. Here is the email from Chris Dodd's group

Majority Leader Harry Reid just pulled the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act from the floor of the Senate, only moments ago.

What does this mean?

Well, first, it will come back up again in January after the recess. We'll continue the fight against ANY bill that includes retroactive immunity.

As Chris Dodd just said on the floor, "If it's not , I'll be back here engaging in this very same effort."

Second, this is what leadership that delivers results look like. It's been a while, but you saw it on display all day on the floor of the Senate.

A leader who stands on principle. And a leader who can turn that principle into results.

Finally, this is evidence of what grassroots advocacy along with real leadership can accomplish.

We'll keep up the fight in the White House, and I'm sure you'll be there right by Chris Dodd's side the entire way.

We'll have updates all night at ChrisDodd.com if you want to drop by and share your thoughts or send a message to Senator Dodd.

They can hear us now

[AndyTiedye]

18. Even Rarer that a Senator Has to Filibuster Against His Own Party