Republicans and conservatives are groaning over Sen. Scott Brown’s (R-MA) yes vote on Sen. Harry Reid’s (D-NV) “lite” version of the jobs bill. He joined four other Republicans to support this useless bill, in the name of independence and bipartisanship. So he claims:
I came to Washington to be an independent voice, to put politics aside, and to do everything in my power to help create jobs for Massachusetts families. This Senate jobs bill is not perfect. I wish the tax cuts were deeper and broader, but I voted for it because it contains measures that will help put people back to work.
I was disappointed with the continuation of politics-as-usual in the drafting of this bill, as it was crafted behind closed doors, without transparency and accountability. I hope for improvements in that process going forward. All of us, Republicans and Democrats, have to work together to get our economy back on track. I hope my vote today is a strong step toward restoring bipartisanship in Washington.
Evidently his ego has gotten the best of him. Yes, Sen. Brown is a superstar. But it was the voters of Massachusetts who made him one. Unfortunately, he has forgotten the voice of his supporters…
I think Sen. Brown is trying too hard to prove his independence and bipartisanship, and this vote is him testing the waters. Bad move, however, considering he himself admitted the bill being “imperfect” and “crafted behind closed doors” — yet he still supported it. Why vote yes on a bill he doesn’t fully believe in?!
No, Sen. Brown. Your vote today is not a strong step to restore anything in Washington. Your vote today is a lame move to paint your sorry bipartisanship image at the expense of your constituents.
