Q: Who were the two Democrats who voted against the House resolution opposing Bush's Iraq war policy? – Andy Craig, Burlington, Vt.
A: In the 246-182 vote that was held on Feb. 17, 2007, two Democrats voted no: Jim Marshall of Georgia and Gene Taylor of Mississippi.
At the same time, 17 Republicans — considerably fewer than anticipated — broke with their party and voted for the non-binding resolution: Mike Castle (DE), Howard Coble (NC), Tom Davis (VA), John ("Jimmy") Duncan Jr. (TN), Phil English (PA), Wayne Gilchrest (MD), Bob Inglis (SC), Timothy Johnson (IL), Walter Jones (NC), Ric Keller (FL), Mark Steven Kirk (IL), Steve La Tourette (OH), Ron Paul (TX), Tom Petri (WI), Jim Ramstad (MN), Fred Upton (MI), and Jim Walsh (NY).
But here's what really struck me about the vote: Every Republican whose election on Nov. 7 was initially too close to call — Vern Buchanan (FL 13), Heather Wilson (NM 01), Robin Hayes (NC 08), Jean Schmidt (OH 02), Deborah Pryce (OH 15), and Barbara Cubin (WY At-Large) – voted against the resolution. On the other hand, most of the 17 Republicans who voted for the resolution were easily returned to office last year.
What has Deborah Pryce said about Iraq?
1. As she fights for her political life, Ohio Republican Rep. Deborah Pryce distanced herself Thursday from the Iraq war, telling CNN Radio, "What's happening in Iraq is not a direct reflection on me."
2. Pryce's vies on Iraq: On June 28, 2005, three years after the war started, Rep. Deborah Pryce told the Columbus Dispatch that "Iraq is now a beacon of freedom."
3. Pryce voted against veterans' benefits: (July 3, 2006, Columbus Dispatch):
Pryce voted against expanding the military's Tricare health insurance to cover all Reservists and National Guard members.
She also voted against a $30 million increase for veterans' health care that would have provided more funding for combat-related trauma care to support wounded troops when they return home. Pryce voted against additional military health-care benefits. She voted against providing job-training assistance to troops returning from overseas and voted against increased port security.
We can clearly see that Pryce may say she supports the troops but her actions show that she only wants to carry out the Republican agenda. She doesn't care what she has to sacrifice in order to help this administration and the arrogant Republicans.