Shelby: If I Don't Get Pork, the Terrorists Win

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Now that Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) has decided to hold the Senate confirmation process hostage in exchange for pork-barrel spending for his state, there are a few questions about why the far-right senator has apparently lost his mind. We've gained a few insights today.

Sen. Richard Shelby's (R-AL) office has confirmed to TPMDC the reports that Shelby has placed a hold on President Obama's nominees over a pair of government programs set to be based in Alabama. He did not confirm that Shelby has taken the rare step of blocking all of Obama's nominees, as was reported yesterday.

"Sen. Shelby has placed holds on several pending nominees due to unaddressed national security concerns," Shelby spokesperson Jonathan Graffeo said in a statement.

And in this case, "unaddressed national security concerns" can be roughly translated to mean "defense earmarks for Alabama." In other words, if one right-wing senator doesn't get the pork he wants, the terrorists win.

The White House is unimpressed.

Roberts Gibbs, the White House press secretary, sharply criticized Mr. Shelby's actions, calling it the best instance yet for how Washington is broken. "I guess if you needed one example of what's wrong with this town, it might be that one senator can hold up 70 qualified individuals to make government work better because he didn't get his earmarks," Mr. Gibbs told reporters today. "If that's not the poster child for how this town needs to change the way it works, I fear there won't be a greater example of silliness throughout the entire year of 2010."

He added: "It boggles the mind to hold up qualified nominees for positions that are needed to perform functions in a government because you didn't get two earmarks."

Congressional Republicans have been breathtakingly irresponsible of late, but Shelby's latest gambit might be the single most ridiculous stunt in a long while. What kind of right-wing clown rails against government spending and then holds the Senate hostage until he gets his earmarks?

This from a senator who once pledged to do "whatever it takes" to give presidential nominees "up or down" votes?

If Ben Nelson's "Cornhusker Kickback" became a national punch-line, Shelby's scheme -- it'll need a clever little name -- should easily become a humiliating moment for the senator and his party.

This isn't just an example of Republicans gone mad, it's also an example of Republican overreach.

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[Ban Hammer 13,352]

apparently he's jealous of what other are getting for supporting the health care plan.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

apparently he's jealous of what other are getting for supporting the health care plan.

[Craneman 2]

apparently he's jealous of what other are getting for supporting the health care plan.

You mean like Nebraska

[Ban Hammer 13,352]

You mean like Nebraska

among others. but steven's only outraged when a republican wants his share.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

among others. but steven's only outraged when a republican wants his share.

[Ban Hammer 13,352]

been fishing? i suppose that's one way to save on the food bill.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Tuyo and Red Horse! Yummy!

[one...two...tree 2,762]

been fishing? i suppose that's one way to save on the food bill.

Charles is serving RED HERRING today! Get your RED HERRING here!

[Ban Hammer 13,352]

Charles is serving RED HERRING today! Get your RED HERRING here!

sure beats a serving of oh the sky is falling.

[Dan J 277]

Do you think the tea party is going to put his head on a stake, or are they going to conveniently ignore his transgressions.

[luckytxn 2,264]

apparently he's jealous of what other are getting for supporting the health care plan.

Exactly. The selective outrage is deafening. The Socialists are already bought and paid for and to think others want a piece of the pie is wrong.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Do you think the tea party is going to put his head on a stake, or are they going to conveniently ignore his transgressions.

I think the Republicans are becoming as annoyed with the T.E.A. Party as much as the Democrats are.

[Dan J 277]

I think the Republicans are becoming as annoyed with the T.E.A. Party as much as the Democrats are.

They probably are, how would something like a purity test even become a suggestion. http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0110/32242.html

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

They probably are, how would something like a purity test even become a suggestion. http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0110/32242.html

I didn't know Hawaii had any Republicans!