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When voting against your district gets you reelected

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Illinois

* Flashback to July 12th…

18th District Congressman Darin LaHood said he was pleased with the recent bi-partisan compromise struck by the Biden Administration with Senators last week: “I’m optimistic that the Senate will take up action this week and next week. They are going to be the drivers of this initially. I give the Biden Administration and the bi-partisan group of Senators a lot of credit. They keep working at this and working on it, and they have made a lot of progress. It’s about a trillion dollar bill – doesn’t raise significant taxes. It has some user fees on airports and the rail system. It gives back a lot of COVID money to help pay for infrastructure, but it’s a significant amount of money. It would be about a trillion dollars that would fund roads and bridges, and our locks and dams, and traditional infrastructure. We’ll see if it passes the Senate next week. If it does, I think it’ll pick up some momentum and it’ll come over to the House. I’m going to give it strong consideration if that happens. I’m looking forward to seeing this new progress that’s being made.”

* August 12th…

The Senate voted 69-30 Tuesday to approve a $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill, a historic piece of legislation that could reshape American lives for decades.

The measure fulfills a call from President Biden for the two major parties to work together to deliver one of his top priorities, but it faces an uncertain fate in the House of Representatives as progressive Democrats press for even greater spending. […]

The 19 Republicans who voted for the bill, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., did so despite pressure from former President Donald Trump to deny Democrats a victory. Trump released a statement that called the bill “the beginning of the Green New Deal.”

Republican negotiators, including Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, dismissed that criticism and promoted the agreement as a huge breakthrough for the Senate.

* November 5th…

The House passed a more than $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill late Friday, sending it to President Joe Biden’s desk in a critical step toward enacting sprawling Democratic economic plans.

The Senate approved the revamp of transportation, utilities and broadband in August.

* Also on November 5th…

Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) released the following statement on his vote against the infrastructure bill:

“I voted no on the infrastructure package which enables the Democrats to ram through their reckless tax and spending agenda using reconciliation. Given the reconciliation process initiated by President Biden and Speaker Pelosi at the behest of Senator Sanders and the radical progressive wing of the Democrat party, the reality remains that the infrastructure bill and reconciliation package are linked and cannot be viewed separately. A vote for the infrastructure bill is a vote that paves the way for an extreme reconciliation spending bill that includes crippling tax hikes that will kill American jobs and send them overseas, hammer small businesses as they struggle to recover from COVID-19, and worsen the labor shortage while driving up inflation on working families.”

So, he’s now the process police.

* This News-Gazette editorial on November 10th was about Rodney Davis’ argument, which was the same as LaHood’s…

Equally disappointing was the response of Rep. Rodney Davis of Taylorville — the ranking Republican on the House Highways and Transit Subcommittee — who voted no on the legislation and falsely claimed that it was paired with another infrastructure bill.

“I’m beyond disappointed that President Biden and Democrats in Congress paired bipartisan infrastructure investment to their reckless, multi-trillion-dollar, tax-and-spending proposal,” said Davis.

Davis could have voted for the physical infrastructure bill — as other Republicans did — without voting for the separate social-safety-net and climate-change bill that Democrats hope to pass later this month. Further, Davis last summer asked that about $23 million in “member-directed spending” or earmarks for his district be included in the infrastructure bill.

Congress’ history is full of hypocrisy, and last week’s voting on the infrastructure bill is another example.

Mike Bost made the same argument, by the way.

* Also on November 10th…

One caller instructed Representative Adam Kinzinger of Illinois to slit his wrists and “rot in hell.” Another hoped Representative Don Bacon of Nebraska would slip and fall down a staircase. The office of Representative Nicole Malliotakis of New York has been inundated with angry messages tagging her as a “traitor.”

Investing in the nation’s roads and bridges was once considered one of the last realms of bipartisanship in Congress, and President Biden’s infrastructure bill drew ample support over the summer from Republicans in the Senate. But in the days since 13 House Republicans broke with their party leaders and voted for the $1 trillion legislation last week, they have been flooded by menacing messages from voters — and even some of their own colleagues — who regard their votes as a betrayal.

* November 11th…

[US Rep. Darin LaHood’s] Illinois district includes the heart of the nation’s heavy construction equipment manufacturing industry, where Caterpillar, Komatsu America and their suppliers are mainstays of the Peoria economy. The upstart electric truck maker Rivian in Normal, Ill., has much to gain from the bill’s funds to electrify the nation’s highways and boost its power grid. […]

But while the new 16th District may have infrastructure needs, it also has Republicans — lots of them — with a heavy conservative tilt. The new district will almost certainly be represented by the Republican Party in 2023. […]

Eli Nicolosi, the Republican chairman in Winnebago County, which includes Rockford, had the misimpression that the bill was full of social policies that had nothing to do with infrastructure, some of which are in the reconciliation bill. He said he understood and accepted Mr. LaHood’s vote, even though he noted that the local airport could use some help and that aerospace manufacturing would most likely benefit from a cash infusion. […]

Connie Beard, the chairwoman of the McLean County Republicans, brought up Rivian as a company of the future, but she worried aloud that the infrastructure measure would mean “tremendous amounts of tax increases.” Told that there were none in the bill, which is dominated by old-fashioned public works programs, Ms. Beard pivoted.

“It’s hard for the legislators themselves to understand what was left in the bill and what was on the cutting room floor,” she said, adding, “I understand why Congressman LaHood wanted to take more time.”

Extreme partisanship combined with newly drawn districts and a whole new crop of voters will make politicians skittish as heck about breaking party ranks and drawing primary challengers. That’s not an excuse, but it’s clearly why they did what they did.

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Nov 16, 21 @ 11:56 am

Comments

The lack of respect for process by both parties has made legislative outcomes more hated and therefore contributes greatly to the partisan extremism we endure today.

Comment by Hamlet on the Potomac Tuesday, Nov 16, 21 @ 12:03 pm
They were for it before they were against it.

Comment by Just Me 2 Tuesday, Nov 16, 21 @ 12:14 pm
This idea that an elected official has to be against anything advanced by the opposing party is dangerous to democracy. A little courage by LaHood and Bost would be welcomed but I won’t hold my breath.

Comment by Pundent Tuesday, Nov 16, 21 @ 12:23 pm
Already greasing the wheels to use the giant scissors.

Comment by Tiny violin Tuesday, Nov 16, 21 @ 12:23 pm
Betcha Lahood will be all over the groundbreakings and ribbon-cutings. He’s just that kinda guy.

Comment by Sir Reel Tuesday, Nov 16, 21 @ 12:24 pm
Remember in government class when they taught representatives were elected to represent their districts. Guess they need to teach it as they are elected to beholden to the party leaders not the best interest of their districts.

Comment by Amurica Tuesday, Nov 16, 21 @ 12:26 pm
It’s an easy thing.

You do NOT invite these members that voted no to any ceremony/groundbreaking that can be linked to their no votes.

At this point…. It’s political malpractice… to allow these folks to be present for things they voted against.

And spare me the “well, it’s good to show cooperation”.

Yeah?

Then they shoulda voted for their district.

Also, it’s even more malpractice if these folks decide to make a stink about things and no one, be it the governor, the White House, calls them on this by saying to the effect…

“We did not notify the member because when this project was voted on, the member voted against the project as others voted for this to help Illinois as this member now clearly admits”

Geez, Louise… votes have consequences.

Reward those who made the choices, not the ones who made things far more difficult because party over country mattered to these members.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Nov 16, 21 @ 12:27 pm
Re: Darren LaHood…
The apple definitely did not fall close to the tree. It must’ve rolled down a hill or something.

Comment by Medvale School for the Gifted. Tuesday, Nov 16, 21 @ 12:35 pm
I found it interesting that Ray Lahood was at the bill signing and his son voted against the bill.

I would love to be a fly on the wall for some of their private conversations.

Comment by So_Ill Tuesday, Nov 16, 21 @ 12:43 pm
Peoria is full labor voters, they have either gone all in for MAGA, or LaHood needs to be called in to the next general membership meetings at the labor halls and explain why voting against their jobs is a good idea.

Comment by Give Me A Break Tuesday, Nov 16, 21 @ 12:44 pm
===You do NOT invite these members…===

Or you invite them and then remind all in attendance that they voted against this. Put them in the spotlight and watch them squirm.

“We’re delighted to break ground on this important infrastructure project that will benefit all area residents, and I would add, if it was up to Rep. Soandso, we would not be here today. Thanks for nothing Congressman.”

Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Nov 16, 21 @ 12:45 pm
It used to be that legislators voted for the needs of their districts. Apparently, that time has passed.
At least, for the republican party.

Comment by Bruce( no not him) Tuesday, Nov 16, 21 @ 12:46 pm
=== Or you invite them and then remind all in attendance that they voted against this. Put them in the spotlight and watch them squirm.===

I like where your head is at.

I’m not saying I’d favor this over my own suggestion, I’m not going to say that… I will say that if this were to occur and occur more than one time, I would not be angered or upset they were invited.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Nov 16, 21 @ 12:47 pm
Good luck to these people and the Democrats who voted no on infrastructure when it comes to running for a statewide or national office like president. It seems like a terrible vote to take unless one just plans on remaining a US Rep. Imagine getting pounded in a campaign for voting against something as consequential and good as infrastructure.

“paired bipartisan infrastructure investment to their reckless, multi-trillion-dollar, tax-and-spending proposal”

Voting no on infrastructure because Democrats linked it to Build Back Better looks like baloney. Those bills were doomed to be decoupled and were separated. Their separation should have attracted Republicans wary of BBB but supportive of infrastructure.

As for pandering to the red district voters, who’s going to tell them they are America’s “socialists,” disproportionately benefiting not only from taxpayers and government, but from politics of voting no but freeloading on the yes votes?

Comment by Grandson of Man Tuesday, Nov 16, 21 @ 12:56 pm
Well, let’s be clear: LaHood is too dumb to know what the “reconciliation process” is. That statement was fed to him by Kevin McCarthy.
And he isn’t skittish about the Trump voters in his district, either. He went all in on Trump in 2015 and, along with Davis, was the Trump campain’s Illinois co-chair

Comment by Curious citizen Tuesday, Nov 16, 21 @ 12:58 pm
===So, he’s now the process police.===

A lesson he learned painfully in the US Attorney’s Office in Las Vegas, apparently.

Comment by Anyone Remember Tuesday, Nov 16, 21 @ 1:11 pm
“Democracy is the worst form of government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.” - Winston Churchill.

But it’s looking worser and worser lately…just sayin.

Comment by PublicServant Tuesday, Nov 16, 21 @ 1:14 pm
It’s not about results anymore; it’s all about messaging, and as long as you stay on message, that red seat is yours for as long as you want it.

Comment by Roadrager Tuesday, Nov 16, 21 @ 1:47 pm
At the ribbon cutting for a large infrastructure project in LaHood’s district: “Rep LaHood, why are you here?” Repeat at every and any project attended by a Rep who voted NO.

Comment by zatoichi Tuesday, Nov 16, 21 @ 2:28 pm
“Extreme partisanship combined with newly drawn districts and a whole new crop of voters will make politicians skittish as heck about breaking party ranks and drawing primary challengers.”

Time to end partisan primaries. The Maine / Alaska / Chicago non-partisan primary method would cure so many ills.

Comment by Ditka's Hair Tuesday, Nov 16, 21 @ 2:42 pm
For Rep LaHood will Cat still be sending him a check for his re-election. Will the Cat CEO ask why he voted against this?

Comment by Publius Tuesday, Nov 16, 21 @ 3:18 pm
So sorry my rep (LaHood) is such an empty suit. I wish just once he would use his brain for thinking of us in the district instead of planning his next public appearance and ridiculous new letter.

Comment by former state employee Tuesday, Nov 16, 21 @ 3:45 pm
I’d like to see the dollars spent in districts where elected officials supported it (at least initially). In those districts where your elected official voted no, publicize that as the reason why it’s not happening.

Comment by Lincoln Lad Tuesday, Nov 16, 21 @ 5:17 pm
Ask long as their representatives are regularly tweeking the libs, consistancy and common sense aren’t hi on the list of their voters.

Comment by PublicServant Wednesday, Nov 17, 21 @ 5:38 am
Very disappointing

Comment by Flexible One Wednesday, Nov 17, 21 @ 2:52 pm