Congressman John Salazar cast a somewhat surprising vote in favor of an amendment sponsored by Congressman Bob Beauprez that would block $66 million in U.S. aid to Mexico if suspected cop killers are not extradited according to U.S. wishes. From The Rocky Mountain News:
The vote included an unusual split in Colorado's congressional delegation after Rep. John Salazar, a Manassa Democrat, initially voted "no" but switched at the last minute to join Republican Reps. Beauprez, Joel Hefley, Marilyn Musgrave and Tom Tancredo in the "yes" column. The delegation's other two Democrats, Reps. Diana DeGette, D-Denver, and Mark Udall, D-Eldorado Springs, were opposed.
"He made a procedural mistake and voted 'no,' and he wanted to make sure people know how he stands on the issue and voted 'yes,' " Salazar spokeswoman Nayyera Haq said. Salazar, who represents a Republican-leaning district, was attacked on immigration-related issues during his 2002 election campaign. He has often voted with the GOP majority during his first six months in office.
Way to go John, standing proudly with Marilyn after a staffer rushed in with the results of that focus group. I wish someone would poll Colorado Dems who wrote checks to a Salazar campaign in the past 18 months, to see what percentage would like theirs back.
Posted by: brio | June 29, 2005 at 10:13 PM
The number of West Slope Dems who would want their campaign contributions back is deep in the single digits. As in none. John Salazar opposed development on the Roan Plateau, fought for a clean energy bill, stands with Labor against the disasterous CAFTA trade treaty, AND his office communicates regularly with us. What the he** is wrong with seeking extradition of suspected cop killers from Mexico?? This is the West Slope. This is Pueblo. And we are represented in Congress by a 2nd Amendment Democrat. Just like us. We'll work to re-elect this moderate Dem who has shown the bravado of a five term veteran when the chips were down.
Posted by: GarCo Dem | June 29, 2005 at 10:36 PM
Oooooh, I can't wait until tomorrow morning when Phoenix, Ter, Strider, etc. see this and launch an all out offensive on a Salazar over immigration issues.
Oh wait, that won't happen since he isn't a Republican.
327-98. Guess BB isn't so far out in right field after all. But, I'm betting that the Pols headline tomorrow won't be "Beauprez Immigration Victory."
Posted by: dan | June 29, 2005 at 11:50 PM
I'll take a Democrat from a Republican leaning district that votes correctly some of the time over a Republican from a Republican leaning district that votes correctly none of the time. I gave to Salazar last time and will give to him again this time!
Posted by: Coloradem | June 30, 2005 at 10:27 AM
Gee Whiz, I'm so sorry that the Denver/Boulder Liberals are angry (what's new?). Welcome to Rural Colorado. We like to prosecute criminals, keep our guns, protect our water from Democrats in Aurora, and preserve our cultural heritage (connected to the land more so than our ethnicity). A rural Dem is not the same as a Denver/Boulder Dem. John Salazar will never be one of those folks (thank god). You'll find that on many issues, Hefly, Musgrave, and Salazar have more in common than Salazar and Degette. Point in fact Salazar and Degette have very little in common... (thanks again God) Udall needs to start watching how Salazar votes if he wants success statewide--> it's probably too late. Stop your whining. Things are different out here in the country.
Posted by: GrandJunctionBill | June 30, 2005 at 05:36 PM
Yeah, in Denver we like to let our criminals run free. Whatever. I grant you're right about the state right success bit, although it doesn't please me to say it. Its why I gave my green to K.S. last time, but it won't be enought for me to do the same next time. No matter how many times he assures me that he will fight for all Coloradans.
Posted by: brio | June 30, 2005 at 05:48 PM
Brio, I have no idea what you just said.
Posted by: asdf | June 30, 2005 at 06:13 PM
Brio- Why dont you tighten up your birkenstocks, walk on over to "be the change" and throw your money away there, then. Let me know if that maginalizes you even more, or if it makes your opinion more valuable to mainstream, moderate, rural Democrats. And, for the last time, JOHN AND KEN SALAZAR ARE TWO DIFFERENT PEOPLE.
Posted by: GrandJunctionBill | June 30, 2005 at 06:25 PM
I love John. He has protected my water so I can grow...PEPPERS!!!!!
Posted by: JTR | June 30, 2005 at 06:41 PM
I don't understand why people are upset at JS for representing his district. If DeGette had pulled this I would have been upset but JS doesn't represent me, he represents rural Colorado and his votes should reflect that.
Posted by: learnedhand | June 30, 2005 at 08:44 PM