210-210

210-210 was the vote count on an attempt to repeal sections of the USA PATRIOT Act today. Here's what the AP was reporting about the vote:

The Republican-led House bowed to a White House veto threat Thursday and stood by the USA Patriot Act, defeating an effort to block the part of the anti-terrorism law that helps the government investigate people's reading habits.

The effort to defy Bush and bridle the law's powers lost by 210-210, with a majority needed to prevail. The amendment appeared on its way to victory as the roll call's normal 15-minute time limit expired, but Republican leaders kept the vote open for about 20 more minutes as they persuaded about 10 Republicans who initially supported the provision to change their votes.

The measure had been pushed by a coalition of Democrats and conservative Republicans. But they fell short in a showdown that came just four months before an election in which the conduct of the fight against terrorism will be on the political agenda.

The effort was led by Rep. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and our very own Rep. Butch Otter of the Idaho first. I applaud their effort and boo the political wrangling done by the Republican leadership in the house.

Instead of letting the representatives vote their conscience, they forced around 10 to stick their heads up President Bush's ass and fondle Attorney General Ashcroft's “groinal” region. Good for them!

You can read my earlier policy post about the USA PATRIOT Act here.