Sali's Busy Busy

Idaho Congressman Bill Sali had a busy day yesterday in Washington.  The House held three votes on three bills and Rep. Sali three times voted no.  It's not unusual to see Sali voting against the Democratic position, however it is a bit unusual to see him vote against the Republican position too — which was the case in all three votes.  Let's look at the issues Congressman Sali voted against.

HR 808 Maritime Pollution Prevention Act — Amends an Act regarding the prevention of pollution of certain foreign ships in U.S. waters.

Votes Database
Congressman Sali — No
Congressman Simpson — Yes
Republican Position — Yes
Democratic Position — Yes
Result — Passed 359-48

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HR 137 Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act of 2007 — Amends the federal criminal code to make it unlawful to knowingly sponsor or exhibit an animal in an animal fighting venture if any animal in the venture was moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

Votes Database
Congressman Sali — No
Congressman Simpson — Yes
Republican Position — Yes
Democratic Position — Yes
Result — Passed 368-39 

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HR 580 — To amend chapter 35 of title 28, United States Code, to provide for a 120-day limit to the term of a United States attorney appointed on an interim basis by the Attorney General, and for other purposes.  [This is the bill that restores checks and balances in the confirmation process of U.S. Attorneys]

Votes Database
Congressman Sali — No
Congressman Simpson — Yes
Republican Position — Yes
Democratic Position — Yes
Result — Passed 329-78 

Comments

[Idagreen]

Well, I'm used to being in the minority, but that's pretty sad.

Wonder if the 1st District voters will tire of that kind of performance? Or better yet, how will the Idaho GOP explain away Sali's position when he's still elected in a closed primary? (that's just my humble prediction, I doubt that they could convince him not to run at all)

[MountainGoat]

That's an interesting point. Randy Stapilus at Ridenbaugh Press had an interesting post on Republican Party self-described social/political leanings. It showed a surprising number of Idaho Republicans consider themselves to be Evangelical, which may have been the reason for Sali's primary win last year...not Democratic crossover voting.

Read his whole post here:

http://www.ridenbaugh.com/index.php/2007/03/24/breakdowns-by-party/

[Sisyphus]

Randy's post is interesting and confirms what I believed. I adamently agree with the Goat on these numbers underlying Sali's win. And its also confirmed by my discussion with my moderate Republican freinds. The Ds like to think that the right wing wins are just a fluke but I believe there is a war occuring between the factions for control of the party. I have little sympathy for the moderates since this marriage gave them control of politics nationally. Ironically it was the moderate wing that moved the eastern boundary of District 1 west which was to insure no Democratic wins but now appears to have helped secure right wing control of the District. That can be good for the Ds if they can capitalize on it. Must woo the moderates away from the wingnuts. Grant's message was the correct one but not sure it got to the people that counted.

[Cameron]

If the Democrats want to win the moderates, they'll need to tread lightly with those already in the party, particularly those that won congressional seats last fall.

[MountainGoat]

The Democratic Party is a big tent...especially in Idaho. There's plenty of room for all kinds of opinions; it is rather unique in that way.

Usually though, there is one common thread that unites the party and lately that's been a desire for change. Any moderate looking for change can find room...and acceptance...under this big tent.

[Bubblehead]

I'm not sure the Evangelical numbers Randy had are a good explanation, since those numbers lumped Mormons in with Protestant evangelicals. Since Sali belongs to a church that doesn't believe that Mormons are Christian, I'm not sure there were lots of Mormons voting for Sali based on religious issues.

[MountainGoat]

Actually Bubblehead, the way I read Randy's numbers, he excluded Mormons from the Idaho evangelical number due to the lack of reported evangelicals in the Utah numbers. Quoting:

"But glance down to Utah, and you’ll quickly realize that the Mormon component of Republican support is included under “other conservatives” (or maybe, rarely, under moderate/liberal), and not under “evangelical”."

And for the reasons you mention, I have to think he's right. That's what made the evangelical number so surprising.

[Kitt]

["not Democratic crossover voting."]

For Sali!?!? No democrat who has lived in Idaho for any length of time would THINK of voting for Sali. Especially those of us who've lived here forever.

Actually, I'm just commenting on Sali's weirdness, oopss, weird voting trend. Might chalk it up to being a true conservative and not wanting any gov't intrusion or regulation.

Curiously - has anyone here been involved or involved with the evangelicals or Mormons in Idaho?

[MountainGoat]

Regardging the statement:

"Democratic crossover voting"

There was some speculation that in last year's primary, some Democrats were crossing over and voting for Sali as being the perceived weakest Republican candidate. The theory was that if Sali won the primary, it would give the Democrat Larry Grant a better chance in the general election.

I've not heard of anyone who actually did that though and like you, having lived here forever, couldn't imagine doing so. But that was one of the reasons the Republicans wanted to change Idaho's primary system to a closed or semi-closed primary this last legislative session.

I'm an ex-Mormon and still have Mormon family.