The Saslaw Backlash
By Greg L | 2 March 2008 | Fairfax County, Virginia Senate | 24 Comments
It’s fascinating to watch how Democrats rule when they’re in the majority. It’s vaguely reminiscent of post-Haile Selassie politics in Ethiopia, albeit without the cabinet meeting gunfights between factions. We are talking about Dick Saslaw, after all, so there’s little chance of him taking potshots with a .380 at Lionel Spruill. He’ll just get someone else to take those potshots for him.
But over scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage, Kaine’s primary concern was dissent among Democrats. Many of the dozen or so around the long, highly polished table seemed to trace the dilemma to another guest: Dick Saslaw of Fairfax, the restless leader of the restive Senate majority.
Del. Lionell Spruill of Chesapeake tore into Saslaw for threatening to block a clampdown on payday lenders as perceived payback for their thousands in contributions to a Saslaw-controlled campaign fund.
Spruill, for whom restrictions on the high-cost instant-loan industry are a non-negotiable demand, accused Saslaw of behaving like a king. So agitated was Spruill that Kaine literally called “time out.”
So Dick Saslaw is funding his campaigns through political contributions from payday lenders? I wonder whether his liberal backers are going to tolerate this political heresy, or whether they’ll just continue to ignore that their Senate Majority leader openly violates “progressive” principles just as they ignore Gerry Connolly’s huge campaign contributions from decidedly non-progressive “greedy corporate interests”. My guess is that in the end, “progressives” will once again abandon whatever semblance of principle they claim to have.
It’s rather amusing to watch these guys try to govern.
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24 Comments
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It’s important to remember that the national level, the GOP is no better … we need a third party in America with Lou Dobbs’ values.
My guess is that in the end, “progressives” will once again abandon whatever semblance of principle they claim to have.
Well, DUH!
You guys are quick to bash that side, but look at your own Presidential nominee - Juan McCain. Blech. My hand will only pull the lever for him if it’s cold and dead.
A vote for McCain is a vote for illegal immigration - point blank.
Let’s face it, both parties are whores who have abandoned the American people.
We should let them fight over the Latino vote while we (we is Americans disgusted with illegal immigration) vote for a third party.
Rick,
Vote third party and let them know that they ALL SUCK!!!
Ralph Nader? Be still my heart. NOT
I’m voting for myself, as I did last time and the time before..I just dont see a viable candidate for the things that mean something to me.
This election is going to suck..
dolph,
I already told you who I was writing in! Not Nader, either!
Hi Lafayette, If you don’t mind telling, I am curious as to whom you will be writing in. I will probably be writing in someone. I was hoping Lou Dobbs would jump into the race.
Rick Bentley said on 2 Mar 2008 at 6:38 pm:
A vote for McCain is a vote for illegal immigration - point blank.
You left out the other side.
Let’s face it, both parties are whores who have abandoned the American people.
You nailed that one!
Lafayette said on 2 Mar 2008 at 7:10 pm:
I already told you who I was writing in! Not Nader, either!
Let’s all write in Josh. We know where he stands.
Lafayette is already committed. She wouldn’t want to disappoint her candidate by switching mid-stream.
es_la_ley,
Damn, if I’d only Josh was in the running.
Dolph, is right I’m committed, and would never let my candidate down. I think my candidate could use a young whipper snapper like Josh for his VP. I am a very loyal person.
corr: Damn, if I’d only *KNOWN* Josh was in the running
Keep pounding on Dick Saslaw. This guy should have a target painted on his back until the next election.
I can’t think of a more valueless, predatory group than these payday lenders. They prey on poor ignorant people with three digit interest rates. I think it was called usury in older days, and was a sin. It’s not a surpise that someone like Saslaw would be in the pocket of payday lenders. If someone keeps digging there will likely be more revelations on this guy. What the hell were the people in Springfield thinking when they voted for him?
Rick - a vote for anyone in this election is a vote for illegal immigration. McCain got nominated primarily due to democrats voting in some of the early open primaries. The most conservative option, Mitt Romney, was taken out by the other side.
I can name at least three Republican congressmen that are tough on immigration. Can you name more than one Democrat?
We don’t need a third party-conservatives need to take back both parties.
jfk said on 2 Mar 2008 at 10:27 pm:
I think it was called usury in older days, and was a sin.
It used to be called loan sharking.
It is still called loan sharking, but now politically sanctioned. Along with the interest only mortgage, ticket scalping, and don’t forget pork barrel spending - by invitation only. I have no doubt Romney was done in by his own due to his stand on illegal immigration. They don’t want to give up a large block of voters over THAT. Saslaw and many like him have been in way too long. What is the point in a term limit if the same people are going to be eligible for yet another term? You might as well elect them until they quit, die, or get run out of office by an angry mob.
If any of you guys let the GOP convince you to vote for McCain, because of this unwinnable fiasco in Iraq, you’ve been “punked”.
Me I plan to vote for either Howard the Duck or Lou Dobbs.
Way to Go Mr. Lionel Spruill who just happens to be one of my mentors growing up. Mr. Spruill who is from Chesapeake is also a Mason that was intrusmental in us Knight of Pythagoras back in the day. Mr. Spruill is a great man and I’m glad someone has the guts to get on Saslaw the Clown!
Is Spruill the guy who wants to legislate against trucknutz?
GEORGE ALLEN IN ON CHANNEL 8, RIGHT NOW, PIMPING THE McCAIN VOTE. WHY DO THE BIG REPUBLICANS FOCUS ENTIRELY ON IRAQ AND AVOID THE OTHER BIG ISSUE……ILLEGAL ENTRY AND INVASION!!!
silverfox,
Very funny, but sadly true.
I thought there for a minute he was pimping for Obama.
He’d did have to slide McCain in there at the last second.
Is it Friday, yet? I was looking forward to Greg and Nancy.
silverfox said on 3 Mar 2008 at 4:12 pm:
GEORGE ALLEN IN ON CHANNEL 8, RIGHT NOW, PIMPING THE McCAIN VOTE. WHY DO THE BIG REPUBLICANS FOCUS ENTIRELY ON IRAQ AND AVOID THE OTHER BIG ISSUE……ILLEGAL ENTRY AND INVASION!!!
MONEY AND BIG BUSINESS, plain and simple.