GOP leaders tie filibuster to caucuses


By David Yepsen

A powerful group of leading state Republicans and social
conservatives sent a letter last week to “potential presidential
candidates” telling them, in effect, that any GOP senator with
presidential aspirations who doesn't support ending judicial filibusters will
face consequences in the 2008 caucuses.

The document was signed by Steve Scheffler, director of the
Christian Coalition of Iowa; Chuck Hurley, president of the Iowa Family Policy
Center; Edward D. Failor Sr., president of Iowans for Tax Relief; and Maxine K.
Sieleman, host of KWKY radio's “Update Today” program, which is
popular with religious conservatives.

Also signing the letter were Marlys Popma, a respected
former executive director of the Iowa GOP; David M. Stanley, chairman of the
Tax Education Foundation; and Kim Lehman, executive director of the Iowa Right
to Life Committee.

The group thanked Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist of
Tennessee and Senators George Allen of Virginia, Sam Brownback of Kansas and
Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania “for their courage” on the issue.”

“On the other hand, we are concerned about the two
potential candidates, Senator McCain, and from our neighboring state of
Nebraska, Senator Hagel – who have so far refused to support an up or down
vote,” the group said.

(click here to read the entire article)

Take Action:  Write a
letter to the editor calling for a stop to these GOP bullying tactics. 

Send your letter to: 
letters@dmreg.com.

It
is bad for democracy for one political party to have all of the
power.  Clearly, the GOP will not rest until  they do. 
Please act today to stop them.

   Click here to receive action alerts from Rapid Response –
Iowa