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. DownStreet
Special Report
. In what was obviously the most difficult moment of his political life, today Senator James Jeffords announced that he would leave the Republican party. The announcement came during a relatively brief statement given by Senator Jeffords shortly after 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time at the Radisson Hotel in Burlington, at which time Jeffords announced that he would become an Independent. For obvious reasons, the eyes and ears of the nation were focused on Senator Jeffords' announcement. And when it finally came, the telecommunications lines in Vermont became overloaded, with disruptions in both phone and internet service for more than an hour, as news reporters from all over rushed to get their stories back home and many local residents talked with one another, or tried to get reports from internet sources. Many reported having phone calls abruptly disconnect. Still others said they could not get a dial tone, or received only busy signals. And others reported being bumped from their internet connections, where they were following the story, and, when they tried to reconnect, experienced similar difficulties. While his decision to change parties is not in itself particularly historic, the effect of his decision is. With both houses of Congress previously controlled by the Republicans, many believed that it promised a relatively easy time for the Bush White House. In the House, the Republicans had, and retain, a clear majority. But in the Senate, where the Republicans and Democrats had shared Senate seats 50-50, the tie was broken by Vice President Cheney, which put the Republicans in the majority, giving them control of the agenda, as well as all of the committee chairs. With Jeffords' decision, however, the Democrats now become the majority in that chamber. One of the effects of Jeffords' decision, therefore, will inevitably be a rethinking of strategy by the Bush administration. Without control of both houses of Congress, Republicans must now contend, not only with a Democratically controlled agenda and committee chairs in the Senate, they must also contend with the fact that that chamber must advise and consent to appointments. The greatest impact in this regard will be on judicial nominees, especially those to the Supreme Court. Jeffords' decision will also impact Democratic Senator Patrick Leahy, who now becomes the Chair of the Judicial Committee, responsible, among other things, as the front line for such advice and consent. With his announcement, along with Representative Bernie Sanders, Jeffords now becomes the second Independent from Vermont to serve in Congress. And it was this spirit of "independence and social conscience" which Jeffords used at the outset to characterize the reasons for his decision. But he took pains to frame that spirit within the history of the Republican Party in Vermont, including its more contemporary members, like "George Aiken, Earnest Gibson, Ralph Flanders, Winston Prouty and Bob Stafford." One could hear in Jeffords' voice the uncharacteristic emotion and strain, and even the occasional faltering, as he explained to his constituents and, one sensed, less to the world beyond, the reasons for his decision. "I became a Republican," Jeffords said. "Not because I was born into the party, but because of the kind of fundamental principles that these and many Republicans stood for: moderation, tolerance, fiscal responsibility." Referring to those Republicans who preceded him in the Senate, "They were Republicans," Jeffords told his audience. "But they were Vermonters first. They spoke their minds -- often to the dismay of their party leaders -- and did their best to guide the party in the direction of those fundamental principles they believed in." It was at this point that Jeffords left the historical context and got to the more immediate reasons for his departure:
"We don't line in a parliamentary system," Jeffords continued. He then conceded that it was "only natural" that he should be expected to "largely support the President's agenda." "And yet," he added. "More and more, I find that I cannot." Jeffords then went on to dismiss some of the speculation about his motives, noting that he neither "took pleasure in resisting the President's budget," nor "enjoyed the limelight." "Nothing," he said. "Could be further from the truth." He then explained that it was his "serious, substantive reservations" about the budget which had him feel a duty to resist. "Looking ahead," he continued ...
Jeffords next focused on what for him was "the largest -- education." In finally framing and announcing his decision, Jeffords said:
At this point, a number of supporters who were gathered outside the room began to cheer his decision. Jeffords apologized for the outburst by simply saying, "Sorry for that." He tried to continue, but the crowd began to chant "Thank you, Jim!" Jeffords paused a moment longer, and once again apologized, though with one addition. "I'm sorry for that interruption," he said again. "But I understand it." Jeffords then went on to briefly describe some of the outcomes of his decision, including the turnover in control of the Senate, and his decision to caucus with the Democrats, as well as his promise to President Bush not to interfere with the passage of the budget. On a more personal note, Jeffords then spoke of the changes that would most likely ensue for him and long-cherished friendships, as well as changes among his staff which may be forthcoming. "Having made my decision," he said. "The weight that has been lifted from my shoulders now hangs heavy on my heart." Jeffords ended by referring to discussions in which he informed President Bush, Vice President Cheney, and his colleague, Senator Trent Lott of his decision, as well as Senator Dashiell. On a light note, he explained that "three of these four men disagreed" with his decision. "But," he said, adding something which probably applied to many more than the four men he was referring to. "I hope each understood my reasons." . |
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