AMERICAblog: GOP Senator from Texas: It's "World War III" if the winner of the Minnesota Senate race, Al Franken, is seated
Greg
· 8 months ago
Also, is anyone going to start holding nutballs like Cornyn and Bachman responsible for their comments? If a Dem or Ind had said something like that at any point during the last 8 years they would have been forced to resign and their political career would be over. Why do Repubs always get a free pass? Is Teflon a major donor to the party?
ndtovent
· 8 months ago
I wish they could kick em out of office, too, but when they make those statements, they word them so that the statements are just short of blatant. Anyone with a drop of intelligence knows exactly what they mean, but no one actually call them out for direct statements.
DarenW
· 8 months ago
It seems to me that the Democrats are playing this correctly right now. Why make this political--them vs. us? Let the court rule, and react to that--"The Minnesota Supreme Court has ruled, and we are following that ruling." This is just what the moderates are going to want to hear. Meanwhile, Cornyn, as usual, plays to the base and alienates everyone but the Limbaugh 20%. I have a new theory about how to deal with the Republicans. Whatever they say, picture it coming from the mouth of a pimply faced 15-year old spoiled suburban white boy in throes of hormonal imbalance. Then react to them as you would that petulant kid. Be the adult. Ground them when you need to. Take away their allowance. Don't let them go see "Watchmen" because it's too violent. But don't run to your own bedroom and slam the door in a tantrum. That just gives them satisfaction. Obama already comes off as the ideal dad--we should play that up.
Styve
· 8 months ago
I am reluctant to call Cornyn's office only because I hate talking to ignorant, ideologically rooted people, and I can't imagine anyone working for Cornyn would be anything but a bot of that ilk.
That said...we should be harassing this egomaniacal twerp to no end!!
jiminportlandoregon
· 8 months ago
Cornyn has said that he wants Coleman to have the opportunity to pursue this through the federal courts if he so desires. I must be missing something. I don't see how or why the federal courts would be involved. My understanding is that the MN Supreme Court has the final judiciary say and that the Senate actual has the final say on who is seated. Apparently I am mistaken but I don't how the federal courts come in to play in this. Anybody?
michaelt
· 8 months ago
republicans need to be introduced to a little thing called "shame".
ronw
· 8 months ago
michaelt: Surely, by now, you know that the Republicans have NO SHAME. The MN obstruction is but the latest Republican disregard of democracy and for this they have NO SHAME!
ImpureScience
· 8 months ago
I'm afraid that the equipment necessary to feel "shame" is missing in those people.
MNUSA
· 8 months ago
Sociopaths are incapable of feeling shame.
jprfrog
· 8 months ago
If the court rules for Franken and Coleman, Cornyn and Co. try to run out the clock by endless appeals, can a lawyer tell me if it is possible for a citizens' group in MN to seek injunctive relief on the basis that they are being denied their constitutional right to representation in the Senate? We went to war with Britain over this issue and won...how is it that present-day Tories can get away with the same dodge, transparent as it is?
Dean
· 8 months ago
I'm from Moorhead and was just taking a break from sandbagging to read, and now I am angry all over again. I will sign on to this today. Here we are in the middle of a 500 year flood, in dire need of help from the feds and Cornholio thinks we don't need a second senator, guess i better go throw some more sandbags to help get rid of some of this steam built up after reading about this. Hey Cornyn, want to see WW III, come up to Fargo?Moorhead, we are in the mmiddle of it right now!
Harper
· 8 months ago
Let's just imagine what the GOP Congress would have done if the Dems had made such a threat when they were in the minority.
They would employ the nuclear option, make it impossible for Dems to meet in official rooms, remove their ability to amend legislation, and would cut their mikes when they tried to speak. Oh wait, the GOP did that anyway.
maudgonne
· 8 months ago
He's just doing his handlers' bidding...
In December, sources said the FBI opened an investigation into allegations in the two lawsuits. As in the past, FBI spokesman E.K. Wilson said Thursday he could neither confirm nor deny whether an investigation is in progress. In the deposition, Thomas recounted a March 2007 telephone conversation in which Kazeminy purportedly lamented the amount of money Coleman was paid as a senator. According to the transcript, Thomas was asked, "In that conversation that you had with Mr. Kazeminy, did he tell you, quote, United States senators don't make shit, close quote? Or words to that effect?" Thomas answered: "Yes, sir.''
Thomas testified in the deposition for the company's internal investigation that Kazeminy told him that he wanted to use Laurie Coleman at Hays in relation to the consulting services agreement. Laurie Coleman, who is not a party to either suit against Deep Marine, was hired by Hays as an independent contractor in 2006. The insurance company has said she received no compensation under its contract with Deep Marine for risk management consulting.
Kazeminy is a wealthy Iranian-born businessman whose friendship with Coleman dates to when the former senator was mayor of St. Paul. Kazeminy has been a major contributor to Coleman's campaigns and to the Republican Party. His flagship company, NJK Holdings, is based in Bloomington, but he resides in Palm Beach, Fla. Thomas, who was corporate secretary and CFO at Deep Marine from January 2002 to December 2007, said Kazeminy dominated decision-making at the company by virtue of stock holdings in the underwater services company geared to the offshore oil and gas industry. http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/se...
maudgonne
· 8 months ago
Thomas stated in a sworn deposition March 19 that he had informed Kazeminy of his situation with the SEC in "2004, 2005." He said he informed Deep Marine CEO Paul McKim of the situation in 2001, before his appointment as finance chief of the company.
Neither Kazeminy nor McKim voiced any concerns over his SEC sanction, Thomas said in his deposition. But in December 2007, Thomas said, he was asked to resign from Deep Marine for reasons related to his limitations with the SEC.
Are there any Iranian Democrats?? just wondering....
PorridgeGun
· 8 months ago
You know what's frustrating? Nobody in the Democratic leadership is hammering Cornhole for these statements. WTF is Harry Reid and Bob Menendez playing at? Seat Franken already.
Even Nate Silver has lost interest it seems. He hasn't posted anything on this in some time.
I'll tell you one one thing, when Franken is declared the winner and is seated, he better get a bunch of supporters together, deliver a victory speech and gloat on live television.
Harper
· 8 months ago
Jim, a GOP-friendly federal court might take up the case on "Bush v Gore" grounds--that is, if they can't get elected, they get a court to overrule the election and appoint their guy.
RainbowPhoenix
· 8 months ago
Ahh, but remember, a specific tenant of Bush v Gore is that it can not be used as precedent.
Jim Olson
· 8 months ago
tenet
JS
· 8 months ago
I wonder if the people of Minnesota that voted for Franken to represent them in the senate, appreciate Cornyn telling them who should be elected!
Mike_in_the_Tundra
· 8 months ago
Putting it simply - no we don't appreciate what he is saying. Personally, I consider Cornyn and Coleman to be slimeballs.
devlzadvocate
· 8 months ago
Empty threats from empty heads.
Apologies for my "distasteful" comment last night. I just really dislike Limbaugh, Coulter and Bachmann. I consider my comment not much different than some comments they have made about Liberals, Democrats and gay people.
EW
· 8 months ago
"World War III". "Nuclear option". Seems like the GOP really salivates at the idea of doing something apocalyptic.
Snaggletooth
· 8 months ago
Somebody needs to make him explain himself pronto with full details and no equivocation.
Wasn't Cornyn advocating the murder of Federal judges only a few years ago?
AdrianBrowne
· 8 months ago
Yet another Losing Issue the Republicans have chosen. The recount was state mandated and fully transparent.
ndtovent
· 8 months ago
Isn't the main hold up because the MN sec of state refuses to certify Franken? I thought that's the last word I heard as to why he's not occupying the senate seat... I think the sec of state should grow a pair, and friggin CERtify Franken already.. If Coleman wants to keep up the fight afterward, so be it... But get Franken in there in the meantime. Criminy sakes!
Roddy McCorley
· 8 months ago
Someone also needs to ask Cornyn, "Aren't Republicans the guys who routinely accuse their opponents of trying to accomplish through the courts what they can't accomplish through the ballot box?"
katiec
· 8 months ago
Isn't everyone getting totally sick of the republicans and their antics? How anyone that was elected into office to represent the people can act so totally unaccountable is beyond me. They will say and do anything to grab the headlines regardless of how irresponsible they are. They have made our political system a joke world wide. Their party first mentallity makes one question their mental stability.
katiec
· 8 months ago
Haven't seen this mentioned on CNN or MSNBC. Are they embarressed by their parties actions?
LanceThruster
· 8 months ago
Typical Rethuglicans.
Rule of law for me but not for thee (except when to their advantage to turn it around).
miss skeptic
· 8 months ago
And just a few years ago the Repubs were the ones have hissy fits over "up or down" votes for judges. They certainly didn't want to drag out any nominations over silly things like Congressional oversight.
Dave of the Jungle
· 8 months ago
Great way to achieve zero approval with the electorate.
Older_Wiser
· 8 months ago
Actually, there's nothing to stop Dems from trying to seat Franken now, even though the MN courts still have the state case, since there is a compelling case for the people of MN to have their second senator. And a federal case wouldn't stop him from being seated either, if Senate Dems would grow a pair.
Cornyn is full of himself, isn't he? Too bad he's a dumbass who doesn't know the law. But, it appears he really wants a Rethug who is under investigation...goodbye, Norm.
CarolAll
· 8 months ago
The more they feel threatened, the wingnuttier Republicans become. Cornyn's remarks are evidence of the very high level of Republican frustration, fear, and anger. Where are the adults who could step in and resolve this situation? This situation is beyond ridiculous!
Jack J.
· 8 months ago
Where are all the Dems in Congress and why aren't they just as involved in seating Al as the rethugs are in using Norm as a obstruction tool?
Someone enlighten me here, please!
jerry torget
· 8 months ago
Maybe this is a good idea. If one state can get by with one senator why not all states. One senator would probaly do just as good a job.
MNUSA
· 8 months ago
Either that or tax Minnesotans at 50% of the federal tax rate seeing as we only have 50% of the representation.
Annie
· 8 months ago
I'd like to know when these Republicans who keep calling for war against our government, are going to be taken to task for being traitors. This crossed a line a while ago.
whomod
· 8 months ago
I'd like to know just why these Republicans keep insisting we give them Government jobs when they keep insisting that they hate Government. We already have an 8 year track record that shows all they want to do is burrow inside Government so the can undermine and dismantle it.
My own personal feeling is that these guys are the remnants of the Confederacy and they still hate the United States of America and are trying to do all they can to destroy it.
nikto
· 8 months ago
whomod,
I agree with this statement of yours:
"My own personal feeling is that these guys are the remnants of the Confederacy and they still hate the United States of America and are trying to do all they can to destroy it."
I get that feeling too--Especially from those southern conservatives.
maudgonne
· 8 months ago
Definitely. That's always been the goal.
StevenHouston
· 8 months ago
How does Cornyn keep getting reelected? He's an idiot. He is useless! He's an embarrassment to Texas. I live in Houston and just want to slap the idiots that keep returning him to Washington. Aaargh!!!!
houstonray
· 8 months ago
AMEN!!!!!!
BlueNTexas
· 8 months ago
Ditto
sandy
· 8 months ago
Why are the courts allowing this to continue? The people of Minnesota deserve better. Norm Coleman and the rest of the wingnut thugs need to be shut down. This is ridiculous.
CPL
· 8 months ago
Well, what can you expect from a state that allows Michelle "I want a Revolution" Bachmann to sit in Congress?
nikto
· 8 months ago
Arrest Cornyn for making terrorists threats.
ARP
· 8 months ago
Slow down everyone. MN can't (not won't...can't) certify Franken until the state suits are finished. They're not finished yet. Once they're finished, then MN can certify UNLESS Coleman gets a Federal injunction preventing the Governor from certifying. He's certainly going to try it, but its not clear if he'll get it. The big issue will come if Franken gets a certification, but the Federal suit is still ongoing over the validity of the election. That's where the battle will be. And with Reid as our "leader," we'll probably loose.
maudgonne
· 8 months ago
How many citizens in Minnesota? How many can file a suit? Doesn't sound workable to me. What does Jesse Ventura suggest?
lost_nacf_gop
· 8 months ago
It's only "major surgery" when it's yours; When the Beltway insider is pimping your project s/he is a "legislative liasion" not a "lobbyist" AND the one that fits here
"It's only "lawsuit abuse" when its not your lawsuit!
JM
· 8 months ago
Declaring "war" on a thing is the sign of a November 3rd Mindset.
maudgonne
· 8 months ago
He had all those storm troopers from the federalist society storming the gates of the registrar's office, remember??
dula
· 8 months ago
It could take years to resolve the legal issues? It didn't take that long to appoint G.W. as our Prez in 2000.
MNUSA
· 8 months ago
Good point. Isn't is amazing how quickly the Bush court can move when they want to?
Daniel Sears
· 8 months ago
This is not appalling. The sooner WWIII comes about the sooner the Democrats will realize that the current rules of the Senate are unworkable. Starting WWIII over the results of the MN election will not improve the Republicans standing either morally or politically.
Rufus
· 8 months ago
Cornyn wouldn't know WWIII if it bit him square in the buttocks. Why do I just assume he draft dodged Vietnam? Sigh, those Republican warriors.
MNUSA
· 8 months ago
It isn't up to the Democrats or Repubs to seat our Senator. It's up to the courts. It isn't any of Cornyn's business either. Once the court rules, our Senator should be seated. That's if the loser doesn't plan to drag this out for eternity.
CPL
· 8 months ago
Cornyn's worried that some Texans might wake up and get the same damned idea about his ass (electing someone else), and Franken won't be taking any shyt from anyone in the Senate.
Franken's presence also means an increased majority in the Senate and eliminating the potential for filibusters on anything meaningful. They should remember what happened to Newt Gingrich when, as House Speaker, he decided to shut down the Government in a snit because Bill Clinton told him he didn't want to discuss budgetary issues on the way to a foreign official's FUNERAL.
CPL
· 8 months ago
John, it means the same damned thing Jesse Helms said about Bill Clinton ever setting foot in North Carolina years ago.
I thought you could be arrested by the Secret Service for threatening the POTUS, but they didn't do shyt to Helms for threatening to have Bill Clinton shot if he came to his state.
Rat Bastards Then and Rat-Bastards NOW, are the ReThugs.
hacene Haouas
· 8 months ago
God,do i Hate this CONservatives and anything they stand for.
HolyMoly
· 8 months ago
I guess he hasn't spoken with any of the neocons, because according to them, we're already up to World War MCMLXXVI or something like that by now.
fl79tr
· 8 months ago
I really wish we had someone like him on our side back in 2000. Having George bush become president was easily the biggest catastrophe in my lifetime. The guy's probably an ardent enemy of nearly everything I believe in and value, but at least he knows how to fight.
All Comments
I have a new theory about how to deal with the Republicans. Whatever they say, picture it coming from the mouth of a pimply faced 15-year old spoiled suburban white boy in throes of hormonal imbalance. Then react to them as you would that petulant kid. Be the adult. Ground them when you need to. Take away their allowance. Don't let them go see "Watchmen" because it's too violent. But don't run to your own bedroom and slam the door in a tantrum. That just gives them satisfaction. Obama already comes off as the ideal dad--we should play that up.
That said...we should be harassing this egomaniacal twerp to no end!!
They would employ the nuclear option, make it impossible for Dems to meet in official rooms, remove their ability to amend legislation, and would cut their mikes when they tried to speak. Oh wait, the GOP did that anyway.
In December, sources said the FBI opened an investigation into allegations in the two lawsuits. As in the past, FBI spokesman E.K. Wilson said Thursday he could neither confirm nor deny whether an investigation is in progress. In the deposition, Thomas recounted a March 2007 telephone conversation in which Kazeminy purportedly lamented the amount of money Coleman was paid as a senator. According to the transcript, Thomas was asked, "In that conversation that you had with Mr. Kazeminy, did he tell you, quote, United States senators don't make shit, close quote? Or words to that effect?" Thomas answered: "Yes, sir.''
Thomas testified in the deposition for the company's internal investigation that Kazeminy told him that he wanted to use Laurie Coleman at Hays in relation to the consulting services agreement. Laurie Coleman, who is not a party to either suit against Deep Marine, was hired by Hays as an independent contractor in 2006. The insurance company has said she received no compensation under its contract with Deep Marine for risk management consulting.
Kazeminy is a wealthy Iranian-born businessman whose friendship with Coleman dates to when the former senator was mayor of St. Paul. Kazeminy has been a major contributor to Coleman's campaigns and to the Republican Party. His flagship company, NJK Holdings, is based in Bloomington, but he resides in Palm Beach, Fla.
Thomas, who was corporate secretary and CFO at Deep Marine from January 2002 to December 2007, said Kazeminy dominated decision-making at the company by virtue of stock holdings in the underwater services company geared to the offshore oil and gas industry.
http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/se...
Neither Kazeminy nor McKim voiced any concerns over his SEC sanction, Thomas said in his deposition. But in December 2007, Thomas said, he was asked to resign from Deep Marine for reasons related to his limitations with the SEC.
Kazeminy, a wealthy Iranian-born businessman, and his spokeswoman, Amy Rotenberg, refused to comment further Friday.
http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/se...
Are there any Iranian Democrats?? just wondering....
Even Nate Silver has lost interest it seems. He hasn't posted anything on this in some time.
I'll tell you one one thing, when Franken is declared the winner and is seated, he better get a bunch of supporters together, deliver a victory speech and gloat on live television.
Apologies for my "distasteful" comment last night. I just really dislike Limbaugh, Coulter and Bachmann. I consider my comment not much different than some comments they have made about Liberals, Democrats and gay people.
all hat
They will say and do anything to grab the headlines regardless of how irresponsible they are.
They have made our political system a joke world wide.
Their party first mentallity makes one question their mental
stability.
Are they embarressed by their parties actions?
Rule of law for me but not for thee (except when to their advantage to turn it around).
Cornyn is full of himself, isn't he? Too bad he's a dumbass who doesn't know the law. But, it appears he really wants a Rethug who is under investigation...goodbye, Norm.
Someone enlighten me here, please!
My own personal feeling is that these guys are the remnants of the Confederacy and they still hate the United States of America and are trying to do all they can to destroy it.
I agree with this statement of yours:
"My own personal feeling is that these guys are the remnants of the Confederacy and they still hate the United States of America and are trying to do all they can to destroy it."
I get that feeling too--Especially from those
southern conservatives.
That's always been the goal.
How many can file a suit?
Doesn't sound workable to me.
What does Jesse Ventura suggest?
When the Beltway insider is pimping your project s/he is a "legislative liasion" not a "lobbyist" AND the one that fits here
"It's only "lawsuit abuse" when its not your lawsuit!
Franken's presence also means an increased majority in the Senate and eliminating the potential for filibusters on anything meaningful. They should remember what happened to Newt Gingrich when, as House Speaker, he decided to shut down the Government in a snit because Bill Clinton told him he didn't want to discuss budgetary issues on the way to a foreign official's FUNERAL.
I thought you could be arrested by the Secret Service for threatening the POTUS, but they didn't do shyt to Helms for threatening to have Bill Clinton shot if he came to his state.
Rat Bastards Then and Rat-Bastards NOW, are the ReThugs.