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DeLauro: Lieberman 'Ought To Be Recalled' (Which Can't Be Done)
Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT)
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Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) has delivered one of the strongest breaks with Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) from among Congressional Democrats, saying that Lieberman should even be recalled -- which isn't possible.
"No individual should hold health care hostage, including Joe Lieberman, and I'll say it flat out, I think he ought to be recalled," DeLauro told the Politico.
Of course, it should be noted that there is no such thing in the Constitution as the recall of a member of Congress.
DeLauro spokesperson Kaelan Richards alleged to us that the Congresswoman's full response had acknowledged that a recall might not be a feasible option, but that DeLauro was instead "merely trying to convey her passion about the issue."
Richards gave us this paraphrasing of DeLauro's full response: "No one should hold health care hostage, including Joe Lieberman, and I'll say it flat out, I think he ought to be recalled-- I know that may not even be an option in Connecticut, but 45,000 people die every year because they don't have health care. We don't have the luxury to hold up a bill that could make a difference in people's lives. This is what we were sent here to do."
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chimpale
December 15, 2009 4:57 PM
That's okay. He doesn't mind.
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Moose49
December 15, 2009 5:05 PM
If recalling him isn't an option, perhaps we can pass legislation denying him health care coverage until health care reform is enacted.
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CT Voter
December 15, 2009 5:12 PM
You go, Rosa!
Of course it isn't possible, but it's nice to hear a politician point out what an ass Lieberman is, for once.
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Mateo123
December 15, 2009 6:02 PM
Can I get an Amen?
Okay, one more thing I want you all to listen to tonight is the U2 song Peace on Earth.
I know, it's terrible to rip off Bono's wonderful tune about the suffering of those victims of the IRA, but for those of us who remember well enough the 1994 failure to enact health care reform, the song is beautiful.
Some day we will have health care reform. Some day. But, my sense is that this bill will not get done today. It will not get done tomorrow. It will not get done this week. And, it's because of a whole bunch of reasons.
But, I found that song to be very, well, perfect. Enjoy it.
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basilisk
December 15, 2009 6:05 PM
Who says recall can't be done? The Constitution is silent on the question, and the Supreme Court has never addressed it. Maybe the Court would say it can't be done, maybe it would say it can. We won't know until it's tried. Connecticut doesn't have a recall statute, but it could pass one.
Even if a recall effort were declared invalid by the Supreme Court, the process of going through it would be good for liberals to do, and it would be chastening for Lieberman. Liberal bloggers should stop throwing cold water on the idea.
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Former Federal Employee
December 15, 2009 9:03 PM in reply to basilisk
There's no way this could possibly backfire. Let's try it.
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aikbay
December 15, 2009 6:05 PM
I believe DeLauro been a big time long time HolyJoe supporter.
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Overreach THIS!
December 15, 2009 6:23 PM in reply to aikbay
Interesting, assuming that to be true.
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kevbo
December 15, 2009 6:58 PM
I've seen prettier heads on boils....does Connecticut have _any_ attractive politicians?
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USgreentech
December 15, 2009 7:55 PM
Yes he should be recalled. His obstruction is out of control.
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USgreentech
December 15, 2009 8:32 PM
This lady should be recalled as well.
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masanf
December 15, 2009 11:01 PM
If someone like Palin said a Senator should be recalled, the left would be howling in laughter over the statement.
It seems the respect for dissent the Democrats once claimed they had evaporated on 1-20-09. For the life of me, I can't seem to figure out why or what occurred on that day to change their minds. Maybe someone here could enlighten me.
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Prefabfan
December 16, 2009 2:21 AM
The double talk by Richards to explain away what the dunderhead said is embarassing. Just admit you made a mistake!! BFD.
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waltersobchak
December 16, 2009 8:23 AM
DeLauro is probably the most popular politician in the state, and though she is very liberal she holds great popularity and influence among the moderate to conservative white ethnics (ie Italians and Jews) around New Haven and in the Naugatuck Valley that also happens to be Joementum's base (and the brunt of her district). Hopefully she begins to fully denounce him, because atty gen Blumenthal is going down that road and also happens to be popular. It should make Joe cry.
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