Why would Liddy do this?

Submitted by James on

In case you missed this update over the weekend, I'm reposting Kay Hagan' s criticism of Dole's voting record on military matters. The only explanation for these votes I can think of is this: Dole chose politics over taking care of our armed forces. She's happy to go along with spending millions on mercenaries, but can't quite bring herself to put her vote where her mouth is?

Dole Voted Against $361 Million For Armored Humvees. In 2005, Dole voted against increasing funding for the procurement of Army Tactical Wheeled Vehicles in Iraq and Afghanistan by $360.8 million. A Senate aide said that the money would go toward add-on armor kits for existing Humvees and new armored trucks for troop and cargo transport. [Vote 248, 10/5/05; Defense Daily, 10/5/05]

Dole Voted Against $213 Million For Armored Humvees. In 2005, Dole voted against providing an additional $213 million for procurement of Army Humvees. [Vote 108, 4/21/05; CQ Today, 4/21/05]

Dole Voted To Kill $1 Billion In Equipment Funding For Troops. Just weeks after the Iraq war began, Dole voted to kill a proposal to provide $1 billion for National Guard and Reserve equipment. The funding proposal was rejected 52-47. [Vote 116, 4/2/03; Associated Press, 4/2/03]

Dole Opposed Funding $322 Million For Protective Gear For Troops. In October 2003, Dole voted to kill a proposal to take $322 million from Iraqi prison building and witness protection funds and use it for vests and other protective gear for troops. [Vote 376, 10/2/03; CQ Today, 10/2/03]

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Comments

As far as the Humvees,

Submitted by scharrison on

her lack of enthusiasm could be because she wanted this to happen:

Force Protection, Inc. (NASDAQ:FRPT) today celebrated the dedication of its new manufacturing facility in Roxboro, North Carolina for production of the Company’s Cheetah vehicle. North Carolina Senators Elizabeth Dole and Richard Burr, along with Congressman Brad Miller, joined employees, Company leaders and business associates in the ceremony and open house.

"We are so pleased to welcome Force Protection to our great state," said Senator Dole. "This facility will not just benefit the local economy and create good North Carolina jobs - the folks working here will build bomb-resistant vehicles that are absolutely critical to keeping our men and women in combat safe."

This might seem overly cynical, but the more problems (and fatalities) associated with the Humvees in Iraq, the more likely funding could be diverted for other vehicles. Never mind that retrofitting the humvees makes them much safer in combat, and never mind how long it will take to replace them with Cheetahs. Being able to say, "I brought jobs here!" has much more political punch than voting to protect the troops that are already in combat.

War is Good?Change is Good also?

Submitted by MaxTheDog2 on

"We are so pleased to welcome Force Protection to our great state," said Senator Dole. "This facility will not just benefit the local economy and create good North Carolina jobs - the folks working here will build bomb-resistant vehicles that are absolutely critical to keeping our men and women in combat safe." * Sec of War Liddy Staunton 1862

" War is good! It makes profit! Our northern shipbuilders will employed thousands, Our Steel Monitors will seize the Southern Ports along with the Southern trade and the Union surge will win! Civil liberties will free the people. We are the true agents of Change* Back to Future Wars 4