Sen. Leahy Resurgent in New Democratic Congress

Source: Barre Montpelier Times-Argus (VT)

Back on center stage
Sen. Leahy resurgent in new Democratic Congress
June 18, 2007

By Ross Sneyd Associated Press

MONTPELIER, Vt. — U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy is back in the limelight.

From Guantanamo Bay terrorism suspects to the dismissal of U.S. attorneys, he is enjoying a resurgence in power and visibility since the Democrat-controlled 111th Congress took office in January.

As a veteran senator in an institution where longevity equals power, Leahy's views have taken on added importance now that his party is back in the majority. With that seniority comes the clout of the chairmanship of an influential committee that both has been assigned and has seized the role of probing what Democrats see as the abuses and shortcomings of the Bush administration.

"There's a lot of things I've done in the past, but I've had to do it at the willingness of Republicans who set the agenda," said Leahy. "Now, with the Judiciary Committee, I set the agenda. I've set the agenda on this investigation on the firing of U.S. attorneys. I've done it not just to say, 'Look at what the Bush administration has done,' but to make it clear whoever the next president is, if they do something, we'll point the spotlight at it."

It's a spotlight in which Leahy clearly feels comfortable. A fixture on the Sunday morning TV talk show circuit, he is often sought out both because of his position and because he doesn't shy away from the rough-and-tumble side of politics.

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He is getting plenty of exposure, but I hope it leads to some convictions and impeachments. We heard enough about what the Dem leadership will accomplish, but not much is happening.

running the show?

First, you investigate. THEN you indict...

I'm not a fan of "Let the wheel of justice spin, bring the guilty bastard in." There's a process involved.

It may seem like it takes a long time because Democrats honor that process, while the GOP does not.

He's a class act.
Accessible, compassionate, intelligent -- remarkably like VERMONT!

by rightwing Bushite corporations. This seems to be a redhot poker that none of them will pick up. Wonder why. Heart of all our troubles, it seems to me.

No-brainer.

I do appreciate Sen. Leahy, and I'm glad y'all have democracy in Vermont (and in New York--until they give up their unriggable lever voting machines and go Diebold, probably this year). But have some compassion for the rest of us, in our animal cages out here in Diebold-land.

You ever know a rightwing Bushite corporation that had a secret to anything--let alone to our election results--and didn't use it for ill?

Senator?