Bunning Obstructs; Families Lose

David Streeter — March 3, 2010 – 11:02 am | Congress | Domestic Policy | GOP Hypocrisies | Republicans Comments (0) Add a comment

Senator Jim Bunning (R-KY) finally ended his two day filibuster last night that delayed the passage of unemployment aid extensions that would benefit millions of Americans. While many conservatives are praising his efforts, Bunning’s stunt is a continuation of the Republican Party’s overall obstruction tactics. Supporters of Bunning’s obstruction included:

• House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH)
• Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl (R-AZ)
• Bunning’s aspiring Republican successors Rand Paul (R-KY) and Trey Grayson (R-KY) 
• Rumored 2010 presidential candidate and former Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) 
• Fox News’ Sean Hannity and his panel of sycophants
• GOP heavyweight Rush Limbaugh 

According to The Daily Kos, Bunning’s one man stunt kept badly needed money out of the pockets of unemployed workers and food out of their families’ mouths.  In addition, the Louisville Courier-Journal reported today that Bunning’s stunt even kept workers in his home state from going back to work on infrastructure improvement projects.

MSNBC’s Howard Fineman suggested last night that there is more personal and local explanation for Bunning’s stunt. If Fineman is right, then the GOP’s civil war can count millions of American workers and their families among its casualties.

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