A Republican WOLF in Democrat SHEEP clothing?

I got an e-mail recently from the "Friends of Robert C. Byrd" asking for my support of Senator Byrd's re-election especially in view of the fact that the Republican candidate is, according to them, a wealthy man who can spend his own money to get elected.

It is well known that I "lean" Democrat. I'm probably more of an "Independent" but the WV Primary system doesn't lend itself to being without a party. Nevertheless, I find that in most matters, excepting National Defense, the Democratic Party's expressed beliefs and core values come closest to matching mine. I don't quite trust Republicans, even though my parents were of that party, because they seem to favor big business and show little or no concern about the individual, especially the poor one.

Robert C. Byrd proposes himself as a Democrat and, for all of me, he is one. I personally think he should form a "Constitutionalist Party" but that's an issue for another day.

I seldom take the time to write my Senators or my Representative. Since I'm not a wealthy contributor to their campaigns, I have never expected them to pay much attention. But, since the first election of George W. Bush, I have taken the time to email both Senators Byrd and Rockerfeller on at least three occasions.

The first: their vote on the nomination of John Ashcroft as Attorney General. I expressed deep concern over his political record and suggested he was not the right man for the job. I received answers from both Senators: Rockefeller saying he understood my concerns and would take them under consideration when he made his decision; Byrd essentially said that Ashcroft was a former Senator, therefore to be trusted to do the right thing. Rockefeller voted no; Byrd voted Yea.

We all know how well that turned out.

The second: their vote on the nomination of John Roberts as Chief Justice. I expressed concerns about Robert's judicial philosophy and the likely-hood he would take the court back to the 50's. I didn't get written answers from either. Both voted to confirm.

Only time will tell how that one turns out.

The third: Sam Alito for Supreme Court Justice. I've written both Senators. I've heard from neither. The vote is fast approaching. Rockefeller is undecided. Byrd is one of two Democrats to openly support Alito.

We'll have to wait and see.

But the reason behind this rant is that I feel betrayed by the senior Senator from WV. He has been great in steering money to us. He has drawn national attention to important issues such as mine safety. But in my mind, there can be no more important issue than the confirmation of Presidential nominations, especially to the Supreme Court. The President, in his 8 years in office, can influence the direction of this country for many years. Roberts and Alito will almost certainly be around until 2020. The balance of power in this country will be shifted no matter who is elected to Congress or the Presidency.

Vote for Robert C. Byrd for re-election? Not unless I see some satisfactory evidence that he is, truly, a supporter of the things I care about. I've voted for him every time he's run since I could first vote in 1968. I may well not cast a ballot on the Senate race this year.