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Politics : Liberalism: Do You Agree We've Had Enough of It? -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: JBTFD who wrote (120696)	12/27/2011 9:02:57 PM
From: Hope Praytochange	1 Recommendation Respond to of 224714

By NAFTALI BENDAVID WASHINGTON—Sen. Ben Nelson, a Nebraska Democrat, said Tuesday that he wouldn't seek re-election in November, a potential boost to Republican prospects for gaining control of the Senate. Mr. Nelson, 70 years old, a centrist Democrat representing a conservative state, faced a difficult re-election campaign. With his retirement, Democrats could have an even tougher time holding onto the seat. Enlarge Image Close Associated Press Sen. Nelson faced a tough race. As a signal of the importance the party placed on Mr. Nelson, the Democratic National Committee had transferred $800,000 to the Nebraska party in the past few months in part as an inducement for him to stay in the race. Much of it was spent on "issue ads" supporting his positions. Republicans had been targeting Mr. Nelson's seat, and he already had been the focus of punishing ads from outside groups. "While I relish the opportunity to undertake the work that lies ahead, I also feel it's time for me to step away from elective office, spend more time with my family, and look for new ways to serve our state and nation," Mr. Nelson said in a statement. Democrats hold a 53-47 advantage in the Senate, but 23 Democrats face re-election or plan to retire in 2012, compared with 10 Republicans. That presents a challenge for Democrats as they try to hold onto their majority. Several of Democratic retirements are in swing states or those that have conservative leanings, and it will be hard for Democrats to hang onto those seats. Among the most perilous for the Democrats are seats opened by the departures of Sens. Kent Conrad in North Dakota, Jim Webb in Virginia, Herb Kohl in Wisconsin and Jeff Bingaman in New Mexico. Democrats hope to knock off incumbents in Massachusetts and Nevada. The GOP retirements are in places such as Arizona and Texas, which will be hard for Democrats to win. Democrats had been feeling more optimistic in recent weeks as their prospects improved in states such as North Dakota. But Mr. Nelson's decision represents at least a temporary shift in that momentum. Republicans said Mr. Nelson's hand was forced by his embrace of President Barack Obama's agenda. Democratic leaders should be troubled "that every other Senate Democrat facing re-election has voted for that same liberal agenda as well," said Brian Walsh, spokesman for the National Republican Senatorial Committee. Democrats insisted the outlook in Nebraska wasn't bad. They hope to lure former Sen. Bob Kerrey (D., Neb.), 68, into the race. Mr. Kerrey, who was traveling abroad, couldn't be reached. Republicans note he has lived in New York City for years. Nebraska Republicans have their own challenge with a contentious Senate primary among state Attorney General Jon Bruning, state Treasurer Don Stenberg and others. Mr. Bruning has attracted establishment support; Mr. Stenberg is backed by conservative and tea-party groups. "Republicans will continue to have their hands full with a very divisive primary in the state, which will provide an opportunity for Democrats to remain competitive," said Sen. Patty Murray (D., Wash.), who spearheads the Democrats' Senate campaigns. Mr. Nelson was an attorney, insurance executive and state insurance director before winning two terms as governor. He came to the Senate in 2000 after Mr. Kerrey retired. Since then, he has had to navigate complex politics as a Democrat representing a conservative state. Mr. Nelson often found himself voting differently from his Democratic colleagues. His anguish was evident during the fight over Mr. Obama's health law, when Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D., Nev.) engaged him in drawn-out negotiations to win his support, even inserting additional Medicaid funds for Nebraska. That move backfired, as Republicans portrayed it as distasteful back-room dealing and it became known as the "Cornhusker Kickback." Mr. Nelson said he never asked for the special treatment, and it was dropped in the law's final version.

To: JBTFD who wrote (120696)	12/28/2011 12:54:50 AM
From: grusum	1 Recommendation Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 224714

Business has tremendous economic power define economic power. and power that it has over it's employees and customers that is not derived from government. and what power would that be? employees (they can quit) and especially customers can't be forced to do anything by businesses. Economic power is just as viable and the government has no monopoly on that type of power. i don't think you can define economic power in a way that it has any power over people.