Senate Watch

What are my favorite senators (who are not running for president) saying these days? Each of their statements give hints about what they see or hope for in the future. Many of them had strong opinions about the resignation of Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld. Democrats, who won majorities in the U.S. Congress in last week's elections, said on Sunday they will push for a phased withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq to begin in four to six months.

Senator Carl Levin - "The first order of business is to change the direction of Iraq policy," said Sen. Carl Levin, a Michigan Democrat who is expected to be chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee in the new Congress. Levin, on ABC's "This Week," said he hoped some Republicans would emerge to join Democrats and press the administration of President George W. Bush to tell the Iraqi government that U.S. presence was "not open-ended." . . . "We need to begin a phased redeployment of forces from Iraq in four to six months," Levin said.

Senator Richard Durbin (Assistant Democratic Leader) - "Secretary Rumsfeld’s departure is long overdue. Donald Rumsfeld was a major architect of our failed policies in Iraq and his leadership at the Pentagon had been challenged by Republicans and Democrats alike and members of the military of all ranks. Yesterday, the American people spoke with a clear voice about their dissatisfaction with the war in Iraq and voted for change. Now, they want accountability and results at home and in Iraq. I look forward to meeting with Robert Gates, who has been nominated to take up the challenge of leading the Department of Defense when our nation is at war. My hope is that Mr. Gates will bring his experience on the Iraq Study Group to bear and will examine our situation in Iraq with fresh eyes. If Robert Gates is confirmed, he must implement a plan to transfer responsibility for the security of Iraq to the Iraqis so our troops can come home – a plan that Secretary Rumsfeld has failed to execute while at the Pentagon."

Senator J. Rockefeller (regarding Rumsfeld resignation) - “Secretary Rumsfeld’s war plans in Iraq have failed. The country is on a dangerous course, and the Administration has finally recognized the need for drastic, immediate change. The next Secretary of Defense will play a critical role in changing the course in Iraq, but will also have an enormous responsibility in addressing the global war on terror. Democrats stand ready to work with this Administration and its new leadership to begin to chart the right course. Robert Gates is a career intelligence and national security official. The president’s choice may signal that he is searching for a realistic and pragmatic approach in Iraq and the war on terror, rather than continuing on a course driven by ideology.”

Senator Diane Feinstein - "“The resignation of Secretary Rumsfeld is welcome and could represent a significant shift in direction by this Administration. I hope it opens the door to fresh ideas on Iraq. . . Secretary Rumsfeld presided over a failed policy in Iraq. . . Secretary Rumsfeld’s resignation is welcome. I hope that the President’s nominee will work with the Congress to restore a clear-eyed and pragmatic view to our nation’s defense policy."
Senator Byron Dorgan - "The American people voted for change yesterday and they got it today. I congratulate President Bush on hearing the American people and accepting the resignation of the Secretary of Defense. . . Policy changes must follow personnel changes. We have a long way to go and many more changes to make. But this change is good for America and it’s a good beginning on the new direction America wants."

Senator Susan Collins - (from 10/13/06 SunJournal.com regarding seeking a 3rd term): "I've found that I really underestimated the importance of seniority and how much difference it makes when you are a more senior member," Collins said of her decision. "At the time, I thought that 12 years, that two terms, would be enough. This was at the height of what I would call the frenzy over term limits."

Senator Debbie Stabenow - "Thank you all for your votes yesterday and your hard work throughout this election. You all helped me send a strong message throughout Michigan and throughout the nation that we will stand up and fight for our middle class and our Michigan way of life."

Senator Barbara Boxer - Nov. 8, 2006. (regarding Rumsfeld's resignation): "This election has already had an impact on foreign policy. Without Rumsfeld we have a chance to move forward in a bipartisan fashion to find a political solution. History will not judge Donald Rumsfeld kindly.”

Senator Lindsey Graham - (from Myrtle Beach Online of 11/05/06): As U.S. Sen Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., argues in an article on Sunday's Op-Ed Page, "Republicans in Congress can reverse their fortunes by thinking and acting like Republicans again."

Senator Ted Kennedy (regarding his 8th election to the Senate) - In his victory speech, Kennedy thanked voters for the ‘‘high honor” of allowing him to serve in the Senate. Referring to other Democratic wins around the country, Kennedy called the voting (quote) ‘‘a referendum on President Bush’s handling of the war in Iraq.’’

Senator Patrick Leahy (regarding Rumsfeld resignation) "Stay the course long ago proved a failure as a policy in Iraq. The American people have signaled the need for a new direction, and it is encouraging that the President may be starting to recognize the need for change."

Senator Barbara Mikulski - (11/9/06) - “These products have not been proven safe for consumers and are a threat to animals.” Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.) today sent a letter to Acting Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Dr. Andrew von Eschenbach opposing the FDA’s expected endorsement of the use of meat and milk from cloned animals for public consumption. Senator Mikulski urged Dr. von Eschenbach to release the research used to justify an FDA endorsement, which has been delayed for several years.

Senator Charles Schumer - (Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) Chair Chuck Schumer said, just prior to the election), “Americans of all political stripes - Democrats, Independents, and even Republicans - are unhappy with what's happening in Iraq and here at home, so this election has become a referendum on change from coast to coast. Simply put, everyone in the country seems to realize that we need a new direction in Iraq and a new direction in Congress – everyone, that is, except for President Bush and his rubber stamp Republican Congress. Every vote cast for a Democrat on Tuesday is a vote for a new, smarter foreign policy and a Congress that will be strong and smart on terror and relentless in pursuing policies that help average Americans.”

Senator Olympia Snowe - "What your vote of confidence tells me is, you want a voice in Washington as resolute and independent and reasonable-minded as all of you are as Mainers," Snowe said in a statement, which she read to supporters at her election night headquarters in Portland . . . at 11:30 p.m.

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