New Jersey Congressional Delegation Marches Lockstep on the War

“When House lawmakers on Thursday passed a bill that would compel President Bush to start withdrawing troops from Iraq after four months, only four Republicans supported the measure, while 10 Democrats opposed it. All six New Jersey Republicans voted against H.R. 2956, which would require Bush to effect "a transition to a limited presence" in Iraq by April 1, 2008. The Garden State Republicans, however, did not come to the floor to defend Bush's policy in Iraq, including the president's determination to surge 30,000 additional American soldiers and Marines into Baghdad, al Anbar Province and Diyala Province.” (Cahir, Gloucester County Times).

Duncan. Emerson. Gilchrest. Jones.

These were the Republicans who supported H.R. 2956, which would require the president to effect "a transition to a limited presence" in Iraq by April 1, 2008. The vote in the House except for these four Republicans [and the ten Democrats who opposed the bill] went pretty much along political party lines. And while the Republican New Jersey Congressional Delegation marched in lockstep with Bush on the War, at least four Republicans showed good sense and opposed President Bush war policies.

As Seinfeld might say, “Who ARE these people?” And why did they vote against their president?

John James Duncan Jr. was elected as a Republican to the One Hundredth Congress, by special election, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of his father, John J. Duncan.

He represents the Second Congressional District in Tennessee, which is mostly made up of citizens residing in the Knoxville metropolitan area. He has been named among the five most fiscally conservative Members of Congress by the National Taxpayers Union and is one of the few Members of Congress to receive the Citizens Against Government Waste Super Hero Award.

√Perhaps Congressman Duncan is a 'thinking conservative' --- and does not want to waste taxpayers dollars on the Iraqi War.

Jo Ann Emerson represents the 8th District in Missouri, from the Mississippi River valley, through the Bootheel flatlands, and to the timberlands and clear streams of the Ozarks. Agricultural products including cotton, corn, rice, grapes, trout, forest products, and livestock are produced there. Over 90% of America's lead production is located in the Eighth District. She is very strong on support for her rural district, made up of many family farms.

√Ms. Emerson is a mother and grandmother. Perhaps she does not wish to see her children's children pay for a long-term war with their lives or tax dollars. And she is from the 'Show Me State'. That says it all.

Congressman Wayne Gilchrest [1st District of Maryland] is most often described as an independent voice for his constituents on Capitol Hill. His willingness to champion issues and vote his conscience regardless of party affiliation has earned him respect from both sides of the political spectrum. He continues to be a strong advocate for fiscal responsibility and environmental protection. His consistent support for reducing federal spending and eliminating the deficit has won him accolades from many taxpayer watchdog groups since his first term in 1991.

Gilchrest serves as a senior member of the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

√ Perhaps it is Mr. Gilchrest's independence that is his hallmark on the issue of the war.

Walter B. Jones represents the 3rd District in North Carolina, home of the world famous Outer Banks --- the home of the world's first airplane flight, Kitty Hawk. His dedication and commitment to providing tax relief for American families, retirement security for our nation's seniors, a strong national defense and a quality education for every child has earned him respect among his colleagues on both sides of the political aisle.

As a member of the Armed Services Committee, Jones has concentrated on safeguarding the well being of our nation's veterans and our men and women on active duty. His concern for Vietnam-era veterans led him to introduce the War Crimes Act of 1996, which allows prisoners of war, the opportunity to bring their persecutors to justice in U.S. courts.

√ Congressman Jones concentrating on the "safeguarding the well being of our nation's veterans and our men and women on active duty" may have something to do with his willingness to support a time table for withdrawal.

So while New Jersey’s own Republican congressional delegation has traveled lockstep with their president on this insane war policy, at least these four Republicans have shown independence, intelligence and insight. They vote their conscience first before their party.

So, a big thumbs up to these independent thinking Republicans from this lifelong Democrat. The NJ Repubs could learn a thing or two.