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Johnson Joins Thune and Noem in Buying Keystone XL Lies

Senator Tim Johnson joined 16 other Senate Democrats and all 45 Senate Republicans in voting in favor of a non-binding amendment expressing support of the Keystone XL pipeline.

Senator Johnson tells Politico he will announce on Tuesday whether or not he plans to run again in 2014. The fact that he didn't sign a January letter urging the President to approve Keystone XL was taken by some tea-leaf readers as a sign Johnson planned to retire and didn't need to insulate himself from right-wing attacks. If that logic holds, one could get even tea-leafier and contend that Johnson may be leaning back toward challenging Mundt's four-term record... and that he doesn't think he needs the votes of anyone interested in the environment or property rights.

I don't know if we can find a Democrat who will run for statewide office and raise holy heck about the lies and abuse dished out by TransCanada in selling its pipelines. But with today's vote, it's that much easier for me to say to Senator Johnson, "Step aside and let us try."

Bad vote today, Tim. Bad vote.

9 Comments

  1. Dana P. 2013.03.23

    When I saw that he voted this way, I was disappointed beyond belief. (shaking head)

  2. Dougal 2013.03.23

    Maybe Tim can follow up his faith in a disastrous hoax by submitting legislation allocating $10 billion for the "green" refinery project in Union County. As long as he's willing to stick his neck out for the reckless and greedy fossil fuel lobby, he might as well go all the way.

    The silver lining in TC's KXL being built is it will expose the big fat lies on jobs that were used to sell it. Just hang onto all their announcements of jobs, great wealth and safety. You will be able to use against the greedy frauds later.

  3. Vincent Gormley 2013.03.23

    I agree, Cory. And isn't perplexing how those who say we need new candidates always take the fallback in naming someone who lost. In this instance someone who never fulfills their promises. South Dakota needs to join the 21st century in its thinking process.

  4. Rorschach 2013.03.23

    Why would Tim vote that way if he's on the way out? This vote indicates to me that he's running for re-election. If not, then he's trying a little too hard to garner goodwill and perhaps donations for the next political Johnson.

  5. Michael Black 2013.03.23

    Cory, do you EVER have something nice to say about politicians? Remember that they dedicated their lives to public service. It would be nice if they would actually do their job and pass a budget.

  6. Douglas Wiken 2013.03.23

    "Remember that they dedicated their lives to public service. "

    That now seems to be grossly overly optimistic and rosy these days. Many observers are convinced politicians have dedicated their lives to re-election for more perks and retirement benefits...whether that is the case or not.

    Johnson had no good legitimate policy reasons for support repeal of banking controls or for supporting XL.
    I appreciated Johnson's staff help with an issue with an executive department fiat, but over the years he has waffled and waited and diddled and mis-led far too many times. He looks good only in comparison to his Republican enemies-- past, present, and current. That is a rather low bar.

  7. caheidelberger Post author | 2013.03.23

    Michael, I'll respond the same way I respond to my students. When my French students make mistakes, I would do them a disservice by not pointing those mistakes out. Tim Johnson made a mistake Friday. He should correct it.

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