fitz
pete | 03.13.06 - 6:17 am | #

Called both my Virginia Senators. Neither has made a public statement. Neither office would even say whether Warner or Allen are planning a statement or position.
David McCreary | 03.13.06 - 6:21 am | #

My senators are Frist and Alexander. I dont think call ing them will do any good.

I hate this.
snowbird42 | 03.13.06 - 6:21 am | #

Great picture of Russ.

Hit the phones, people.
Pachacutec | 03.13.06 - 6:22 am | #

Carl Levin's aid said it'd be on his website if/when he makes a statement. I said "but you would know before that, wouldn't you?" and he hmmm and huuhhed and said he'd know when it was on the website. But I gave him my opinion anyway. So now I'm chicken to call Debbie, but I will later today.
Sharon | 03.13.06 - 6:22 am | #

I just called Allen and Warner from VA and also got that they currently have no position.
The Rejectionist | 03.13.06 - 6:23 am | #

At 9 a.m. EST nieither Boxer nor Feinstein have a position on Feingold's censure position. I told their people that I would call back, urged both Ms.s to support him, and if they do not to 1) offer explanation and 2) count my vote out (I cannot vote for Feinstein again, regardless). It is only 6 a.m. here in S.F. and I will call local offices in a few hours, and retry D.C. too. Called Feingold yesterday with message 'THANK YOU'.
sw | Homepage | 03.13.06 - 6:23 am | #

Called Clinton and Schumer; neither one had a position yet.

Jeez, do any of these clowns THINK? Ya think something like this would merit a bit of effort during the off-hours in order to be prepared when business hours begin.
beemer | 03.13.06 - 6:25 am | #

I called Stabenow to give my opinion anyway and the aid said the senator had no opinion yet but she'd pass along my comment.
Sharon | 03.13.06 - 6:26 am | #

From Massachusetts at about 9:20: Niether Kerry or Kennedy has decided whether to support Feingold's censure.

Seth
Seth Rothberg | 03.13.06 - 6:28 am | #

Feingold's phone is busy.
Sharon | 03.13.06 - 6:29 am | #

I called both Lautenberg and Menendez (NJ). Neither had an opinion on the Cenure motion. Lautenberg's office said that it would take a couple of days to have a position. "But the issue is not new, why that long?" No good answer. I also told both offices that their most important responsibility right now is to keep this president in check.
frank | 03.13.06 - 6:29 am | #

Called Allen (VA) No pisotion yet, accoridng to staffer Matt. Will he vae a statement soon? "We usually are quick on these things." Do they anticipate a statement today? "I can't guarantee anything. Watch the news."

Called Warner (VA). Was placed on hold for an extended time so I could be connected to the "legistaltive assistant in charge of that issue." Finally got into the voice mail of someone whose name I could not entirely identify (Lena something, last name with an "M"). Left a voice mail asking what the position is and leaving my phone number.
Pachacutec | 03.13.06 - 6:32 am | #

Snowbird42 -- it's not so much that we expect Sen/ Frist to be supportive (because, really, that would be a miracle, wouldn't it?) But it's just a short call to make them go on the record with a position -- for or against -- and to let them know that a constituent out there in their state is peeved and thinking about this issue.

If enough of these Senators start getting these calls, they'll start talking about this amongst themselves, reporters will pick up on the buzz, and the snowball will keep growing bigger and bigger. All we want is to get this conversation rolling. So even if your Senator is so far up Karl Rove's butt that sunlight isn't something they've seen in years -- please take a few minutes and call them and let us know what they say. Thanks!
ReddHedd | Homepage | 03.13.06 - 6:33 am | #

Specter's office says he has not taken a position on censure. When I asked whether he would, his aide said "yes, I believe so."

I then reminded her that Senator Specter is on record saying "there is no doubt this is inappropriate" and his reference to the White House spying program as "clearly and categorically wrong."
jerry | 03.13.06 - 6:33 am | #

Called Lincoln and Pryor (AR). Neither has a position as yet (spinning classes scheduled for 10am), but Lincoln tends toward Dino-ness so who can say. Pryor seems more responsive to his consituents. Registered my strong support for censure with both and said I'd call back.

Jenny
Illumina49 | 03.13.06 - 6:34 am | #

I live in Texas so a call to Senators Hutchinson and Cornyn would be completely useless. I did send Feingold an email though yesterday just as soon as his appearance on This week concluded.
waiting in texas | 03.13.06 - 6:37 am | #

I also called Levin and Stabenow, neither of them has issued a comment. I made it very clear that I hoped they would support it though, so hopefully if enough people call up and let them know it will give them a little courage to do the right thing.
Brabantio | 03.13.06 - 6:37 am | #

I will never, ever give another cent, or vote for any dem that does no support Feingold. My last straw was how they scurried away from Murtha. I will not be conned into voting for dems simply because they are not republicans. I will "throw away" my vote on a 3rd party until dems step up to the plate and show some balls.
Gatchaman | 03.13.06 - 6:37 am | #

Maybe it would be useful to contact the DNC directly?

And Gov Dean directly?
anonymous | 03.13.06 - 6:37 am | #

Kerry and Kennedy's offices have not taken a position on censure. Both expect to within a day or two. Kennedy's NSA wiretapping (Boston office) staffer had not heard about the Dewine proposal, nor of Glenn Greenwald. Kerry's staffers are not in yet.
Professor Foland | 03.13.06 - 6:38 am | #

A tip: it's sometimes easier to get through to the regional offices than to the Washington one, and all the numbers are pooled together. I just spoke to Clinton's Syracuse office, and they promised to call me back when she formulates a position.
NYMary | Homepage | 03.13.06 - 6:38 am | #

And here is the DNC's rather sad blog.
anonymous | 03.13.06 - 6:40 am | #

Called my two senators from Minnesota. As of 9:38 a.m. (EST), neither of them had take a position on it.

Mark Dayton (D) is a lame-duck Dem who should support Feingold, but you never know.

Norm Coleman (R) is a total Bush whore who wears kneepads and does what he's told. Still, it never hurts to go on the record with what you want a Senator to do. Coleman will ignore this, but the more people who call him and tell him they want censure, the better the phone tally---at least for our side.
Midwest Meg | 03.13.06 - 6:42 am | #

I'm certain that I will never change the mind of the stupidest senator in the world, George Allen. (I lived in Boston for years and when I moved back to the DC area, this clown George Allen was running for something, and I just remember saying, "Please just tell me it is NOT the football coach's son.")

But the only good part about living in a red state is that until Cheney/Bush decide to make it illegal, it is very easy to annoy one's senators by telling them things that they would rather not hear, such as, that they are not doing their jobs.

Feingold can be emailed--Russ_Feingold@feingold.senate.gov. I could not get through on the phone either.
The Rejectionist | 03.13.06 - 6:42 am | #

Call your Senators even if you know they'll oppose. Pressure on the enemy makes them unsure and nervous. Nervous, unsure people make mistakes :)

And I'm with Beemer. It's unbelievable nobody was working on this over the weekend. Even if Feingold announced on Sunday morning--in grad school I was in the lab every Sunday afternoon, and the fate of the nation just wasn't at stake. (Yes, I was a dork, but I expect Washington staffers to be dorks, too.)
Professor Foland | 03.13.06 - 6:42 am | #

EPU'd...

On the Russ Feingold censure proposal:

I called Boxer but couldn't get through, will try later.

Called Feinstein and her aide said that DiFi didn't have a public position on that yet.

I was invited to offer my opinion, and it would be passed on to the Senator.

"It's time the Senate acted to protect the 4th Amendment and hold the criminal actions of this Administration accountable."

Without coffee it's hard to tell if that's what actually came out of my mouth, but it was close.

Lady DiFi needs lots of encouragement on this -- I hope my fellow Californians get on her.
--
Cliff Varnell | 03.13.06 - 6:42 am | #

I called both NJ Senators. Lautenberg's office said that no decision had been made but the the senator was VERY interested in my opinion. Basically I got the same response from Menendez's office.
MC IN JC | 03.13.06 - 6:42 am | #

Another call to Kennedy's and Kerry's offices. Again they don't know yet. . .
Kennedy's office asked if I wanted him to support it—indeed I did. Kerry's office didn't ask but I volunteered that support.
RevDeb | Homepage | 03.13.06 - 6:43 am | #

I called Senators Boxer and Feinstein just now. Neither has made a public statement on their position.

I made it very clear to both aides I talked to that I SERIOUSLY supported Feingold's Censure and that I believed that now was the time to hold Mr. Bush accountable to the same laws that I must follow, and since Mr. Bush is an elected (maybe) official, not the emperor.

As always, thanks for your great work.
Linda Bacon | 03.13.06 - 6:44 am | #

I wonder why Feingold hasn't posted a diary on Kos asking for support--maybe it is coming...
The Rejectionist | 03.13.06 - 6:45 am | #

Maybe it would be useful to contact the DNC directly?

And Gov Dean directly?
anonymous | 03.13.06 - 6:37 am
**********

Understand DNC does not = Dean. He may be the chairman, but the rest of that crew are much more tied to the inside the beltway bunch than they are to ole' Howard.
looseheadprop | 03.13.06 - 6:45 am | #

Clinton and Schumer: No position. Staffers say the senators will be making statments, but neither staffer could provide a time frame.

They did remember to ask which position, for or against the proposal, I want the senator to take.
masculine_monica_nyc | 03.13.06 - 6:46 am | #

Id say.. if you can.. offer your cellphone to as many friends relatives and neighbors. If you can just get one person besides yourself to call.. well you get the point. Its easier than you may think, Ive gotten two people (neighbors) plus myself this morning, and all I had to do was dial the number and hand them the phone. Easy Schmezy.

These people are only going to respond when we overwhelm them with calls.
FlusterCluck | 03.13.06 - 6:46 am | #

RH--

There's also a toll-free Capitol switchboard number, 1-888-355-3588 to reach any Senator.
Professor Foland | 03.13.06 - 6:47 am | #

I wonder why Feingold hasn't posted a diary on Kos asking for support--maybe it is coming...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kos isn't working for many this morning. Either get a blank page, or "down for maintenance" message.

````````````````````````````
CS | 03.13.06 - 6:48 am | #

PS Everyone should be emailing CNN to keep them honest in their reporting on Feingold's resolution. Their most recent report dwells on Feingold's motivations, thereby watering down the justness of this censure. They should also point out that Feingold's resolution simply reflects the average American's sentiments, since a majority of citizens think the President should be impeached.

To send emails to CNN TV, click on the link at the bottom of the CNN webpage. Then choose the programs you want to send the email to. I imagine most will want to do this for every news show they have.
Anonymous | 03.13.06 - 6:49 am | #

Emails and phone calls are out. No position from Boxer or Pelosi. Will keep on this.
Feingold's line is busy, busy, busy.
meta | 03.13.06 - 6:50 am | #

I called Obama's office and (after being put on hold for a minute) the man who answered the phone told me that Obama hasn't issued a statement; I think he also said Obama hasn't decided. I told him that I strongly supported the motion and I would be calling back to see what position Obama took.

I called Durbin's office and the woman who answered the phone told me the Senator hasn't decided and she would convey my opinion to the Senator; she then asked me for my zip code. She asked me if I was in favor in a way that assumed that I was, although I hadn't explicitly said that. Of course I said "Yes, I'm strongly in favor."

Now to call Russ and tell him thanks.
Anonymous | 03.13.06 - 6:50 am | #

Feinstein:

No public stance on it. No timetable on when she will have one.

Boxer:

No public stance on it. No timetable on when she will have one.

***with Feinstein's office they were quick to assume I was for it...as if they'd already gotten a lot of calls.
Patrick Briggs | Homepage | 03.13.06 - 6:50 am | #

Feingold's phone is busy so I sent him a fax:

202-224-2725 in DC.
Pachacutec | 03.13.06 - 6:51 am | #

I called the offices of New Mexico Senators Bingaman and Domenici. Neither one has a position yet. In my experience, Bingaman waits to hear from his constituents before deciding, so I would strongly encourage other FDL readers in NM to contact his office early and often to ask him to support censure. Domenici is a solid party-line kind of guy, so it's doubtful he would support it. But I like to call and give his staff an earful anyway. Ya never know....
Sue | 03.13.06 - 6:52 am | #

Just a question - it seemed obvious to me that Feingold would prepare his colleagues for this, and I really expected Durbin to be already behind this. Don't these Senators talk to each other?
Anonymous | 03.13.06 - 6:53 am | #

Of course they talk to one another.. its just safer to hide behind Feingolds coat tails and wait to see Roves response.
FlusterCluck | 03.13.06 - 6:54 am | #

Don't these Senators talk to each other?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Therein lies the problem - perhaps this is why Dems are the minority in DC? Which issue have they all organized and rallied together with one, common message to the American people? You'd think they'd start sometime soon....

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
CS | 03.13.06 - 6:55 am | #

Called Illinois Sens Durbin and Barack-Obama--Chicago offices. Durbin's office repsonse: "We don't have information on that, but I can give you the Washington D.C. number." B-O's office: "The what?" I know it's first thing Monday, but it sure doesn't sound like they're on top of this one yet.
JeffK | 03.13.06 - 6:58 am | #

I called both Feinstein's and Boxer's office - neither had a position on the censure proposal - I pursued further on the matter and said I would like to know their positions on the issue, and their reasons why or why not.
Feinstein's office said she would relay the message. Boxer's office said that if I wanted an answer, I would have to send a fax or email.
DOT | 03.13.06 - 6:58 am | #

Followed up my calls to VA Senators with faxes urging support and asking for a statement.
Pachacutec | 03.13.06 - 6:58 am | #

I was listening to an interview on Dianne Rehm a month or so ago, and she had on a political operative (I'm sorry to say that I don't who it was). Anyway, his one biggest piece of advice to people who were trying to get their voices heard was to call their senators LOCAL offices. Not the DC offices. He said the DC offices receive all the big pac efforts, and often the calls, emails go unheeded or into the trash. He said the one thing that really gets their attention (and he had worked in Senatorial offices) is to call the local offices. That way they know they are hearing from their constituents. It sounded like a legit suggestion to me, and I've been following it ever since I heard it. I get callls back! Please pass this info on.
MrsT | 03.13.06 - 6:58 am | #

Even if you live in the reddest of red states, please do go forward and express your opinion to your elected officials now. They need to get out of their comfort zone and represent the majority in this country. Let's not suffer in silence.
meta | 03.13.06 - 6:59 am | #

I just called Senators Levin and Stabenow. Both offices say they don't have an official position yet. I told both aides that I spoke with that I strongly urge the senators to support Sen. Fiengold. (Grandpatoo was on the phone & seconded that). I was on hold for a couple of minutes for Levin, but got right through to Stabenow.

Fiengold's phone was busy on my three attempts to call, so I'll e-mail him my thanks.
grandmatoo | 03.13.06 - 6:59 am | #

Richard Burr (R-NC)

Two of us have called and both got the same answer - "I will pass this information along to the Senator."

I'm going to call later in the day from a different phone.
B. Muse/Southern Dem | Homepage | 03.13.06 - 6:59 am | #

OT

rwcole

I replied to your request for books and education on the mechanics of politcs and campaigns at the bottom of the last thread.

It's a long post, so I don't want to clutter up the soace here.

I think I EPU myself for more than the original does!
looseheadprop | 03.13.06 - 6:59 am | #

Durbin - no position
Obama - no position
Bruce | Homepage | 03.13.06 - 7:01 am | #

Ditto w/anomymous --
I was put on hold for a minute for Sen. Obama's office,
Sen. Durbin's office seemed non committal as well.....
Sen. Feingold's phone: nice classical music, cheery woman who was pleasant in return.....

I hope we see some positive results soon!!
Maryrose | 03.13.06 - 7:01 am | #

just called Clinton, Schumer, Lautenberg, and Menendez (I grew up in NJ; now live in NY). None has yet come to a position. Lame.
Passing Shot | 03.13.06 - 7:01 am | #

This is the fax sent to both Feinstein and Boxer:

"I was impressed by the stand taken by Senator Russ Feingold announcing on This Week that he was going to introduce a Motion for Censure against President Bush for breaking the FISA laws.

As one of your constituants, I would like to know your position regarding the Censure Motion.

Although I am a lifelong Republican, I have consistantly voted for you because of your stand on many issues. Unfortunately, this partucular issue is important to me having spent 24 years in California law enforcement with the understanding that no one is above the law in this country, a concept I thought you shared with me and millions of other Americans.

***Added to Feinstein's****
I was living in San Francisco when you stood tall in the wake of the Milk-Monscone assasinations. I am begging you to stand tall again. This country needs accountablity.

fingers and toes crossed
Suzanne | 03.13.06 - 7:01 am | #

VA:
George Allen: No comment yet

John Warner (per usual): "This is the worst type of political grandstanding."

My response, thank the Dear senator for standing with a known law breaker and the citizens of va will remember that he cares more about the party than the commonwealth or the Union.
Ellie O'Connor | 03.13.06 - 7:01 am | #

Based on one call, I highly recommend calling the local offices. I called Kennedy's local office and an aide spent almost 10 min on the phone listening to my views while I got up on my soapbox. Though he couldn;t cite a position, he took my number and promised to call back when he knew. We'll see about that but I got a more welcome response than when I have called the D.C. office on other matters.

Now for Kerry....
sonofslothrop | 03.13.06 - 7:03 am | #

I just spoke to a rep at Sen. Bill Nelson's office (D-FL) and was told that because the session does not start until Noon, that he has not released any statement for or against Feingold's proposal. She was very polite, and so was I.
Jacksonville Dem | 03.13.06 - 7:04 am | #

Schumer's office did say something interesting:

"I will add your vote to the tally."

Oooh we have a tally.

Apparently we netroot folks are on the ball today!
Lefty the playwright | 03.13.06 - 7:04 am | #

OT -- just came from Daily kos where the new format is in place, and let me just say for a computer idiot that I will be LOST and silent there for quite some time. I managed to post but to have to click on every single comment I want to read will get a bit tiring. They said there was some sort of comment command bar but, golly gee, I couldn't find it.

Yup, lost I am, in kosland. Again. Hopefully the transition on this site won't leave many of us computer knownothings in the dirt.
GrandmaJ | 03.13.06 - 4:49 am | #

GrandmaJ - Where the article ends and the comments begin, there are some settings for comments. Click on "Expand" and then "Always", and comments for everything will look just like they used to. (That is, you should only have to do that once, not on every article.)
Redshift | Homepage | 03.13.06 - 7:06 am | #

Thanks for that, Redd Ill call them.
snowbird42 | 03.13.06 - 7:06 am | #

Spoke to someone at Clinton's office. He said that she has not had the opportunity to read the proposal yet, but that she would have a statement soon. He then asked what I thought of Feingold's proposal. I said I strongly supported it.


Schumer's office needs to offer "Communicating with the Public 101." The woman I spoke to at Schumer's office seemed defensive and offended by having to deal with me. I asked if Schumer had taken a position on the proposal. She said he hadn't had an opportunity to read it. I asked when she thought he would take a position. She replied, as if she were repeating herself for the the hundreth time to a small, slow child, "He will make a statement when he has had the opportunity to review the proposal." I asked, she had any idea when the Senator would have the opportunity to review the proposal. She said, repeating my words in an impatient voice, "No, I do not know when Senator Schumer will have to opportunity to review the proposal." I then asked if she was interested in my opinion of the proposal. She said, "Senator Schumer is always interested in the opinions of his constituents." I told her what I thought, and she said she would add my opinion "to the tally."
Magic 8ball | 03.13.06 - 7:07 am | #

just came from Daily kos

GrandmaJ & Redshift: I'm glad you guys can at least pull the webpage up at Kos - some of us are getting nothing but whitespace??!
anony | 03.13.06 - 7:08 am | #

It is inconceivable to me why Senators would not have an opinion on censure by now - how long does it take them to make up their minds on a direct and simple proposal? What kind of processes and procedures are necessary for them to answer a straight and important question?
Most of us either heard Feingold's proposal on Sunday TV, or read about it in newspapers, or blogs - and could make up our minds about it immediately - one way or another.
DOT | 03.13.06 - 7:08 am | #

"Doesn't yet have a position" translates to: we're caught flat-footed, unprepared on this, and we're waiting to see if it generates the tsunami level response of the Dubai ports deal or scattered outrage that we can finesse and pander and not really do anything about like Katrina or NSA wiretapping....

Calls/contacts matter, whether your senator favors or opposes. And for those who do oppose, this suggested addendum--do you or don't you favor an up-or-down vote on the censure of the president....

Feingold's forceful, sensible and logical motion of censure deserves our support in every way.

And the pressure must ratchet up on these Senators that if they don't start exercising their constitutional responsibilities, we who love our democracy and want it back, will vote them out at the earliest opportunity.
Prairie Sunshine | 03.13.06 - 7:09 am | #

Neither of my senators from CO yet has a position. Pathetic.
dubai dan | 03.13.06 - 7:11 am | #

"No position" is clearly about waiting to see how it all falls out. In one sense, it makes our calling campaign all the more meaningful.
The Rejectionist | 03.13.06 - 7:12 am | #

Called both offices this am here in Md. and from Bab's I got "she has not made any decisions yet, thanks. From Sarbanes' I got same amswer but took my name and address. Sounds like they are getting some calls on this. Thanks for making it easy. Good lick and thanks for all the hard work.
scott Ely | 03.13.06 - 7:12 am | #

CS, I was thinking the same thing. Please coordinate something sometime, Dems!
I guess this isn't a no-brainer. Let's keep calling and emailing and faxing.
meta | 03.13.06 - 7:12 am | #

Thanks for the reminder. I called both senators before coffee this morning and told their aides of my support of Feingold's call for censure and my interest in knowing how the senators plan on responding.

Both aides said that their senator doesn't have a position yet but will let the senator know my position.
san mateo | 03.13.06 - 7:13 am | #

clinton has not yet taken a position; but did ask my opinion. the operator said they were receiving many calls about this issue.
bkny | 03.13.06 - 7:13 am | #

Grandmatoo, Sharon, and Brabantio ,

What about calling BACK to Levin's office and saying:

"You told me earlier that Senator Levin has not yet stated a position on the censure. But I read this in this morning's New York Times:

Senator Carl Levin of Michigan, the senior Democrat on the Armed Services Committee, urged caution among lawmakers until the program had been reviewed further.

"I think what the president did was wrong," Mr. Levin said. "But even though I think he was wrong, I would rather wait until the investigation is completed, which has now been started by the Intelligence Committee, before I go beyond that."
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/1...r=1& oref=slogin

That sounds like a position to me -- a position not supporting censure -- and it is published for New Yorkers.

I think that my Senator owes Michiganders a duty of honesty -- of your telling me on the phone what the Senator has already told the NY Times.

What do YOU think?

Does the Senator know that YOU on the staff are telling Michigan voters LESS than he is telling the New York newspapers?

Well, I am pissed, and I'd like the Senator to get on the right side of this censure issue.

Also, what the hell is the Intelligence Committee doing any more. Didn't they just cave in to the White House and decide not to investigate further?

(Something like that.)
Prof | 03.13.06 - 7:15 am | #

Monday 10:05 AM reporting from Massachusetts: Kennedy and Kerry both called and neither have made a decision on it yet. Told them both what I thought they should do and also that I'm a contributor of theirs (which I am). I also told them both I would check with them Tuesday AM, to see what their status is. I will call again Tuesday AM.
andre | 03.13.06 - 7:15 am | #

As of 10:00 EST, the two senators from Minnesota have not taken a position. Norm Coleman (R-Idiot) will try to tapdance his way through this, but Mark Dayton (D-Eeyore) is not seeking reelection - I don't understand why he doesn't simply let it all hang out.

At any rate, both offices are taking straw votes to see which way the winds blow. Presumably other senators' offices are as well. Light up those switchboards!
Spartakus | 03.13.06 - 7:16 am | #

Massachusetts

Kerry - supports

Kennedy - No public position yet
greg (not same one) | 03.13.06 - 7:17 am | #

Neither MN Senator (Dayton, Coleman) has a position at this time. Both offices committed to contact me with their positions shortly.
JSiq | 03.13.06 - 7:17 am | #

Called Sen. Murray in Washington... They have a list... must have gotten a good number of calls. She hasnt posted a position yet. So the operator took down my info.
Called Sen. Cantwell...They didn't both to take my info or even ask where I was from. They said she hasn't released a statement yet.
Thats the WA senator update :)
Ian
Ian | 03.13.06 - 7:17 am | #

9:11 CST:

Both Minnesota senators (Dayton, Coleman) have not taken public positions. Both said when they did it would be posted to their websites.
JS | 03.13.06 - 7:17 am | #

This is not going to work unless the press is there with the big lights. Therefore I suggest the following:

Everyone should be emailing CNN, ABC, CBS, MSNBC, etc. to keep them honest in their reporting on Feingold's resolution. Their most recent report dwells on Feingold's motivations, thereby watering down the justness of this censure. They should also point out that Feingold's resolution simply reflects the average American's sentiments, since a majority of citizens think the President should be impeached.

To email CNN go to their webpage and find the link for their TC programs at the bottom of the page. Click on that and choose the programs you want to send emails to. I imagine most people will want to do this for every program today.
Anonymous | 03.13.06 - 7:19 am | #

Just tried calling the toll free Hill number. Feingolds office no. is busy. His direct line is busy as well. Go Netroots!

Jenny
Illumina49 | 03.13.06 - 7:19 am | #

Senators Bayh and Lugar's offices each indicated that they had "not released a public statement" regarding Feingold's proposal. They dutifully noted my opinion in favor.

Also, I e-mailed Feingold's office thanking him for being the only Senator to display "backbone." (Thanks for the suggestion Redd! I probably would have forgotten this otherwise.)
sonate | 03.13.06 - 7:19 am | #

Mrs.T, thanks for your suggestion to call the local offices.

I called Levin's Genessee office (989-754-2494) and Stabenow's mid-mich office (517-203-1760) and the aides there seemed to be very interested in our urges to support Sen. Feingold. I had called the DC offices earlier and they were more noncommittal.

I'm going to call Reid's office in Carcon city (775-882-7343) and "urge" him to do his job too.

Thanks too Redd for leading the way.
grandmatoo | 03.13.06 - 7:19 am | #

I just called DeWine and Voinovich.

DeWine's office transfered me to VM of a Ben Franklin (seriously). I left a message and I'm wiaitn with baited breath for my call back.

Voinovich has no position and has made no statement, probably will but has no idea when.

From the great state of Ohio,

fricto
fricto | 03.13.06 - 7:21 am | #

Calls in to Kerry and Kennedy. Both gave the "no statement yet" line, but didn't ask my position. I told both that I was strongly in favor of it and could they pass that along to the Senator. They were polite and thanked me for my call.

Feingold's line is way, way, way busy.
obJeff | Homepage | 03.13.06 - 7:22 am | #

Good Morning Everyone,

Called the regional offices of the two stellar patriots representing us:

John Cornyn - was assured by staffer that the good senator would not be supporting Feingold

Kay Hutchison - althought the good senator believes it is of paramount importance to support the President, the staffer could not provide me with an official response at this time -
I let them know

1. I would be discussing this issue w/friends and neighbors (per georgia10's talking points), and

2. I would be contacting Barbara Ann Radnofsky's Campaign HQ (her november opponent) Cheerleader Kay's numbers are 'softening'


did in fact fax BAR's HQ, (talk lines busy) insisting on a public statement of support for Feingold.

also touched on DINO reticence to work w/progressive blogs and advised them to contact Ciro's folks and get on board the Progressive Express
cbl | 03.13.06 - 7:22 am | #

Specter, no comment yet, no position, no idea when.

Santorum, no position. It's office policy not give the senator's positions. They are only mailed out directly from the senator.

In both cases the women who answered the phone tried their best to get my position and sounded very harried.
ice weasel | Homepage | 03.13.06 - 7:23 am | #

Called Sununu-- has not decided yet, isn't really sure when he will, when I asked up or down vote-- he has not decided yet. I asked when I should call back to find out an answer she said soon, maybe this week. She'll pass my opinion to the Senator.

Gregg-- not decided yet, he's so busy as chairman of the budget committee (I said yep, see him on the tv right now, but he is capable of doing more than 1 thing at a time) what about an up or down vote-- again, don't know. When should I call back-- umm, maybe early next week. I encouraged it to be sooner than that since we are talking about the law. I asked for my concerns and opinion be passed to the Senator and he asked for my name again and spelling and said he would make sure.

Good morning, all.
angie | 03.13.06 - 7:23 am | #

I called the offices of Washington State Senators Cantwell and Murray, and neither have taken a position on the resolution. Both Senators have already received "hundreds" of phone calls in support of Feingold's resolution, and it is only 7:15 AM....
David Rasmussen | 03.13.06 - 7:23 am | #

Well - can't reach the Senate page with phone numbers anymore...says experiencing technical difficulties. Sucks when thousands of people see a simple action plan they like and decide to follow through.
B. Muse/Southern Dem | Homepage | 03.13.06 - 7:23 am | #

Bayh from IN has no position yet. Now on to Lugar. Feingold is busy, I will email him.
angryffemt | 03.13.06 - 7:25 am | #

Um...I meant it sucks for them. I'm happy about it. Anyone else having this problem?
B. Muse/Southern Dem | Homepage | 03.13.06 - 7:25 am | #

Just because you know your Rep won't support the bill isnt a reason not to call. You have to at least call. It matters. Maybe not to some rubberstamp rep, but when they get overwhelmed by calls in support, they cant ignore that. If nothing else, it shows them we are paying attention.
FlusterCluck | 03.13.06 - 7:25 am | #

Ct.

Dodd no position yet...

Joemo... a recording to state your concerns...jerk...
KllgnwrthDem | 03.13.06 - 7:26 am | #

http://www.congressmerge.com/onl...inedb/ index.htm
troydian | 03.13.06 - 7:26 am | #

I live in Washington, DC. We have no representation in the Senate. But I was born in Virginia, lived in NYC for a while as well as California. So, using my old zipcodes, I'm calling the senators from those states, leaving my opinion and stance. Even though I don't currently live in those states, I need my voice heard on this important issue. If you have already called your Senator, I challenge and encourage everyone to keep up the momentum -
CALL THE LOCAL NUMBER OF EVERY SENATOR IN EVERY STATE YOU EVER LIVED...
USE THE INFO FROM YOUR PREVIOUS ADDRESS WHEN ASKED...
MAKE OUR VOICES COUNT!!!
Anonymous | 03.13.06 - 7:26 am | #

From RI: Called Senators Reed and Chafee. Reed's office was familiar with the legislation, but noncommittal. Chafee's office politely promised to pass my position to the senator.

FYI Local #s:

Reed 401-943-3100
Chafee 401-453-5294
bren | 03.13.06 - 7:27 am | #

Bingaman's office sez the Senator has not decided whether or not to support Feingold's censure resolution.

I stated very firmly that, should the Senator waffle on this, he could expect to lose my support in the election which he faces in july (primary)...
.
WoodyGuthrie'sGuitar(aka | 03.13.06 - 7:27 am | #

Lautenberg and Menendez - NJ

Both offices say they are still deciding whether or not to support Sen. Feingold. I encouraged both of them to do so.
slate | 03.13.06 - 7:29 am | #

Arlen Specter- "has made no announcement yet" regarding his postion on Feingold's motion.

Rick Santorum - "we don't speak for Senator Santorum." (Ummmm... you're in his office, answering his phone, so uhhh ....) When pressed, the staffer said she didn't know what his stand was on this.

I urged both to support Feingold's motion. Once more into the breach.
semper fubar | 03.13.06 - 7:29 am | #

No position yet by Nevada Senators Reid and Ensign. Reid's office advised that he wanted to study the resolution prior to taking a position. He supports a full investigation by the Intelligence Sub Committee. Apparently a new one has been appointed to study the issue. Ensign will get back to me when he is up up to speed or gets his orders from Frist or Rove.
Norman Reuter | 03.13.06 - 7:29 am | #

I called Sen. Clinton and Sen. Schumer...Niether has made public statements , but would like to know my opinion. I also told Sen. Schumer 's office that I enjoyed the clasical music choice while on hold.
wooabby | 03.13.06 - 7:29 am | #

I personally support both Feingold's proposal and John Conyer's prposal - there is no godly reason why both cannot be suported - we don't have to choose between them.
DOT | 03.13.06 - 7:30 am | #

I just spoke with Allison in Senator Feingold's Milwaukee office and asked her to pass along thanks from the Dems in NC. She was pleased to hear it and I think a little surprised to get a call from NC.
B. Muse/Southern Dem | Homepage | 03.13.06 - 7:30 am | #

Called Levin and Stabenow from Michigan. No position yet, but Levin will announce "shortly" on his web site.
Fred Barton | Homepage | 03.13.06 - 7:30 am | #

Called local offices of Pryor and Lincoln.

Pryor's office "wasn't familiar with that motion" (sigh, it really is the hinterlands here sometimes), but took my name and zip and said she'd pass on my support.

Lincoln's office at least knew what the hell I was talking about, took the info as well and will pass it on.

Still busy at Feingolds number.

Jenny
Illumina49 | 03.13.06 - 7:31 am | #

CNN had a poll up on it yesterday, can't find it now but maybe Jack will ask today. Washington State: Maria Cantwell & Patty Murray have not made a public comment, interested in my position and took it down.
mainsailset | 03.13.06 - 7:31 am | #

I called Levin and Stabenow to urge them to support Fiengold's resolution to censure Bush (and Spector for good measure even though he is not my Senator-urged him follow through on investigation in his committee as well). Aids said that Levin and Stabenow had not stated an opinion. Indicated that they had been getting calls on this issue. I am discouraged to read Levin's statement (above) in yesterdays NYT but I bet you Levin will support the censure. I am sending out his ( and Stabenow's ) number to my e-mail list. Hopefully they get a lot of calls.
katiejacob | 03.13.06 - 7:31 am | #

10:26 AM Massachusetts again: "Senator Kerry IS backing Senator Feingold's call for a censure" One down, one to go.
andre | 03.13.06 - 7:33 am | #

Site down with Senate numbers, but got through to Burr and Dole's office, and was told in a very HARRIED voice that my call "would be passed on". Sigh. I will try the local ones, then email Feingold, then CNN! Please, for America's sake, please let this happen, or even be the beginning of the end for THE CHIMP!
H. Stevens | 03.13.06 - 7:33 am | #

If you would like to send a thank you note to Senator Feingold, go directly to feingold.senate.gov - the search functions at www.senate.gov are crashing.
Spartakus | 03.13.06 - 7:35 am | #

It's already begun:

Frist calls Feingold an Iranian quisling.

Us: you blew it

Them: YOU'RE A TRAITOR
.
Grand Moff Texan | Homepage | 03.13.06 - 7:35 am | #

This morning, I called my Oregon Senators, Ron Wyden (D) and Gordon Smith (R). The people that answered the phone said that the senators had not put out a position on Feingold's censure proposal yet. The person in Senator Wyden's office took down my position and zip code. The person in Senator Smith's office wanted to point me to a bill that he said Senator Sessions (R, Alabama) had offered a few weeks ago and was arguing against Feingold's proposal because he said "it wouldn't do anything." At the end of our conversation I had to remind him to ask for my zip code. I don't think we can count on Senator Smith's support.

Smith has to go in 2008 when he comes up for election.
Alvord | 03.13.06 - 7:35 am | #

Just talked with op99 and she says ditto on Sen's Clinton and Schumer. However (10:15 am EST) Sen. clintons office said she would release a statement "soon"
wooabby | 03.13.06 - 7:36 am | #

Just because you know your Rep won't support the bill isnt a reason not to call. You have to at least call. It matters. Maybe not to some rubberstamp rep, but when they get overwhelmed by calls in support, they cant ignore that. If nothing else, it shows them we are paying attention.
FlusterCluck | 03.13.06 - 7:38 am | #

Both Nebraska Senators, Nelson and Hagel, were unable to comment on sencure at this time.
Rat Lady | 03.13.06 - 7:38 am | #

I went ahead and called the local offices of my senators (Allen & Warner) per Mrs. T's suggestion. The local people do appear more conscientious. I am tempted with Allen to call back in a few days and to say that with James Webb throwing his hat in the ring, I'll be watching Allen's every move carefully.
The Rejectionist | 03.13.06 - 7:38 am | #

"No position" means I've read it but I'm stalling because I'm terrified and I want to see how Rove will chew this. Political expediency over principle. I now understand how Feingold has crafted something that paints everyone into a corner. A real showdown, unless it gets swept under the rug.
meta | 03.13.06 - 7:38 am | #

I called my senator (Dodd) and they are saying he has not committed yet either way. I urged the staff to let him know I support the censure here in CT.
kim | 03.13.06 - 7:38 am | #

Vote on MSNBC's poll

Results so far -

What do you think of Sen. Feingold's proposal to censure Pres. Bush? * 3799 responses

27% Political grandstanding
73% A way to hold him accountable

=========================
CS | 03.13.06 - 7:39 am | #

Is it worth asking the name of the staffer with whom you are talking? Then you could say, "Well, thanks. I want to be able to call you back personally if the Senator hasn't expressed a public position in a day or two."

If the office says "I'll add you to the tally," you might also say, "Actually, I would like you to tell the Senator my name and position specifically. I was a big supporter of his/hers in the last election [if you know when that was] and I hope to have the basis for doing so in the future, but like so many others in our Party, I am more interested in protecting my rights as an American than Party politics. So I want the Senator to know that Jane Mishvitz [or whatever your name is] really cares about his position on this issue. It's a question of my rights as an American."
Prof | 03.13.06 - 7:39 am | #

"If you have already called your Senator, I challenge and encourage everyone to keep up the momentum -
CALL THE LOCAL NUMBER OF EVERY SENATOR IN EVERY STATE YOU EVER LIVED...
USE THE INFO FROM YOUR PREVIOUS ADDRESS WHEN ASKED...
MAKE OUR VOICES COUNT!!!"


Great idea Anonymous!
neoJoe | 03.13.06 - 7:39 am | #

I'll call Boxer and Feinstein. Boxer will surely vote for it- who knows about DiFi?
rwcole | 03.13.06 - 7:41 am | #

I actually asked if they (VA sens.) were keeping a tally. I was told that they are not allowed to say.
The Rejectionist | 03.13.06 - 7:41 am | #

Good God, why would any Dem Senator HAVE TO THINK ABOUT THIS?

What are they worried about? Fat Karl will target them even more?

Do they have to talk to their AIPAC handlers? Because anything that weakens Bush weakens the war in Iraq and the Likudists like Feith, Wolfy, Libby, et. al?
chi town chas | 03.13.06 - 7:42 am | #

Boxer really does have the friendliest staff of them all I think.
FlusterCluck | 03.13.06 - 7:42 am | #

Called Clinton and Schumer.

Was told neither has articulated a position regarding Sen. Feingold's motion.

That got them an earful. Really!
ceci | 03.13.06 - 7:42 am | #

Flustercluck is right. Just from reading the responses here from folks calling their GOP Senators it's easy to see it's getting to them. It's good to shake them up. Let them know what is going on in the real world outside of their Washington bubble. If nothing else it might just give them a good scare....and it lets them know where their constituents stand.
B. Muse/Southern Dem | Homepage | 03.13.06 - 7:43 am | #

As others have reported, Boxer has "made no public statement on this matter as yet."

I was encouraged to give my opinion, and was assured it would be passed on.

I think Boxer will support -- but DiFi...?
---
Cliff Varnell | 03.13.06 - 7:43 am | #

Called and e-mailed Sen. Salazar. Told him to support Feingold.
Byron from Denver | 03.13.06 - 7:43 am | #

Georgia10 at Daily Kos put this up 10 minutes ago (although Kos seems to be down now with a server error).

It adds a bit to what you can ask a Democratic Senator -- not just "his/her position," but "will he/she please co-sponsor the resolution?"

Georgia10 wrote:

Today, I ask each of you to take a few minutes and contact your Senator and ask them to sign on as a co-sponsor to Senator Russ Feingold's censure resolution. . . . If you don't have any Democratic Senators, please call Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid-- he's your leader too, and ask him to help hold the President accountable for his crimes.
Prof | 03.13.06 - 7:43 am | #

There will be some early national polls out later in the week on the proposal- that's when many congresscritters will start to make up their minds.
rwcole | 03.13.06 - 7:44 am | #

Just called Sen. Kerry & Kennedy's Boston offices, with slightly counterintuitive results. Kerry's gung ho, Kennedy's still deliberating.

Kerry staffer: "He's all for it--absolutely."

Kennedy staffer: No official position, but this is a "huge concern of his. It's not often that there's a call to censure the president." Kennedy "should definitely be making his decision in the next few days."
HBinMA | 03.13.06 - 7:44 am | #

Suggest those who call and report back also list the numbers you called, to help others from your state who wish to call.
scarecrow | 03.13.06 - 7:44 am | #

Lieberman's office says no position stated yet, but took my comments to pass along. I recommend that when calling Lieberman, opt for talking to a staffer (press #2 after his recorded message) - at least that way you're getting to talk directly to his staff and not leaving just a voice message.
kim | 03.13.06 - 7:45 am | #

Just want to give everyone a head's up that Raw Story is reporting that Senator Feingold will be speaking about his Censure Resolution on the Senate floor this afternoon.

No specific time, or other details are available yet.
pow wow | 03.13.06 - 7:45 am | #

I called Senator Dayton's office in Washington. His staffer said that he has not taken a position yet but expected that he would shortly.

I really don't want to call Senator Coleman because I don't know what good it would do. He is totally hopeless.
Koheleth | 03.13.06 - 7:47 am | #

I called Talent and Bond! Talent's office said no position but would mail me a letter stating his position once it has been made - the answer I expected. So when I called Bond's office, I decided to act like a dumb ass and asked the purpose of the sub committee for which Bond was chosen. This gets really funny because the staffer said with enthusiasm "Katrina" and "national security." I wish I could have recorded her response when I questioned how Katrina threatens our national security. She said there's "vital ports" there and the intelligence committe works closely with homeland security department. I then took the conversation back to NSA's warrentless wiretapping on American citizens and recalled growing up in the 50s and 60s - watching every moment of Watergate. Then the staffer said the intelligence committee would hold hearings that would look at not only Katrina but also War in Iraq - she kept saying everything except NSA wiretaps . . . I could not get her to address the purpose of the subcommittee in a meaningful way. I then asked if the newspaper reports about the FBI's deadleads to Pizza Huts - the pentagon's spying on the Quakers were untrue. She said she had not read those reports. Today I'm going to fax all the democratic senators and tell them to support Sen. Feingold and it's time to shut down Bush's grap for power.
Rose | 03.13.06 - 7:47 am | #

I called Feingold's Milwaukee office (414-276-7282) & spoke with Allison to let her know grandpatoo and & I in MI support the senator.

I will be calling Reid's local office later (Carson city # 775-882-7343).
grandmatoo | 03.13.06 - 7:52 am | #

OT (and I'll be calling DiFi and Boxer later), but I wish Jane hadn't turned me on to "The Corner". What great fun. J Goldberg says today he is inviting a K-Lo ban with his long rambling BattleStar Gallactica synopsis. And this from Podhoretz:

HEY, I AGREE WITH GEORGE CLOONEY! [John Podhoretz]

The Oscar-winning actor/writer/director/sleeparound guy blasts Democrats who voted for the war in Iraq on the Huff Puff: "It drives me crazy to hear all these Democrats saying, 'We were misled.' It makes me want to shout, '---- you, you weren't misled. You were afraid of being called unpatriotic.'" Clooney is right. Unfortunately, he's also illiterate: at another point in his squib, he talks about the "fear of been criticized" when he means "being."

Posted at 07:16 AM

Emphasis mine. Hay Jon, u'r a fckN idiot.
tryggth | Homepage | 03.13.06 - 7:52 am | #

8:49 MST -

Called Allard and Salazar.

Allard - No policy, yet. They promised to send an e-mail of the press release, so there is going to be some kind of statement.

Salazar - No policy, but the staffer asked for more details on why I thought there should be a censor motion and agreed with me.
They took my info and said that they would get back to me but that I should follow up in a couple of days if they don't contact me.

I will update when and if I get anything.
Bill Egnor | 03.13.06 - 7:53 am | #

new thread
neoJoe | 03.13.06 - 7:56 am | #

pow wow-- I just spoke with Feingold's DC office and asked what time he would introduce his motion, she said she was not sure yet but would try to get a time soon. I told her I wanted to post it @ Firedoglake and she said what's that , I told her a great progressive blog and she said , call back in awhile, we'll try to get a time. boy, it was wonderfully difficult to get thru.

new thread upstairs.
angie | 03.13.06 - 7:58 am | #

Senator Bacus(MT) no position . Staffer sounded aware.

Senator Burns (MT) Staffer didn't seem to know what I was talking about. Sounded like she wanted a different job!
Michael W. Jones | 03.13.06 - 7:59 am | #

I just called Senators Warner and Allen, with predictable results (no position). But at least they know what a few of us think.
sola mia | 03.13.06 - 8:00 am | #

from the guardian article about sdo 'dictatorship' comments. i think this speaks volumes about the cocktail circuit mentality of wdc:

"Equally surprising is that O'Connor's speech to an audience of lawyers at Georgetown University was attended by just one reporter, the diligent legal correspondent for National Public Radio, Nina Totenberg. No transcript or recording of the speech has been made available, so we have only Totenberg's notes to go on. But - assuming they are accurate - the notes are political dynamite."
bkny | 03.13.06 - 8:00 am | #

Heh... Read this analysis referring to the censure motion from a NY Sun article:
http://www.nysun.com/article/28983


"It's a problem for the Democrats more than the president or the Republicans, is the irony of the thing," a political analyst at George Washington University, Stephen Hess, said in an interview yesterday. "It forces a lot of Democrats, notably Hillary, to a position where, is she going to pander, is she going to get her back up and resist it, or is she just going to ignore it?" he said. "It's hard to ignore it."

PANDERING????? Why is taking a strong ethical stand against Presidential lawbreaking reduced to pandering? Interesting choice of language, particularly when you consider that 52% of Americans think Congress should consider impeachment if the President violated the law. (Zogby)

We're not just talking about "pandering to liberal activists". I think Hess is affiliated with the Brookings Institute. Seems like this might be another volley to combat the censure movement, since the Repoublican's Traitor! argument is wearing thin.
bren | 03.13.06 - 8:01 am | #

I called Sen. Kohl's Milwaukee office and spoke to a staffer. After being put on hold for a bit was told that the Sen. did not have a position yet. (9:30am)
Kim | 03.13.06 - 8:03 am | #

Called Clinton and Schumer (both DC and NYC offices). No statement released by either of them yet regarding position (as of 11 am).
conchita | 03.13.06 - 8:07 am | #

At 1045am I call Senator Nelson's office of FL and he did not have a position as of yet. The lady was very nice and I gave her my name and Zip which is the routine...I wan't going to bother with Martinez, but you never know. Cheers.
george g | 03.13.06 - 8:11 am | #

Thanks for the great work you do at FDL.!

Contacted Allard's & Salazar's D.C. and local offices. No comments yet.
cheapside | 03.13.06 - 8:13 am | #

Called both Sen Burr's and Sen. Dole's (North Carolina). Both of the people I talked with stated that the Senator's have not taken a position on Feingold's censure motion.

Talked a while with a higher up from Burr's office (higher up in the sense that the person answering the phone was running out of talking points). I had the higher up backpeddling pretty hard, particularly when I countered his asserton that the Intel committe had dealt with the issue.

I have no doubt that both Dole and Burr will fall into lockstep behind the BushCo criminal mafia, but at least the heard my side.
Crazy as Hell | 03.13.06 - 8:16 am | #

Called Clinton and Schumer's DC offices around 10:45. Clinton's person told me that the Senator should be doing a press release on the subject tomorrow; right now she doesn't have a position. They did ask if I wanted to give my opinion to pass along to the Senator. Schumer's office is less friendly on the subject -- no opinion yet and no idea when we'll hear. They took my comments to pass along.
NicoleA | 03.13.06 - 8:17 am | #

called both allard and salazar (co), neither of them would state their position. I told salazar's office that I was a supporter and that it was time to have a discussion about this president and the bill of rights and that that was what the senate was for.
marc sobel | 03.13.06 - 8:22 am | #

I called this morning (Monday). Sen. Bingaman's office told me he has taken no decision as of yet on the motion for censure. I spoke with the local Santa Fe office and with the Washington office.

I couldn't get through to Domenici's Washington office, but his local Santa Fe office was equally unhelpful--they don't know how he feels about the motion.
rustyst | 03.13.06 - 8:29 am | #

I called Levin again and now his aids are saying that he will not sign on as co-sponser to Feingold's censure resolution. He feels(as stated yesterday in NYT) that they ought to let the investigation have a chance first. I urged him to reconsider, especially in light of the fact that the chairmen of the Intelligence committee, Pat Roberts, has stonewalled every attempt at oversight and had to be dragged kicking and screaming to get to where they are at present. Since the prostpects for sucess don't look all that good, it is more important for him to act, now.
katiejacob | 03.13.06 - 8:31 am | #

Called OR's Wyden's & Smith's offices and asked them to support Feingold's censure resolution. Asked Wyden's office if he had decided to support and staffer wasn't sure. Didn't ask Smith's since he rarely goes against bush, even though he's considered a moderate Repub.

Called Harry's Reid's office saying I supported Feingold and that he encourage other Dems to support; asked the staffer what Reid's position was and she said he supported the investigation of the Intel Comm, but aren't they done with it with the rollover of Snowe & Hagel?

Called Feingold's office, got thru, put on hold for about a minute or two. Told the staffer to thank the Senator for his resolution and for standing up for the people of the United States. I asked if she knew when he would introduce this and she said it wasn't determined yet - just sometime today. She thanked me for the call. Very polite considering how many calls they are getting.
Hannah | 03.13.06 - 8:32 am | #

As of 11:30, neither Schumer nor Clinton have taken a public position, according to the staffers answering the telephone.
jayackroyd | 03.13.06 - 8:43 am | #

Called Salazar and Allard in CO. Neither have a position yet. I voice support and will follow up tomorrow to see if they have come up with anything.
Palooza | 03.13.06 - 8:46 am | #

Hillary and Chuck are still out testing the wind.
watertiger | Homepage | 03.13.06 - 8:47 am | #

Dayton & Coleman in MN -- no statements. I politely asked that they support the censure.

Why can't Dayton stand up and be a sacrificial lamb?! geez.....
jjbd | 03.13.06 - 9:00 am | #

Just called Domenici (described as a moderate R, which say a lot about how bad things have become). "Senator Domenici has not arrived in the office yet, and has not taken a position." I left my feelings (GWB needs censure like an abcessed tooth needs a root canal...) and my Zip code. I don't expect anything to come of it: Senator Pete is a down-the-party-line kind of guy.

I also called Bingaman's office. He's got his finger in the wind. I was told that Bingaman has not released a public position yet, but that he would take my comments and I was assured that Bingaman reads all documented comments from NM. It was clear that I was not the first person to call the office on the Feingold resolution. In fact, when I said, "President Bush knowingly and admittedly violated the law. He ought to be censured for that," the staffer said (sotto voce) "That's right."

My guess is that our senators are going to split. My guess is also that the resolution will go down via some parliamentary maneuvering by the R leadership. That's especially true if the folks back home are saying, "That's right! Censure the SOB!"

BC
Bargain Countertenor | 03.13.06 - 9:03 am | #

Boxer is not taking calls. Feinstein's line is busy.
9:01 am
lesarch | 03.13.06 - 9:07 am | #

I called Bond and Talent's St. Louis offices this morning (Bond 314-725-4484; Talent 314-432-5211). Neither staffer had a clue what I was talking about but dutifully wrote down my opinion. Only Talent's staffer took my info with offer to get back to me. Bond's staffer didn't even want my zip; was she using caller ID or did she just not care?

I'll try calling the DC offices later today for an actual position.

This was my first time calling--it felt good!
info junkie | 03.13.06 - 9:09 am | #

Both Boxer & DiFi DC offices claimed neither had made up their minds and sounded frazzled, if not fragile and a bit overwhelmed. Reminded both offices that if our low key local Congressman Sam Farr could sign on and support Rep. Conyer's Impeachment inquiry the least our senators could do is support censure. At the least this seemed to get their attention - incredibly both staffers were not aware our voter rich, deep pocket central California coast conservative district's Congressman supports the good Congressman Conyers impeachment efforts. Sigh!
Anne Holliday | 03.13.06 - 9:19 am | #

Both of our South Dakota senators have stepped up to the plate and not taken a position on the censorship of the president.

Our DINO, Senator Johnson and our Republican Senator Thune both took my name and address and the staffers promised to pass my message along.
Concerned in SD | 03.13.06 - 9:24 am | #

I posted the following to the DNC blog site (to be added to many others) and also sent the comment to the DNC by email:

I was surprised to see not one reference to Russ Feingold's announced proposal to censure the President on your website. Just so you know, I'm hoping you get tens, maybe hundreds, of thousands of e-mails like this expressing support for censure of the President. It's time for Democrats to stand up and be counted. Either you're for a country of laws, not men, or you're against it. I believe any democrat who does not back Russ Feingold's solution to the problem of the President breaking the laws of the land is derelict in their responsibilities of their office, and thus, to their constituency. It is their job to do the oversight, yet by the acquiesence of Congress, the President has covert programs which he admits spy on American citizens on US soil without a warrant. This President has disregarded our laws and treaties, and he insists that he will continue to do so, until or unless our elected representatives stop him. Already this President has started referring to "my Government" as synonymous with "my administration". And why not, when Congress is little more than a rubber stamp of whatever the President wants...

My conclusion has been that the very least I would expect from this or any Congress put into this position by Presidential overreaching is a censure vote. I concluded this about a month or so before Feingold announced it, but I had not expressed it to anyone. I was very pleased to hear the announcement yesterday, and am very happy to support his position, as the least we can do. If Democratic Congressmen and Women and members of the Senate do not think that their constituents are watching, think again. What they do or do not do is being very much scrutinized by the electorate on a daily basis, and todays topic is: Are you willing to stand up and do what you know is right, are you going to cower in a corner in hopes that nobody will notice that the President didn't just usurp Congressional Power; the Congress ceded it to him.
Ann in AZ | 03.13.06 - 9:34 am | #

NJ not committing yet. Emailed them this:

Dear Senator,

My hope is that you will fully and enthusiastically support Senator Feingold's motion to censure Bush for his criminal activities. Congress' top priority, above all else should be addressing the threat from within posed by the criminal activities and disregard for the Constitution of the Bush Administration. We can not address our substantial problems and go forward as a nation of laws with an executive branch that does not respect or abide by the founding principles and laws of the nation.

Please address this matter with all due urgency.

Sincerely,
pluege | 03.13.06 - 9:43 am | #

(Thanks, CS) Vote on MSNBC's poll

Results so far - 12653 votes

Political grandstanding - 27%
Way to hold him accountable - 73%

Looks like a solid majority, at least among those trying to freep the polls.
Cujo359 | 03.13.06 - 9:48 am | #

Senator Levin....No comment or position, supports the completion of efforts by Judiciary Committee. expressed concern that Specter is just an arm of the president and like Roberts he will cave before having to expose 'his' president. "Arlen Specter is no Sam Irvin".

Senator Stabenow...No position, was very emphatic about the assault on our constitution and a public officials' duty to do something about it. Staffer listened, took my phone number to call me back when position is stated


I think they are listening.....The tide is turning
oddball34 | 03.13.06 - 10:03 am | #

I called Senator Kohl's Madison office (608-264-5338) and the woman that I spoke to was very friendly and nice. She said that she did not have a public statement from the Senator to read yet, but she was very interested in what I thought about it and took my address and name and said that they would contact me when they had a statement.

I also contacted Senator Feingold's (Madison) office (608-828-1200) to thank him.
tlb | 03.13.06 - 10:03 am | #

Sent my respects to Feingold at his Madison office (couldn't get through to Washington). Kohl's Washington office said he does not have a position at this time. I said it was smart politics and that Wisconsin people are so ready for this. He said he'd emphasize that with the Senator
.
MikeB | 03.13.06 - 10:11 am | #

13,758 at MSNBC say Feingold's censure is a way to hold Bush accountable.
.
pluege | 03.13.06 - 10:11 am | #

sorry, that's 74% of 13,758 at MSNBC say Feingold's censure is a way to hold Bush accountable.
.
pluege | 03.13.06 - 10:12 am | #

Called the offices of Senators Cantwell and Murray in Washington State. Neither provided any indication of what the senators were inclined to do. I suspect Murray may support censure, Cantwell (who can't spell cloture) will probably not.
Peter | 03.13.06 - 10:18 am | #

Called my Senator Boxer this morning. Staffer said she did not have a position yet. Was a bit surprised at that, but let them know I expected her to vote for censure.
KrishMtClair | 03.13.06 - 10:23 am | #

As others have reported, Feinstein and Boxer have not yet taken a position. I called both local San Fran offices. Feinstein's office said that they've been getting LOTS of calls about this and that the Senator is on the intelligence subcommittee and remains concerned about the President's wire-tapping. Senator Boxer's office just said they would pass along my message.
Archana | Homepage | 03.13.06 - 10:25 am | #

I called Kerry and Kennedy.

Kerry's staffer said the Senator was strongly in favor and would vote for it if it came to the floor. He was very friendly.

Kenney's office was more brisk but said Kennedy favored it and would vote Yes if it came to the floor.
revere | Homepage | 03.13.06 - 10:45 am | #

Up here in Maine, the local offices of Snow and Collins don't know what their official position is going to be, but they did log my position in favor of Feingold.

I also told them that using the small levers they have, it's time for moderates from Maine to begin cleaning up the mess this administration is leaving. They'd rather look back in ten years and realized they'd been part of the solution.
ixnay | 03.13.06 - 10:49 am | #

I called Boxer: lines were busy. (Hopefully that means that's a good sign...)

Called Feinstein's SF office: said she didn't have a position. I said I wanted to encourage her to support it. Then he asked, "What prompted you to call about this?" I mentioned Firedoglake.

I think they're getting a lot of calls.
Diane Patterson | Homepage | 03.13.06 - 10:54 am | #

I called Boxer's local office and left a message; also e-mailed.
Lizzy L | 03.13.06 - 11:05 am | #

I called Boxer and Feinstein and used the call as an opportunity to advocate for the censure and also to express my dismay that they voted for the Patriot Act in its current form.
georgelo | 03.13.06 - 11:13 am | #

Called the local offices of Arlen Specter and Rick Santorum. Staff was unaware of the Senators' position on censure. My comments will be forwarded to the Senators, and they will reply by snailmail.
BullGoose | 03.13.06 - 11:14 am | #

At 1pm CST I called Durbin's office and he is on a plane back to Washington DC. He will make a comment later tonight.

Obama's office says that Feingold has not formally issued the resolution yet. I told them I'd call back tomorrow for Obama's stance.

Busy lines for Feingold, but I finally got through and gave him my support for Censure.
Liz H | 03.13.06 - 11:14 am | #

Just called Murray and (that twit) Cantwell. Neither has a position yet (1100 PST), though the staffer in Murray's office told me that before I had finished my question - I think they must be getting a lot of calls!
Feingold's office is busy, though I did get through to Reid's and let him know that we need to get behind Russ on this.
Feingold 2008!
LeftofLiberal | 03.13.06 - 11:18 am | #

ixnay--

I also told them that using the small levers they have, it's time for moderates from Maine to begin cleaning up the mess this administration is leaving.

I hope you can get friends and family to hammer on this theme. Mainers (I'm from Windham, though I live in NYC now) have a longstanding tradition of moderate, independent representation at home and in Washington. I think it is a very powerful, and non-partisan, theme to press when communicating with Maine's politicians.
jayackroyd | 03.13.06 - 11:45 am | #

just called @ 11:30 am PT (so i'm not a morning person)
for (CA) both boxer and feinstein have not announced their decisions or issued public statements.

i affirmed my strong support and advised that i expect my elected representatives to defend my constitutional rights by voting for sen. feingold's censure resolution.
gilly | 03.13.06 - 11:45 am | #

I called my senator, Ron Wyden's Portland, OR office. He has not made a statement yet about his stand on this issue. I asked that he support the censure proposal.
zendoman | 03.13.06 - 11:50 am | #

Called Kerry and Kennedy. The former's staffer in DC affirmed the positive stand, and I thanked him. The latter's staffer in DC said there'd been no public statement. I urged him tp support the motion. Also called Kennedy in Boston, urged support. The aide there said that Kennedy appreciated (or something to that effect) Feingold's lead role in addressing WH abuses.

Haven't been able to get through to Feingold's ofcs in DC.

88 | 03.13.06 - 12:10 pm | #

Sen. Byrd and Sen. Rockefeller of West Virginia have not taken a position at this time. Neither office would give me a clear answer, prefering to warble on the tightrope. Rockefeller's staffer gave me a lot of crap about not knowing all the facts and needing to do "more research." Fucking Pussies.
Svlad Jelly | 03.13.06 - 12:39 pm | #

Ok... it's lonely here in the red states... so I called my Senators. Cornyn has already decided that a president breaking the law is no problem since he doesn't see any "serious" violation of civil rights here. And Kay Bailey Hutchinson has no position so far. If the past is any indicator, she will defer to Cornyn's brilliant legal analysis and vote against it too.

Sigh... how I wish I had a Feinberg to call my own
Carroll King | 03.13.06 - 12:42 pm | #

i called Sen. Boxer in San Francisco, her office stated she did not have position yet, and said they would forward my support for censure proposal.

i called Sen. Feinstein in San Francisco: the number was busy, I called in D.C., i was put on hold, but every 30 secs. I got through. Again, she did not have a position yet, but they said they would forward my support for the censure proposal.

much support to jane & redhedd too!

-jason
jason | Homepage | 03.13.06 - 12:44 pm | #

OMG.... FeinGOLD!!!! Sorry
Carroll King | 03.13.06 - 12:52 pm | #

Kennedy still "no public statement yet" as of 5:15 EST -- I volunteered that it was a good idea.
Kevin from the North Shore | 03.13.06 - 2:21 pm | #

OH:
Called Dewine and Voinovich. No position yet. Big surprise. Pointed out that this is my fourth contact to each office on this topic- a matter of grave concern to all.
pollyanna | 03.13.06 - 3:13 pm | #

Got this e-mail from Frist...

Yesterday Democrat Senator Russ Feingold called for a censure of President Bush. The censure reads:

"The United States Senate does hereby censure George W. Bush, President of the United States, and does condemn his unlawful authorization of wiretaps of Americans."

Senator Feingold is flat wrong and irresponsible.

In fact, when I attempted today to bring this censure resolution to the Senate floor for a vote, the Democrats objected. Proving it is just a shameful political stunt.

The NSA terrorism surveillance of suspected terrorist phone calls is critical in the fight against Al Qaeda and groups that would do America harm.

Somewhere in America today, a radical Islamic terrorist could very well be picking up their phone and receiving a call from their overseas counterpart. They will discuss plots to infiltrate U.S. cities and mount devastating attacks.

Maybe in Nashville, TN. Or, maybe in Madison, WI.

If Russ Feingold had his way, U.S. authorities would do this with the intercepted phone call: hang up.

This policy is about PROTECTING AMERICAN LIVES.

It's a preventative policy; it's a pre-emptive policy; and it is a practical policy.

And what a disservice Senator Feingold and his colleagues do by portraying it otherwise. Just another attempt to give purpose to a party with no agenda.

So while the Democrats flock to the TV cameras to grandstand and play politics with national security, we'll continue to focus on the principle of prevention. And we'll continue to do whatever it takes to protect American lives.

I encourage you to show your support for President Bush, by leaving a comment on my blog. To do so, please click here.

Bill Frist, M.D.


Arrrgh!!
snowbird42 | 03.13.06 - 3:45 pm | #

Called Feinstein and Boxer around 11am California Time (PST) - no position yet - they are thinking about it. Also called Feingold's office to say "thank you".
Harriet Edwards | 03.13.06 - 3:56 pm | #

I called my North Carolina Senators Burr & Dole and got the same answer from both offices: "No comment". I expressed my surprise that they couldn't decide on something so obvious. I reminded them that the next president may not be a Republican and how will they feel if these powers are transferred to a Democrat? Is anyone thinking ahead? I'll be calling Feingold's office to thank him, too. (I'm a former Wisconsinite and I helped vote him in the first time!)
Joe Ebel | 03.14.06 - 6:44 am | #