Thread: Officials are confident Graham will stay in climate talks

POLITICO

Officials are confident Graham will stay in climate talks

By GLENN THRUSH | 4/27/10 1:43 PM EDT


White House officials say they are confident that they can keep Graham at the negotiating table on climate change. AP

The White House isn't caving in to Sen. Lindsey Graham's demand that immigration be shelved if he's to rejoin efforts to pass a bipartisan climate change bill before the midterms.

Even as hopes for a deal hung by a thread, administration officials are still working the phones — saying they remain confident they can bring Graham (R-S.C.) back to the table.

Obama spokesman Bill Burton praised Graham's courage in working with Democrats — but said members of Congress in both parties favor action on immigration this year.

"In terms of process, when you look at immigration, Republicans and Democrats agree that there is a real problem with immigration as it currently stands," Burton told reporters en route to Iowa with Obama on Tuesday.

"So, the substance of what the president thinks, yes, we do have to act. Now in terms of order, which comes first, I think there's wide agreement that more progress has been made on energy," he added — referring to a Politico story reporting that Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev) was willing to put the energy bill ahead of immigration.

Graham had previously objected only to Reid's insistence on giving immigration priority — but hardened his line Monday, even as Reid struck a more conciliatory tone.

The South Carolina Republican says the Democrats decision to take up immigration reform at all is politically motivated and would spoil his years of work with Democrats on the issue.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, who was also on board Air Force One, predicted Congress would pass a climate change bil — but refused to answer repeated questions about whether it would pass this year while Democrats still enjoy robust majorities.

Burton said the president had not yet called Graham personally — despite pressure to do so, Including the lead Monday New York Times editorial calling for Obama to become more involved.

"If you look at the substance of energy, there is bipartisan agreement on some of the solutions we need to undertake," Burton said.

"On the process, there are some issues that are being worked out with senators on both sides. The president and his team have been working to make progress on this," he said, adding, "Senator Graham has worked courageously with Democrats and the White House."

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0410/36422.html

Obama spokesman Bill Burton praised Graham's courage in working with Democrats — but said members of Congress in both parties favor action on immigration this year.

Excuse me while I go to the backyard and vomit...

They do need to act on Illegal Immigration this year. They need to act on it ASAP and start removing the illegal alien invaders as we speak, toughen border security, and drastically limit the number of visas issued, especially to Mexico...

No More Amnesties....Ever

I just called Lindsey Grahm's office and they said he was NOT back working on the "Engery" bill - so I asked them if he could come out and make a statement on the CCX (Chicago Climate Exchange) and the Joyce Foundation.

The assistant in his office said he would pass on the message.

Please call Lindsey Grahm and ask him to make a public statement on the CCX (Chicago Climate Exchange) and the Joyce foundation and how that effects his bill.

1-202-224-3121 - Ask for Sen Gahm's office.

This is what 2 DUMB A@@ LIARS Look Like Standing Side By Side

FRAUD CO-DEPENDANT Ren and his side kick Stimpy

Graham sure did rip Nappy at the judicial committee hearing this morning.

Originally Posted by AirborneSapper7

This is what 2 DUMB A@@ LIARS Look Like Standing Side By Side

FRAUD CO-DEPENDANT Ren and his side kick Stimpy