THE REAL DEM AGENDA: OBSTRUCT WAR ON TERROR

Predictable Dem Playbook: Politics First, Critical Posts In War On Terror Second

DEM BLOCKS NOMINEE TO CRITICAL NEW JUSTICE DEPARTMENT ANTI-TERROR DIVISION

Despite Broad Support, Dem Senator Obstructs Nomination Of Key Justice Department Anti-Terror Chief:

"Facing No Opposition To His Nomination, Veteran Federal Prosecutor Kenneth Wainstein Is Waiting Only For The Senate To Confirm Him As Head Of The Justice Department's New Anti-Terrorism Division." (Mark Sherman, "Senate Vote Stalls Anti-Terror Nominee," The Associated Press, 8/2/06)

"Sen. Carl Levin ... A Michigan Democrat, Has Refused To Budge On Wainstein's Nomination, Not Because Of Any Complaint About The Nominee But To Try To Force The Justice Department's Hand On Another Matter." (Mark Sherman, "Senate Vote Stalls Anti-Terror Nominee," The Associated Press, 8/2/06)

* Former Clinton Administration Deputy Attorney General Eric Holder: "I can assure you that [Wainstein] is not an ideologue but only an attorney who cares a great deal about the rule of law." (Mark Sherman, "Senate Vote Stalls Anti-Terror Nominee," The Associated Press, 8/2/06)

"Senators Are About To Embark On A Monthlong Break ... But A Recess Appointment Is Not An Option For Wainstein, Justice Officials Said. The Legislation Creating The New Division Requires Its Leader To Be Confirmed Before It Can Start Operating, They Said." (Mark Sherman, "Senate Vote Stalls Anti-Terror Nominee," The Associated Press, 8/2/06)

The 9/11 Commission Recommended Creation Of This "Critical" Position:

"Democrats As Well As Republicans Have Called On Senators To Confirm Wainstein Quickly. The Chairmen Of The Sept. 11 Commission, Republican Thomas Kean And Democrat Lee Hamilton, Said The New Position 'Will Serve A Critically Important Role In Our National Security Apparatus.'" (Mark Sherman, "Senate Vote Stalls Anti-Terror Nominee," The Associated Press, 8/2/06)

FLASHBACK: Dem Leaders Have Claimed They Are Committed To The 9/11 Commission Report:

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA): "On the first day we control Congress, we will begin by passing all of the 9/11 Commission recommendations." (Rep. Nancy Pelosi, "On First Day Of New Congress, Democrats Will Pass The 9/11 Commission Recommendations," Press Release, 7/21/06)

Dems Using Same Playbook With Bolton Nomination: Delay And Obstruct Filling Critical Posts In War On Terror:

"At The Urging Of Democrats, The Senate Foreign Relations Committee Has Put Off A Vote Until September On Whether To Keep John Bolton As U.S. Ambassador To The United Nations ..." ("Senate Panel Puts Off Bolton Vote To September," Reuters, 7/31/06)

* "Democrats Want To Use That Time To Press The White House For Documents They Had Sought Last Year During The Dispute Over Bolton's Nomination To Be U.N. Envoy." ("Senate Panel Puts Off Bolton Vote To September," Reuters, 7/31/06)