Chris Dodd Still Fighting Telecom Immunity

Photo from source, TPM Muckraker

He coulda been a contender. Chris Dodd just didn't have that elusive zazz or something. So, yeah, he's not going to be President. But he's a good guy, and he's doing the right thing. I just hope he can get other Senators on his side, where he wasn't able to get voters.

[Excerpt]

Dodd Renews Threat to Filibuster Bill with Telecom Immunity

Speaking to reporters today, Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT) said that he would again filibuster any bill that a provision in it granting retroactive immunity to the telecoms -- or as he put it, "use every tool at my disposal as a Senator" to stop it. So if you were wondering whether anything has changed since Dodd dropped out of the presidential race, nothing has. . .

Read more at: TPM Muckraker

Chris Dodd Blocks Immunity from FISA Bill (More)

Photo from source, WIRED

Yes, this is my third post in a row on the subject, but it is a very important story, and it isn't getting nearly enough coverage. And if Sen. Dodd manages to get a little boost in his Presidential campaign as a result, who cares? He's standing up for what's right, and I can't think of a better reason to get some wind in his sails.

[Excerpt]

Dodd Filibuster Threat Wins; Spying Bill Postponed to Next Year

Connecticut senator Christopher Dodd's threatened filibuster of a bill giving immunity to telecoms that helped the government spy on Americans unexpectedly carried the day Monday, as Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid decided to postpone the vote on the measure until after the winter break.

The announcement was an unexpected victory for civil liberties groups, whose anti-immunity fortunes looked grim this morning as the Senate looked primed to pass an expansive spying bill that would free telecoms like AT&T and Verizon from privacy lawsuits. . .

Read more at: WIRED

Chris Dodd Blocks Immunity from FISA Bill

Photo from AfterW.org

For now, anyway. But bravo to Senator Dodd, and a cacophony of raspberries to every Democrat who actually supports retroactive immunity for the telecoms. Someone please tell me what they're thinking, because I just don't get it.

I'll post a news item on this story in a moment, but for now, here's what Sen. Dodd's campaign has to say about it:

Dear Friend,

Majority Leader Harry Reid just pulled the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act from the floor of the Senate, only moments ago.
What does this mean?

Well, first, it will come back up again in January after the recess. We'll continue the fight against ANY bill that includes retroactive immunity.

As Chris Dodd just said on the floor, "If it's not [stripped], I'll be back here engaging in this very same effort."

Second, this is what leadership that delivers results look like. It's been a while, but you saw it on display all day on the floor of the Senate.

A leader who stands on principle. And a leader who can turn that principle into results.

Finally, this is evidence of what grassroots advocacy along with real leadership can accomplish.

We'll keep up the fight in the White House, and I'm sure you'll be there right by Chris Dodd's side the entire way.

We'll have updates all night at ChrisDodd.com if you want to drop by and share your thoughts or send a message to Senator Dodd.

They can hear us now,

Tim Tagaris
Proud to work for Chris Dodd for President