Jeffords ‘Absolutely’ Sure on Party Switch (UPI)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 1 (UPI) — Eight months after Vermont Sen. James Jeffords threw Washington into turmoil by leaving the GOP and handing control of the Senate to the Democrats, he said Republican stinginess with education dollars convinced him he “absolutely” did the right thing.
“Many people have asked me given everything that has happened, if I would do this all over again,” Jeffords, now an Independent, said. “My answer is, ‘absolutely.’”
“As Congress debates the economic stimulus package, the annual spending bills [and] a national energy policy, because of my switch, the Democrats have a seat at the table and will be part of the final decision-making process,” Jeffords said.
“It is not that I believe the Democrats should get their way on every issue, or that the Republicans should get their way on every issue.
“My decision to become an Independent has forced all branches of government to compromise, to seek moderation, and to find a balanced consensus.”
Jeffords criticized Republicans for stripping a provision to allocate $450 billion over 10 years for education from last year’s budget. He also announced a new task force with Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn., to push an education agenda for very young children.
“It was a clear signal to me that the Republican leadership had no intention, nor need, to work with the moderate wing of the Party,” Jeffords said of the budget experience. “Something radical needed to be done.”
Republican spokesman Kevin Sheridan dismissed Jeffords’ complaints.
“The president has put education at the very top of his domestic agenda,” she said. “We’re very proud of the leadership he’s brought in finally bringing all sides together and achieving this historic education bill.”
Bush signed the bill into law last month.
Jeffords’ speech at the National Press Club in Washington comes three days before the Bush administration was set to release its budget for the next fiscal year. Bush has said he would dedicate vast new resources to the Pentagon and for domestic security — leaving Democrats and some interest groups staring at the prospect of shrinking budgets.
In his response to Bush’s State of the Union speech Tuesday, House Minority Leader Dick Gephardt, D-Mo., said the government must spend more on education as it sets new performance standards for public schools.
“We want to work together to recruit high-quality teachers and invest more in our schools while demanding more from them,” Gephardt said.
Jeffords said that at least last year, the GOP was unwilling to compromise on education funding, leading to his famous decision.
“There was a feeling of extreme partisanship from those in the majority, almost a lust, with no reason for compromise,” Jeffords said.
Published in The Bangor Daily News, in Maine.
