Durbin Wants No Confidence Vote On Rummy

Sen. Durbin(IL) and Sen. Obama(IL) both think that Rumsfeld should step down. Sen. Durbin would like to take it one step further than just saying it, he would like the Senate to hold a confidence vote on Rumsfeld.

(Chicago Tribune)"This situation has gone from bad to terrible, and I think it's time for new leadership in the Pentagon," the Illinois Democrat told reporters.

Durbin, the Senate's second-highest ranking Democrat, said he is talking to other lawmakers about the possibility of voting on whether they still have confidence in Rumsfeld.

"Let the Senate go on record," he said.

We obviously know that won't happen for reasons on both sides. The Dems stand to be embarrassed if they don't get a majority, which is possible with the Republican rubber stamp Congress. On the other hand, if the majority votes no confidence, not only will the Republicans be embarrassed, but Bush will just nominate some other crony to replace him.

I think we need to take a page out of the Republican play book. They have been able to use the war for political gain over the last few years, so why shouldn't the Democrats? Rumsfeld is the poster boy for what is wrong in Iraq. Leave him there and we can keep pointing that out. If they replace him, you don't think Rumsfeld will fall on the bullet once he is out? He could single handedly put the blame on him and lift blame off Bush and the Republicans. Maybe not with Democrats and some Independents, but possibly the Republicans who were starting to lead left.

While I want Rumsfeld to resign, I don't think this is the right way to go about it.