During yesterday’s roll call vote on the Iraq War funding bill tied to troop withdrawals Dennis Kucinich voted against it.  Once again we have a case of a bill not going far enough for Kucinich. Seriously the man needs to learn that even a small step in the right direction is better than nothing. 

His primary opponent, Rosemary Palmer, gets this.  She’s put out at another press release slamming Kucinich for is his inability to work well with others.  She’s also announced a press conference (which is open to the public) where she will announce her ” non-partisan plan” to bring our troops home from Iraq.

Also from the Palmer campaign comes yet another witty video:

Dennis Kucinich finally succeeded in bringing an impeachment resolution against to Dick Cheney to the House floor where it was quickly tabled. Well almost…

After initially supporting shelving the bill, House Republicans quickly changed their position after realizing that debating such a measure might put Democrats in a tough situation. Should the vote to support the resolution they would alienate Republicans and moderates. If they vote against the measure they risk losing support from the the far left.

Thankfully the bill was sent to the judiciary panel, effectively ending floor debate.

Like it or not, Dick Cheney’s punishment is in the hands of the historians. This stunt that Kucinich pulled would only have served to further divide an already polarized nation. Dennis needs to grow up and stop thinking only of what will grab him headlines, especially when his actions work against his goals.

Rosemary Palmer, who’s running a primary campaign against Kucinich, put out a statement today chiding Dennis for his actions. You can read it after the jump.

The idea of impeaching those responsible for an unnecessary war is certainly enticing, especially for those of us who have lost loved ones in Iraq.  Impeachment would serve as retribution to those who have led the United States into a quagmire that has cost the lives of perhaps half a million people.  But as a Gold Star Mother, I believe it is a waste of time. 

Any move to impeach the Vice President or President at this late stage of their term is an exercise in futility.  The Bush Administration is the lamest of ducks.  We know it and, no doubt, they know it too.  But more important, impeachment would waste the time needed to address the challenges facing the United States and the 10th Congressional District.

I believe that the American people want Congress to spend its energies on economic development, job creation, education and the environment.  I believe the American people want Congress to work on solving the crisis in health insurance coverage, education and public infrastructure.  And I believe the American people expect Congress to get our troops out of Iraq.

Our country is in dire need of solutions to extremely pressing problems.  We have people out of work, out of health insurance, losing pensions, losing homes, and, worst of all, losing hope.  It is important that Congress act to achieve a better tomorrow rather than reproach the mistakes of yesterday. 

It is time to see the Bush Administration for what it is – running out of time and into the history books.  It is time to get to work reinventing Cleveland.  It is time to give hope back to the citizens of Northeast Ohio.

– Rosemary Palmer