repugs repeatedly blocked Dems attempts to secure ports

GOP is panicked over the politics of port security

AP has an analysislooking at how the GOP has really stumbled on the port security issue -- and they're mostly worried because of the political implications. Take it from the mouth of a top GOP operative:

''This ports issue has ricocheted around the country and made it to people's dinner tables like nothing I've ever seen,'' said Scott Reed, a GOP consultant. ''It's now an out-of-control political problem.''

While the GOPers in Congress scurry from Bush like rats on a sinking ship with a 34% approval rating, Democrats can't let them escape. They had a role in the failure of port security, too:

''When it comes to protecting the ports, Republicans really do have a pre-9/11 mind-set,'' said Sen. Evan Bayh, D-Ind.

Among the votes:

--In 2003, House Republicans, on a procedural vote, agreed to kill a Democratic amendment that would have added $250 million for port security grants to a war spending package.

--Two years later, nearly all House Republicans voted against an alternative Homeland Security authorization bill offered by Democrats that called for an additional $400 million for port security.

--Senate Republicans stood together in 2003 to set aside a Democratic amendment that would have provided $120 million more for port cargo screening equipment.

--One year later, all but six Senate Republicans voted to reject a Democratic attempt to add $150 million for port security in a Homeland Security appropriations bill.

Bush and the Hill Republicans have both failed on national security. They can't escape from each other.

(Americablog)
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How can anyone believe that the repugs are strong on security? Of course, the fact that our "liberal media" doesn't report any of these republican decisions to weaken our securitycertainly doesn't help.