Dear HCN:
On March 30, Sen. Patty
Murray, D-Wash., offered a substitute amendment that would have
improved the “salvage logging” amendment by requiring that federal
land management agencies comply with environmental laws. The Murray
amendment was defeated by one vote due to the efforts of Colorado’s
own Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell – Democrat turned Republican.
Mr. Campbell’s initial vote was in favor of Ms.
Murray’s amendment; then, in a move reminiscent of his defection to
the Republican Party, Mr. Campbell changed his vote. Via C-Span I
watched Mr. Dole and other senators descend upon him. Behold: His
vote magically changed. The final vote was 48-46, causing the
Murray amendment to fail.
With one vote, Mr.
Campbell jeopardized the ecological integrity and economic
stability of an entire region. I suggest that the citizens of
Colorado initiate a recall of Mr. Campbell, or at the very least
write or call his office and make him feel the heat for his
spineless and irresponsible action.
Jennifer
Ferenstein
Missoula,
Montana
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline Recall Ben Campbell.
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