Ted Stevens, thwarted on Arctic Refuge, threatens to take toys home
When last we checked in with you, dear readers, Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) was threatening to attach a provision to a defense appropriations bill that would open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling. Well, not only did he do that, he also attached aid for hurricane victims and assistance to poor families facing high heating costs. In effect, he held the troops and devastated families hostage. He thought it was an offer his colleagues couldn’t refuse. Turns out they could, and did, mustering enough opposition for a filibuster. Stevens responded with an astonishing tantrum, calling it the “saddest day of his life” and hinting that he might leave the Senate entirely. Violins swelled. So the refuge is safe. Until next time.
