Six Dems join GOP in 231-187 vote that holds Lois Lerner in contempt of Congress

Yesterday evening, the House of Representatives voted to hold Lois Lerner in contempt of Congress. The tally went down mostly along party lines, with Republicans taking the day 231 to 187. Yep, that's right. 187 Democrats have no problem with Lerner's actions. However, there were six Dems who decided to join the GOP effort.

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They were:

• Ron Barber (D-AZ)
• John Barrow (D-GA)
• Mike McIntyre (D-NC)
• Patrick Murphy (D-FL)
• Collin Peterson (D-MN)
• Nick Rahall (D-WV)

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So, did these six brave Democrats have a sudden attack of conscience? Were they outraged that Lerner pleaded the fifth despite the fact that she'd already made a statement? Did they demand justice for conservative groups that were targeted by the IRS? Of course not. As the lefties over at the National Journal point out, they all have something in common....

Six Democrats broke with their party to support the contempt vote: Ron Barber of Arizona, John Barrow of Georgia, Collin Peterson of Minnesota, Mike McIntyre of North Carolina, Nick Rahall of West Virginia, and Patrick Murphy of Florida. All are facing Republican challengers in tough districts for Democrats in November.

What a coincidence! Strange how they do the right thing when they're about to lose their jobs, isn't it? Now that the vote is over, the matter will be referred to the Department of Justice. Specifically, it will be handed over to Ronald Machen, the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia. Normally, the DOJ has some latitude in deciding whether or not to prosecute, but in a contempt of Congress case the language reads "shall prosecute." So, technically, it should have no choice but to bring the case before a Grand Jury. Machen issued a statement saying "We will carefully review the report from the Speaker of the House and take whatever action is appropriate." Of course, the DOJ is run by Eric Holder, who (and you don't want to "go there" with him) has himself been held in contempt. Machen is an Obama appointee. So if you're expecting these guys to pounce on this case, you've probably got a few screws loose. Still, as Darrel Issa points out....

Uh-huh. Good luck with that, Mr. Issa. The Obama administration has displayed its lawlessness time and time again. Does anyone honestly believe that this situation will be any different? Nope. Didn't think so.

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