On Wednesday, January 3, 2001, the Honorable James Traficant (D-OH) kept his word and voted for Dennis Hastert (R-IL) to be Speaker of the House. This action has angered the Democratic Caucus who have thrown Mr. Traficant out.
The Democratic Leadership in the House have said that they would not give Mr. Traficant a committee assignment in the 107th Congress and would no longer be welcome at caucus meetings. A spokesman for Minority Leader Richard Gephardt of Missouri said that if he wanted a committee assignment, then Mr. Traficant would have to go to the Republicans.
James Traficant has said that he has no plans to become a Republican. Instead, he may declare himself to be the third independent in the House.
By supporting Mr. Hastert, Mr. Traficant has fulfilled a promise that he has been making for over a month to support the man that he said is "a man of the people." By shunning Mr. Traficant, the Democrats have shown us their tolerance of differing ideas and their true colors in relation to supporting bipartisanship.
After all, if they will turn on one of thier members for supporting Dennis Hastert for speaker, what will they do to the Democrat who supports a Republican idea?
