Rice Confirmed - Lautenberg Votes No

Today Condoleezza Rice won the confirmation of the Senate as the next Secretary of State. The vote was 85-13.in favor of Dr. Rice’s confirmation. Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) was one of 12 Democrats and one independent to vote against the Bush nominee.

We received the following email sent to Senator Lautenberg via a reader. We think it’s right on target and have posted it below.

Your vote to appose the confirmation of Condoleezza Rice as Secretary of State does not represent our country or the state of New Jersey well. Your negative vote was without basis and can only, at its best, be seen as grandstanding. You have hurt the Democrat party at a time when it is most vulnerable in our state. What were you thinking?

Dr. Rice is an extremely qualified and gifted black woman that should be pointed to with pride, not denigrated and insulted before the country and the world. If you want to go after President Bush, than go after him. Take your senate responsibilities seriously and work to solve problems, not create them.

You should have restrained yourself from taking easy, cheap shots against a woman that many view with respect and admiration. Dr. Rice’s expertise, accomplishments and brilliance are an asset to our country. Her service to the United States should be honored, not discredited.

Finally Senator, your vote will be remembered as one that attempted to impugn the honor and integrity of a woman that serves as a role model for young girls and minorities throughout our country. Shame on you. You owe the new Secretary of State, Rice and the people of New Jersey an apology.