I’m shocked to learn that Sen. Jim DeMint is implacably opposed to ratifying the START Treaty. On the other hand, it sounds like it has a good chance of being ratified in the lameduck session after the elections. However, I’d like to know what all these Republicans mean when they say that their votes are dependent on ‘nuclear modernization.’ For example:
“Things depend entirely on the administration’s commitment to nuclear modernization,” said Senate Republican Conference Chairman Lamar Alexander (Tenn.). “There are a number of us on the Republican side, led by Sen. Kyl, who want to make sure that we continue this path to make sure our nuclear weapon force is up to date.
“What we’ve seen, and the facilities that we have today, is really very appalling. It’s like building a Corvette in a Model T plant. So we’re withholding judgment.”
The same sentiment was echoed by Bob Corker who is also from Tennessee. I can see how they might be lobbying for massive expenditures to update the facilities at Oak Ridge. But the talking point is being repeated by senators who have no obvious parochial interest.
Ratifying the treaty requires 67 votes. Senators elected in special elections (Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Florida) will take office immediately rather than in January, possibly changing the partisan ratio in the Senate and making ratification more or less difficult.
