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Boxer, Feingold Oppose Another Bernanke Term

Liberal Democrats join rising tide against Fed chair's reappointment

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 22, 2010 4:15 PM CST
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(Newser) – Two Democratic senators said today they won't vote to reappoint Ben Bernanke as Fed chairman. Barbara Boxer and Russell Feingold added to the groundswell of opposition imperiling a second 4-year term for Bernanke, which requires 60 votes. “Our next Federal Reserve chairman must represent a clean break from the failed policies of the past,” Boxer said. “It is time for Main Street to have a champion at the Fed.”

Four senators—three Republicans and independent Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who caucuses with the Dems—have placed a hold on the confirmation of the Fed chief, meaning he must get 60 votes. Harry Reid has hinted that a surprising number of Democrats privately oppose the nomination and has asked Mitch McConnell to count Republican votes, the New York Times reports. In a sign of the general uncertainty, Reid did not say until today that he supports the reappointment, and McConnell has not indicated how he will vote.

Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wis. speaks to reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009.
Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wis. speaks to reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009.   (AP Photo/Harry Hamburg)
In a Dec. 3, 2009 file photo Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington.
In a Dec. 3, 2009 file photo Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington.   (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 18 comments
Fondue
Jan 27, 2010 3:35 AM CST
Perhaps you are advocating some National Socialism.
Fondue
Jan 27, 2010 3:33 AM CST
Fucking dumb people. Goyim is plural. Nebuchadnazi, are you suggesting hiring all of the non-Jews including us "heathens" and atheists? That would be a bit Socialist you know. And DLY, doesn't surprise me one bit.
blues_junky
Jan 23, 2010 12:59 PM CST
Maybe not, IT.....but you'd think the right hand would know what the left hand is gonna do. Otherwise, you look foolish. BTW, if they change Fed chairmen now, look for the market to tank in the midst of uncertainty.....

 
Ben Bernanke • Harry Reid • Senate Democrats • Federal Reserve • Mitch McConnell • Senate Republicans • Russ Feingold • Barbara Boxer • US Senate • Senate majority leader • Bernie Sanders • anger Federal Reserve • Senate minority leader

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