Backbencher of the Week

Perhaps being close to retiring gives some politicians a feeling of independence.  That certainly appears to be the case for this week's Backbencher of the Week, Sen. George Voinovich(R-OH). 

First, Sen. Voinovich pointed out that the Republican party's southern tilt is hurting the party.  Spcifically he called out Senators Jim DeMint(R-SC) and Tom Coburn(R-OK); two ultra-conservative Republican Senators for being the face of party's southern problem.  Voinovich said, "They get on TV and go errrr, errr.  People ear them and say, "These people, they're southerners.  The party's being taken over by southerners.  What the hell they got to do with Ohio?"

Second, Sen. Voinovich was one of 8 Republicans to vote with the majority of the Senate to confirm Sonia Sotomayor as an Associate Justice to the Supreme Court.

For a little bit of independence, Senator George Voinovich is this week's Backbencher of the Week.