One so slim that, if 8 Republicans hadn’t crossed the aisle, it wouldn’t have passed at all.

The House of Representatives passed a sweeping climate-change bill Friday – a major victory for President Barack Obama and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi that left Republicans fuming about a “national energy tax” they said would exacerbate the nation’s economic woes.

The vote was extremely close – 219-212, with eight Republicans voting yes and 44 Democrats voting no.

Here are the eight Republicans we have to blame for this bit of nonsense making it through the House:

Rep. Bono Mack
Rep. Mike Castle
Rep. Mark Kirk
Rep. Lenoard Lance
Rep. Frank LoBiondo
Rep. John McHugh
Rep. Dave Reichert
Rep. Chris Smith

I’m not sure why any of these men should be allowed to call themselves Republicans after this.  Republicanism is supposed to mean limited government.  That is in the GOP platform.  Requiring businesses to buy permission from the government before they can emit carbon and engage in business is not limiting government.  In fact, given that no business in this nation can produce anything without emitting carbon, it’s a government control on production.  Anyone supporting that is not fit to be a Republican.

Out of the party, as far as I’m concerned.  We’re better off without them.

Republicans Jeff Flake and John Sullivan didn’t vote, for some reason.  Not sure if that was procedural or what.

Anyway, on to the Senate where less populous but more coal, oil and industry-rich states have more representation.  Click here to begin emailing your Senators now.

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