Thirty Democratic members of the House voted against the creation of a consumer financial products protection agency. The Post told readers that these members were "moderate," and that "like-minded" Democrats in the Senate hold far more power. How does the Post know that the these members voted against a consumer protection agency because they are "moderate," and that their compatriots in the Senate are actually "like-minded" as opposed to both being under the influence of the financial industry? The Post would have as much justification in righting 30 Democrats in the House with strong ties to the financial industry voted against the bill and then warning readers that Senators with close industry ties have much more power in the Senate. It may not be possible to determine with certainty that these members of Congress cast their votes in ways that serve their political backers, it surely is not possible to determine the opposite, as the Post implies.
--Dean Baker
