Why Mark Begich Still Hasn't Gotten a Vote On Any of His Amendments

Photo Credit: AP / Becky BohrerIt’s a sore point for the Alaska Democrat, who already faces a difficult re-election campaign in a conservative-leaning state. Republicans have already criticized it as a sign that he is ineffective, an argument he rejects.

Begich has his own party to blame. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., has blocked amendment votes on most bills this year to prevent vulnerable members (including Begich) from having to weigh in on Republican proposals that could hurt their re-election chances, such as amendments on Obamacare or gun control…

In an interview, Begich said he is frustrated with the lack of amendment votes and has told Reid that he would prefer an open process even if it meant allowing Senate Republicans to force votes on politically motivated proposals.

But at the same time, Begich rebuffed his GOP critics, dismissing the significance of amendments as a means to judge his productivity and effectiveness.

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