UPDATE: Senator Joe Manchin (D. WV) is also a "No" vote on Syria:
http://www.politico.com/...
The West Virginia Democrat was considered a key swing vote in the uphill battle to marshal support for a limited military intervention in Syria. But after weeks of attending closed briefings, speaking with military and Obama administration officials and hearing from thousands of West Virginians, Manchin said that he couldn’t support the resolution as passed by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. That resolution is expected to come before the full Senate next week.
“Given the case that has been presented to me, I believe that a military strike against Syria at this time is the wrong course of action,” Manchin said. “I believe that we must exhaust all diplomatic options and have a comprehensive plan for international involvement before we act.” - Politico, 9/5/13
Hey guys! I'm still on vacation until next Monday but I figured I would pass this story on to you all:
http://www.staradvertiser.com/...
Hawaii U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz says he intends to oppose a Senate resolution authorizing the use of U.S. military force in Syria.
President Barack Obama is calling for military action after his administration blamed Syria President Bashar Assad for a chemical weapons attack last month that it says killed more than 1,400 civilians.
Other casualty estimates are lower, and the Syrian government denies responsibility, contending rebels fighting to topple the government were to blame.
Schatz said this afternoon that while he is outraged by Assad's use of chemical weapons, he believes a military strike is not the answer. - Star Advertiser, 9/5/13
To be fair, Schatz's primary opponent, Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa (D. HI) said that she would not support Obama's request basses on the intelligence she has seen so far but I am very happy to hear Schatz will vote against this. Senator Mazie Hirono (D. HI) and Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbarad (D. HI) remain undecided. Please do contact your Senator and Congresswoman and let them know you want them to oppose military action with Syria:
Senate: http://www.senate.gov/
House: http://house.gov/
And while you're at it, please consider donating to Schatz's campaign as a way of saying thank you:
https://secure.brianschatz.com/...
I'll be back Monday, September 9th (my mother's Birthday!) with more diaries. Now back to Thursday night football.