Democrats Become the Minority Party

May 24, 2007
Democrats Become the Minority Party

WASHINGTON, May 23 — Congressional contortions over the Iraq spending
bill could end up with most House Democrats momentarily occupying the position
they were so desperate to vacate: the minority.

The decision by the Democratic majority to strip the measure of a timetable
for troop withdrawal has raised the prospect that it could be approved mainly
by Republicans with scattered Democrat support. The idea that many Democrats
would be left on the losing side in a consequential vote has exposed a sharp
divide within the party, drawn scorn from antiwar groups, confused the public
and frustrated the party rank and file.