The many faces of conservatives

Sen. Lamar Alexander (R., TN): Using reconciliation would "end the Senate." Quote: " It would   turn the Senate, it would really be the end of the Senate as a protector of minority rights, the place where you have to get consensus, instead of just a partisan majority."

     
• Igor Volsky of the WonkRoom points out that, four times in the past decade, Sen. Alexander voted for reconciliation: [WonkRoom]
     
• Sen. Lamar Alexander, 2003: Votes for reconciliation on the Bush tax cuts which increased   budget deficits by $340 billion by 2008.
     
• Sen. Lamar Alexander, 2005: Votes for reconciliation on the Deficit Reduction Act to strip $26.1 billion from Medicaid.
     
• Sen. Lamar Alexander, 2005: Votes for reconciliation to extend tax cuts on things like capital gains.
     
• Sen. Lamar Alexander, 2007: Votes for reconciliation on a bill to forgive student loan debt.