The anti-EFCA forces send around quotes from two pro-EFCA Dems who seem to understand that a secret ballot does in fact have some value. In particular, a secret ballot allows people to vote their conscience instead of being beholden to the political consequences of their vote. That’s a good thing when you want the right outcome — but apparently these guys think that somehow American workers wouldn’t see the same effect:
Senator Chris Dodd: “If we took a secret ballot on [Sotomayor’s] nomination I think it would be close to unanimous. That would be my guess.” (Floor Statement, Senator Chris Dodd, 8/5/09)
Sen. Tom Harkin: “Every two years the caucus could have a secret ballot on whether a chairman should continue, yes or no.”
