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The Escalator

By Christopher BeamPosted Thursday, Jan. 11, 2007, at 5:24 PM ET

(Continued from page 1)

Bethany Sanders at health blog That's Fit raises an enthusiastic "Amen": "I guess since smoking is already banned in many federal buildings, and in all public areas in the District of Columbia, smoking in the Capitol shouldn't even be an issue."

Conservative Robert VerBruggen at Robert's Rationale accuses the "tobacco-, freedom- and tradition-hating Nancy Pelosi" of being dishonest about her motives. Plus, he adds, "secondhand smoke is primarily a danger to those who live or work around it constantly, not reporters who once in awhile might talk to lawmakers on cigarette breaks." Liberal John at Gordon's Notes agrees that "vengeance" is somehow involved: "Many Republicans smoke. Few Democrats smoke. Nancy Pelosi demonstrates both good governance and mastery of the twisted knife ... "

Read more about Pelosi's smoking ban.

Questions or comments? Please e-mail . (Reader e-mail may be quoted by name unless author stipulates otherwise.)

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Christopher Beam is a Slate political reporter. Follow him on Twitter.
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