WASHINGTON — Now that the politically potent National Rifle Association is keeping score, some Democrats might join House Republicans if there’s a vote to hold Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt of Congress in a dispute over documents related to a botched gun-tracking operation.
The chief Democratic House head counter, Rep. Steny Hoyer of Maryland, declined to say how many defections he expected but acknowledged that some in his party would consider heeding the NRA’s call for a “yes” vote.
The gun owners association injected itself last week into the stalemate over Justice Department documents demanded by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. The NRA said it supports the contempt resolution and will keep a record of how members vote.
Republicans want to cite Holder for contempt because he has refused to give the Oversight and Government Reform Committee all the documents it wants related to Operation Fast and Furious. Unless a last-minute deal is worked out, the contempt vote is set for Thursday.
