Blunt Drums Up Support For Colombian Trade Deal

Rep. Roy Blunt said a vote against a pending Colombia free-trade agreement would signal support for anti-American Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.

Democrats vehemently oppose the trade deal because they contend the Colombian government has not done enough to reduce violence against union leaders there.

Blunt said Republicans will frame the debate in terms of national security and whether members support Colombian President Alvaro Uribe or Chavez, whose government has been accused of supporting rebels in Colombia. "Uribe is working with the United States, cooperating with the United States and trading with the United States," Blunt said.

Blunt also hinted that he's using some back channels to win over Congressional Democrats on the measure. You can read more about it HERE.

The trade measure is expected to be sent to Congress next week.