Mikulski says Republicans 'embarrassed'

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 (UPI) -- U.S. Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., accused Republicans of bending to "the political ambitions of a few" rather than doing what's right.

Mikulski, speaking Saturday during the Democrats weekly radio address, read off a litany of political problems so embarrassing that "Washington Republicans are turning red."

She recounted the CIA leak investigation in which a White House aide was indicted, the war in Iraq and the failed U.S. Supreme Court nomination of Harriet Miers, saying, "I can't remember a situation like this since the Watergate scandal brought down the Nixon administration."

"I want you to know that Democrats are committed to addressing the priorities of working families," Mikulski said. "We want to work together and we have real plans to help."

She said Republicans were failing to reach across to Democrats for help on the problems facing the nation.

"Whether it's choosing a Supreme Court nominee or handling intelligence in the run up to war, or the cost of home heating oil -- the political ambitions of a few should never come ahead of doing what's right," Mikulski said.

She said, "After weeks of scandal and misplaced priorities, it's time for a fresh start."