What is the author's opinion of Tobias Read in regards to his recent action?
Wow, Tobias Read just earned himself a whole lot of trouble.  I'm only one guy, but I'm part of his moderate Democrat base, and he's certainly in big trouble with me. 
I will study the issue, but he'd better make some very convincing claims and soon, or he is dead meat. Perhaps he doesn't realize that siding with Richardson on this issue doesn't generate applause from Republicans, but salivation. They see a position that just became vulnerable.  The environmental Democrats are not upset. They are furious and he has lost many of them forever, no matter how compelling his reasoning.  He really needed to have some conversations before taking drastic action.
I have to say, regardless of the merits of his position, his vote was an astounding example of political stupidity.