Everyone's favorite, soon to be ex-Congressman, Chip Pickering was in the news again today. This time he gave the AP a little more "detail" into why he will resign as the 3rd District's rep in 2008.
When asked about running for the Governor's seat in Jackson in 2012, his answer was a dubious "maybe".
However my odd love of the article comes later, as it goes on to describe some, how do you say "typical Republican morality."
As we all know Pickering said he's not going to run again because he wants to spend more time with his family of 7. But when asked about the 2006 election, he said it did play "some part" in deciding not to run again. How so you ask?
"It is different being in the minority. And for my temperament and personality, probably being in the majority and building the coalitions to govern is - I'm more suited for that."
And then there is the gem he describes as working too hard in Washington since the Democrats took office. Pickering relates to the AP how when Republicans where in charge, the only voting days were Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday. But since the Dems took charge, they have had to vote now on Mondays!! THE HORROR!! An American working 4 days a week?! I can see the man's outrage.
So being a House Rep is apparently only for the super dedicated and anti-family man to take up. How can someone serve when they are not dealing from a position of power? The Minority, wasn't that just a movie with Tom Cruise?
And as for Governor, I guess since Arnold can do it, anyone can eh Chip?
Excellent 1st post nick, I missed that interview entirely!
ReplyDeleteThanks john! I try to do this think liberals call "reading" from time to time. You'd be amazed what I learn!
ReplyDeleteOhhh, feel the burn. :)
ReplyDeleteGood analysis of Rep. Pickering. He knew what he was getting into - but now wants out. Humm...
ReplyDeleteWhen the Republicans took over in 1995, the changed the voting schedule by putting more votes in the evening and night on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday and eliminating many Monday and Friday votes. Same amount of work - just compacted it - three long days instead of five short days. This enabled members to spend more time back home in their districts. It wasn't that members didn't work on Mondays or Fridays, it meant they could work in their districts. It allowed more district focus and less Washington DC focus. It allowed more family time. There isn't anything wrong with three long days for five short days, just a governing preference.
ReplyDeleteThe 3-day week was an absolute failure. It ended congressional oversight and serious committee hearings and consideration. Tom Delay and a handful of Republican leaders and lobbyists wrote the bills, Members flew in to vote on them, and no one dared ask any questions. The Democrats are working longer weeks because they expect committees to provide oversight and write the legislation within their jurisdictions.
ReplyDeleteRight, how many five day work weeks have there been since the Democrats took over in January? I can think of one. Legislative oversight? Meaningful legislation passed? And still rank and file members in both parties are unable to read much of the legislation before it hits the floor. I guess it takes Democrats five days to fail as much as Republicans did in three days.
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