My gutless rep Scott Garrett (R-NJ-5) too afraid to publicly support or oppose bailout

[brentspeak]

People answering the phones at Sen. Lautenberg and Sen. Menendez' offices: "The Senator completely supports significant oversight on this bill, completely supports the taxpayers recouping part of their money via equity stakes in any bailouts, etc."

My Democratic senators are very clear where they stand on the bailout issue, and the staff communicated that.

Guy answering the phone at Garrett HQ: "Um, we really can't tell you Rep. Garrett's opinions on the matter. You might try writing a letter in care of this office, or maybe use the web form..."

So while Garrett is in the papers calling the bailout the "Paulson/Pelosi plan", basically playing politics with the whole matter, he's too chicken to specifically state his position to his own constituents -- until, of course, after whatever legislation eventually passes. Then he'll bestow upon us his position.

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

1. And you are surprised why?

He dodges debates. He sends out surrogates in his stead to important gatherings. He was a no-show for weeks when the Delaware River flooded. He's just there to do the bidding of the corporations, single-issue groups and legal firms who are his true constituency.

That said, do I expect Dennis to mount much of a challenge in the western part of NJ5? No, I don't.

It is the western part that puts him over every stinking time. But the Bergen Dems who hold the purse strings don't recognize that and pressure the candidates to stay in Bergen and a little Passaic. And they succeed.

Sad to say, but I expect another two years of Ernie, and another two years of the district being ignored by its elected representative.

[brentspeak]

2. Unfortunately, Garrett understands all-too-well the secret to being reelected in NJ:

Maintain a quiet and uncontroversial public profile and you'll never be kicked out of office. A NJ politician could be the leader of a prostitution ring, but as long as it never makes the front-page or the evening news, he/she's set for life. That goes double for a Republican congressperson in the 5th district.

[monmouth]

3. Especially if the Star-Ledger is going out of business...LOL...n/t