Anybody Represented by Mooney or Bartlett?

[mdguss]

I'm represented in the state senate by Senator Alex Mooney (R-Frederick). He's a way out there conservative--and I mean out there. He's ok on Red Light Cameras and the Death Penalty but that's about it. This year his biggest legislative accomplishment was been cosponsoring a protest with Roy Moore and a giant ten commandments plack.

And in Congress, I'm represented by good ol' Roscoe Bartlett. He's also out there, but he's far enough out there to be a thorn in the side of the administration. He has said that voting for the Patriot Act was the biggest mistake of his career, he has misgivings about the war in Iraq, and he's against the death penalty. This said, he does very little for the district. He routinely votes against necessary government projects because he thinks they are pork.

The guy the Democrats nominated to take Roscoe on doesn't stand a chance.

[tabasco]

1. Yep, Bartlett is unfortunately my Congressman.

He was one of about ten in the entire Congress that voted against a resolution honoring FDR. I guess he appeals to the redneck population of Western Maryland. If there is anything I can do to help replace him, I will do it.

[Rick in Maryland]

2. Bartlett is mine too. Not that I am bragging. Nothing he has ever done

while in congress was ever done to help western Maryland. You know, the people he is supposed to represent. His big claim to fame is making it illegal to buy a Penthouse or Playboy magazine while in the military and stationed overseas. He is a joke.

[Lefty Pragmatist]

3. Bartlett's mine, too.

I literally just moved here, so I have no idea whether he's any good. I assume he's a typical rural conservative -- guns, god, and guts.

Edit for more research. Yep, I was right. From his website:

"Congressman Roscoe Bartlett received the “True Blue” Award for achieving a 100% Pro-Family Voting Record from the Family Research Council (FRC) based upon key votes during 2001 and 2002 representing a cross section of issues affecting families."

"Congressman Roscoe Bartlett was the recipient of the 2001 Defender of the National Interest Award by the United States Business and Industrial Council (USBIC)."

"Congressman Roscoe Bartlett was declared a Hero of the Taxpayer by Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) for achieving a 95% rating during 2002 and a 90% rating during 2001 by voting in support of taxpayers’ interests."

So, reading between the lines, if it's a social program, a regulation, or a tax, he's against it. Not surprised. I'll back his opponent in November and lose with a clear conscience.

[Lefty Pragmatist]

4. An article on the chances of unseating him.

http://www.gazette.net/200410/weekend/a_section/205648-1.html

A snippet:


- - - - -

Bartlett's next challenge will come from outside his party in the general election, where he will face Democrat Kenneth T. Bosley.

The 74-year-old Sparks resident beat out six others to win the primary. Several of those challengers say it is now time to get behind Bosley, and Bosley is counting on that support.

But again, election observers are mixed in their opinions of whether Bosley has any chance in November.

"The Democrats have no name people," Imhoff said. "Even the Democrats didn't know who the Democrats were. The seat will probably remain in Republican hands for a very long time."

Gordon suggested that if Bosley begins campaigning immediately and offers the district a better understanding of who he is, that could resonate with voters in November.

"If he starts now to work on the general election, he might have a chance," Gordon said. "I think Roscoe is vulnerable. He has his weaknesses."

Stup is less optimistic. She has one bit of advice for Bosley: "Be gracious and grin in defeat," she said.

- - - - -

So, the candidates are 77 vs 74. Yikes...

[DaveinMD]

5. its a shame

Sue Hecht lost. She is such a great woman. She may run again against Mooney or for the House.

Bosley has no chance. He's crazy.