Shuler’s Rules: You Can’t Come to My District, Congressman Declares
Representative Heath Shuler of North Carolina has an interesting conception of the authority of a Congressman. After complaining that Nancy Pelosi never talks to him, Shuler made a grab for sour grapes. From Politico:
“Pelosi wouldn’t be welcome in his or other centrists’ districts, he said. Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) and Assistant Leader James Clyburn (D-S.C.), could visit Blue Dog areas, he said, because they’re not as liberal as Pelosi. ‘I think Steny has been good at that task, understanding the districts we come from. To be quite frank, Steny’s the only one that can come to our district. He and Clyburn can come to our district.’”
What is Heath Shuler saying here? That Nancy Pelosi would be turned back from the borders of his district, which consists of Asheville, Hendersonville and the rest of Western North Carolina? Does Shuler employ some no-account Sheriffs for the task? Is Shuler insinuating that his district is filled with violent, threatening goons who have never seen someone from San Francisco in their entire lives? Clearly he hasn’t spent much time in Asheville, a magnet for hippy expatriate San Franciscans. Or is this all more of a promise by Heath Shuler to rough up Nancy Pelosi if she dares to step foot on his territory?
It’s all bit of a mystery, and somewhat sad no matter how his claim is interpreted. The saddest bit of all: a reporter contacting Pelosi’s office confirms that there’s been frequent contact between Pelosi and Shuler staffers. What does Heath Shuler expect? A perfumed handkerchief?
I would welcome Nancy Pelosi here, she ran the House very well. Not like what’s there now.