Not Quite Lying

In his television commercial, Congressman McHugh is attempting to distance himself by George Bush. Who could blame him for that.

But what example does he give?

He says that he stood up for seniors by supporting an extension of the deadline for Medicare.

A noble intention, to be sure.

Lots of problems with that one, however.

I went to the source to uncover the details, McHugh's official congressional website.

Here's what he says: " H.R. 5399, The Medicare Drug Benefit Enrollment Fairness Act of 2006 would excuse the one percent-per-month premium penalty for those who missed the May 15 deadline. I have cosponsored this legislation and am hopeful the House will soon take action on it."

That's cool. Did you notice that phrase "hopeful the House will soon take action on it?"

That's right. It's still tied up in committee. 5 months after it was introduced. In other words, NO VOTE.

His opposition to the President consists of his "support" and "co-sponsorship" of the bill. Will he actually get to vote on this bill? Probably not. Most bills of this sort die in committee.

And, as for that co-sponsorship. McHugh was Johnny-Come-Lately here. The bill was introduced on May 17 by a LARGE group of REPUBLICANS and big brave Congressman John didn't sign on until a week later.

Wonder who twisted his arm to convince him to stick his neck out this way to support a going nowhere bill to provide a minor fix to a massive problem called Medicare Part D.

According to an article in THE HILL: "On a more politically sensitive issue, Grassley and Rep. Nancy Johnson (R-Conn.) are waging a campaign to enact legislation that would prevent beneficiaries who missed the May 15 deadline to sign up for Part D from being assessed a financial penalty if they enroll later.The administration and the congressional leadership have been cool to the idea, despite enthusiasm among many rank-and-file Republicans, especially those vulnerable in the midterm elections."

AHA!!!! He might want you to think that he's a leader, but it looks more like he's a rank-and-file Republican and maybe a vulnerable one to boot!!!!!!!

Tell everyone you know about this one. And VOTE BOB JOHNSON!!!