Congressman Knollenberg showed up tonight for a debate with Nancy Skinner in Michigan's 9th. The event was a candidate's forum for the Council of Homeowners Association. Knollenberg parroted the GOP talking points, saying we need to "stay the course" in Iraq. Nancy Skinner called to clean up the mess in Iraq, politically and militarily to avoid civil war. Nancy called out the House Leadership for covering up for Mark Foley. When Nancy criticized Knollenberg for voting with Bush 95% of the time, he remarked that it used to be 98% so at least it's coming down!
Mr. Knollenberg, 95% is still too high.
We did not expect Congressman Knollenberg to appear at this forum. He had yet to appear to debate Nancy in person. Team Skinner showed up just in time for the debate, in matching t-shirts with cameras ready, confident and ready.
On Michigan's economy, Knollenberg commented on the need to repeal the Single Business Tax. That is a state issue here in Michigan. Congress won't be worrying about it anytime soon! Knollenberg stuck to the Republican talking points even when it wasn't at all relevant. Nancy called on Knollenberg for showing lack of leadership, and simply following along with the Republican administration.
"I believe it is time for new leadership, and new energy. We have enough followers in Washington!" - Nancy Skinner
Afterwards, a constituent approached Knollenberg and asked him about the Torture Bill. She was concerned that she could be rounded up and dragged away if Bush called her an enemy combatant. Ducking the question, Knollenberg told her that it is a LAW, Congress passed it! She reminded him that he voted for it too. Knollenberg smirked, said "You Betcha!" and walked out.