Today is Constitution Day, the day we celebrate the achievements of the Constitutional Convention that gave us the U.S. Constitution 221 years ago. So, in light of some comments made by Congressman Lynn Westmoreland appearing in the Henry Daily Herald yesterday, it seems the appropriate occasion for our campaign to provide him a little refresher course on the Constitution.
Defending his four years in Washington, D.C., Westmoreland complained that challenger Stephen Camp had not paid enough attention to his accomplishments in the House of Representatives:
"We have worked to assist people with Social Security issues, and saved many of them from foreclosure. It’s not about what type of legislation you offer. What really counts is what you can do to help people."
Our response follows.
I guess if you need help with your passport, Congressman Westmoreland’s office is anxiously awaiting your telephone call. But the fact is, he has paid staff to perform the constituent service work he describes. Isn’t it a little shocking to have a member of Congress state on the record that "It’s not about what type of legislation you offer"?
Article I, Section 1 of the U.S. Constitution:
All legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.
Congressmen Westmoreland may not think that legislation matters, but the U.S. Constitution strongly disagrees.
The most effective way to help people as a member of Congress is to use the legislative process to find and effect solutions to the problems your constituents struggle with every day. Our economy is sputtering, the financial markets are in turmoil, and working people and small businesses are hurting. We need representation in Washington that is not afraid of going to work to pass meaningful legislation. It’s what the Constitution contemplates, and it’s long overdue for the people of Georgia's Third District.
Stephen Camp
www.stephencampforcongress.com