Seems like Representative (and I use that term VERY loosely) Barton has been dealt some criticism at home and abroad (Washington) by his latest .......bluff. Recently the
Washington Post and the
Dallas Morning News published stories on Representative Joe Barton's first big fundraiser for the New Year; a seemingly innocent train ride from Fort Worth to San Antonio. I just checked the normal ticket prices for the same trip and I can get one for $149.
Those wanting on Barton's Corruption Express can plop down $2,000 per individual and $5,000 per PAC in order to " have lots of time to talk, play some Texas Hold 'Em, and enjoy some great down home Texas food." Do that math...that's 13 times more for an individual ticket and 33 times more for a PAC. Sounds like a great deal to me...
I am just glad I am not the only one seeing this for what it is...another Barton boondoggle.
The commentary by these papers was welcomed by the Follow Me to DC camp and I couldn't agree more with the articles because they ask some of the same questions I had after reading about the little excursion.
"All Aboard for Joe Barton's 2006 Texas Train Ride" the sign reads and promises potential donors and lobbyists to be a
"hot ticket" - almost reminiscent of Charlie looking for the last golden ticket for the Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory.
On the surface, everything is legitimate - supposedly. However, in the weeks following the Abramoff plea, more and more GOP Representatives are being looked at more closely for their "business trips" and lobbyist "relations" and now we have this. I find it hard to understand why Barton would engage in an event that is basically thumbing his nose at the investigation of the whole corrupt culture in Washington. Either Barton is completely oblivious or just that comfortable on his throne up in the Energy and Commerce Committee that he thinks he can hold a fundraiser like this and not draw some attention by critics.
So what does Barton need so much money for? His camp was contacted about our race back in November and his spokesman, Craig Murphy said to the
Shorthorn that it is
"pretty unlikely the voters would switch now, and I don't think the opposition thinks it's likely they would do that." So again, why does he need to raise a quarter of a million dollars if we are not perceived as a threat by his campaign?
We will just have to see about that, now won't we District Sixers?
Even if everything is on the up-and-up and it is just a "normal fundraiser" I have one more parting question - Fort Worth to San Antonio? Why not do some fundraising right here in District Six and give back to the businesses and constituents that have helped you get into office? Just one more example to show you that Barton is completely out of touch with the average taxpayers in District Six and doesn't care about truly representing the people.
Anyone with access to one of these "hot ticket" flyers is encouraged to contact our camp so we can see what all the fuss is about.