Monday, February 28, 2011

Monday, February 28

This week's Lunch 'n Learn was with House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy.  The story of how he became a politician is long; he is also a lawyer, and he met us late because a court hearing was delayed.  He told us that the job of his caucus (party), as the minority, is to point out the problems associated with the Republicans' ideas.  Something he always tells his caucus is "vote your conscious; vote your district".  He realizes that members of his caucus should not always agree with each other just because they are in the same party.

For example, a decision to sell a historically significant painting owned by the state, and located near Iowa City, for millions of dollars will never gain support from a rep from that area.  On the other hand, a rep whose entire rural district is three hundred miles away may want the money to go towards farm subsidies.  Both reps have their best intentions; they're just trying to reflect the views of their district.

After a 15-minute session this morning, we gaveled out for the entire day.  Go committees, go.

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