Because she can't get anything done in Congress, Rep. Kristi Noem will go stand outside of Congress and shout for a Farm Bill today.
South Dakota's lone Congresswoman could have used her eagerly-sought but now frequently vacant seat on the House Agriculture Committee to press for a passable Farm Bill that meets South Dakota's needs. She could have used her vaunted position as freshman liaison to the House GOP leadership to challenge urban apathy and demand faster action. She could have told Speaker Boehner that if the House can vote 33 times to repeal ObamaCare, it can make time for one vote on the Farm Bill. She could have worked the halls lining up support for a discharge petition to speed things up.
But today she'll go stand in the shimmery light of the Capitol Reflecting Pool and smile for the cameras, which will broadcast her public demonstration live on FarmBillNow.com, starting at 10 a.m. Central, 9 a.m. Mountain.
At least Kristi has figured out her strength. But while she plays showhorse, maybe it's time to elect a workhorse who can get things done in the Capitol.
Noem: Mountain It Liaison Freshman....
Why should she protest the lack of a farm bill? Protest is an activity usually undertaken by the people to highlight an unresponsive government. SHE IS THE GOVERNMENT, in fact she is the exact portion of the government (Republican House Ag Committee member) where the holdup is. If you get off your butt and do something you won't have to search out the cameras the cameras will find you.
For that matter I hear there are a lot of camera opportunities for a freshman member of Congress willing to debate her general election opponent.
Bingo Nick! Instead of working she's protesting for the cameras against herself and her own lack of influence as an elected leader in the GOP house caucus that's holding up the farm bill. I'm sure she will tell the cameras that, "If my party's leaders that I'm always defending would only listen to me ...". The problem as I see it is that it's not "at the end of the day" yet. According to Kristi that is when things always happen.
She is more show than work.
GOP polling horribly in Minnesota, Noem TP mentor, Michele Bachmann has nearly fallen off the charts: PPP.
I think the odds of a Farm Bill happening in 6 days is quickly growing into the realm of impossible.
Think of these factors:
Sen. Pat Roberts, the ranking Republican on the Senate Agriculture Committee, didn’t come. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Frank Lucas (R-Okla.) also stayed away from the rally in DC.
Boehner is ignoring reporters questions on the Farm Bill.
Paul Ryan has already proposed cutting $180 billion from the farm bill.
House majority leader, Eric Cantor wants to “push the pause button†and allow time for some assessment of the political situation. (South Dakota farmers should note that politics is much more important to Republicans than their needs.)
A vote for the farm bill could be seen as a victory for Democrats...including Senator Debbie Stabenow of Michigan
Speaking of Big Brother: "The FISA bill unanimously passed the House Intelligence Committee in June and is expected to be voted on by the full House on Wednesday."
http://security.blogs.cnn.com/2012/09/11/battle-to-reauthorize-use-of-powerful-government-spy-tool/
Thanks to Dennybriated Rehberg, Krusti Noem, and Cynthia Lummox: “single worst anti-environment bill to be considered in the House this Congress.â€
http://www.motherjones.com/blue-marble/2012/09/house-passes-extra-terrible-pro-coal-heading-home