Wouldn't McCain Be More Effective Without McHenry?

September 30, 2008

This letter is for Rep. Patrick McHenry and his gunslingers who attack me in print whenever I point out his partisan sniping and bickering with fellow members of Congress, along with his consistent, obstructive “no” votes on heavily bipartisan bills. It’s why he’s so ineffective on behalf of the economically challenged middle class of the 10th District.

Does anyone else remember Rep. McHenry stating earlier this year that the mere thought of a John McCain presidency left him “feeling physically ill”? It’s one of those things that somehow get lost in a local press which doesn't cover politics, but was in all the “big papers.”

Isn’t Obama the only other choice? Still, if you believe McHenry and all his imaginary citizen letter-writers with real-sounding names (like Charles Thompson of Taylorsville), I am the crazy liberal guy!

Likely, he missed the following speech, too.

“I will focus all the powers of the office; every skill and strength I possess; and seize every opportunity to work with members of Congress who put the national interest ahead of partisanship….”

“I’m not interested in partisanship that serves no other purpose than to gain a temporary advantage over our opponents. This mindless, paralyzing rancor must come to an end. We belong to different parties, not different countries. We are rivals for the same power. But we are also compatriots. We are fellow Americans, and that shared distinction means more to me than any other association….”

These are verbatim quotes from Sen. John McCain on May 15, 2008, in Columbus, Ohio. Source: JohnMcCain.com.

It all makes me wonder why McHenry’s minions attack my mental health, accuse me of being a flaming liberal, etc., every time I stray from the congressman’s brand of blind, partisan Republicanism to consider the problems of people and what government might do to help.

“Mindless, paralyzing rancor…” Wouldn’t John McCain be a more effective president without Patrick McHenry in Congress?

Dennis A. Benfield

Proud Republican, but led by conservative principles, not party affiliation alone

Hudson, NC