Aug 16, 2011
In case you missed it: Quayle turns to pay-per-view representation
PHOENIX -- It's August, when members of Congress go home and host town halls to hear out their constituents -- or in Rep. Ben Quayle's case, to shake down those constituents.
A story in today's POLITICO ("Talk to Paul Ryan? It'll cost you") noted House Budget Committee chairman Ryan "isn’t holding any face-to-face open-to-the-public town hall meetings during the recess, but like several of his colleagues he will speak only for residents willing to open their wallets."
Like Ryan, Quayle has gone pay-per-view.
POLITICO noted that Quayle "is scheduled to appear Aug. 23 at a luncheon gathering of the Arizona Republican Lawyers Association. For $35, attendees can question Quayle and enjoy a catered lunch..." And a Quayle spokesman confirmed that the congressman is not planning any open town halls.
Today, Quayle's campaign also sent out an invitation to an Aug. 25 "Eggs and Issues" event in Scottsdale, billed as "the first in a series of congressional issues breakfasts." Price tag: $50 per person.
"When Quayle voted for Ryan's plan to dismantle Medicare, he got an earful from his constituents back in May," said Luis Heredia, Arizona Democratic Party executive director. "So now that he's decided to walk away from town halls, it's no shock that he wants a friendlier audience -- preferably one that will shell out campaign contributions.
"Quayle's decision makes sense if you recall how flat-footed he was at the Anthem town hall in May, when he learned of the existence of oil subsidies for the first time from his constituents," Heredia said. "Maybe he thinks if only those who can afford to pay will show up, he won't get asked why he voted to support the tea party agenda rather than our nation's economy."
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