My Congress-woman seems like a nice enough sort, but I have to confess to having a problem with her civil service to date. She claims to have my interests at heart but keeps voting with Nancy Pelosi. While there may be (former) New Hampshire residents living in California District 8, voting with their congressional rep most of the time isn’t wining her any huzzahs back here in New Hampshire.
My second problem is that she hasn’t actually done anything useful, unless sharing voting cards with the House speaker can be counted as useful. As an example, her web sight proudly displays a list of “Original Legislation” on the Issues & Legislation page. Under the 4 marquee items listed there are 5 bills, some introduced as far back February 2007. Three were actually sponsored by Rep. Shea-Porter, and the other two she co-sponsored. Of these 5 proud moments in her freshman term none of them has been scheduled for debate. When a 16 month old Bill, which has not even been scheduled for debate is given this kind of mention, you have to wonder what’s hiding in the balance of her legislative record.
So I went and took a look.
Congresswoman Shea-Porter has introduced 20 Bills in the 2007-2008 legislative sessions (according to GovTrack.us)
In March of 2007 she sponsored House Resolution 266 which passed 417-2 with the stated purpose of…
Supporting the goals and ideals of Professional Social Work Month and World Social Work Day
Acknowledges the diligent efforts of the individuals and groups who promote the importance of social work and who are observing Professional Social Work Month and World Social Work Day.
A kind sentiment, but is that why we sent her to Washington?
On March 29th, 2007, no doubt still giddy form her victory on HR 266, she sponsored House Resolution 293 which passed on April 18th 2007 411-0. Its function was to…
Support the goals and ideals highlighted through National Volunteer Week.
Acknowledges the diligent efforts of our major federally funded community service and volunteer programs
On December 11th House Resolution 768 passed by voice vote to
Honor the life of Thomas “Tommy” Makem, and his accomplishments as a musician, composer, and performer
On Dec 17th 2007 H Con. Res. 246 passes honoring the Marines on their 232nd birthday.
Can you feel the love?
Since then she has introduced 13 other pieces of “legislation” none of which has been scheduled for debate. It seems that all of her Bills, like the 16 month old Bill proudly displayed as “original legislation” on her web page, are dead or dying. For those who are not sure what any of this means, anyone in congress can introduce a bill. The second part of the sometimes lengthy process is scheduling it for debate on the floor. Carol Shea-Porter has yet to climb that hurtle in this legislative session, and I can’t find any evidence that it has been incorporated into any other legislation, so all of her “hard work” is either dying on the tree, or perhaps in comittee, but at this rate we are unlikely to see anything of value from the freshman, and with any luck no sophomore appearance.
So with my investigation complete, the legislative legacy of Carol Shea-Porter can now be bolied down to this– three Hallmark cards and 97% of whatever Nancy Pelosi wants her to vote for. You know Nancy Pelosi. She’s very concerned about New Hampshire voters. I can almost feel it.
For a more dynamic look at some of Carol’s other contributions go here.
While I prefer the smallest amount of meddling from my government officials, if they have to meddle they could at least pretend it’s in my best interest. Jeb Bradley and John Stephen would both like a shot at voicing the interests of real New Hampshire voters (not those transplants on the Left-Coast.)
While I have not decided which of these gentlemen deserves the opportunity, I can bet that neither one of them cares all that much about how Nancy Pelosi wants them to vote.
If you would like to consider an alternative, either of these gentlemen would like her job.
http://www.jebforcongress.com/
The New Media Militia 
I will be supporting Jeb Bradley. I thought he got a raw deal from New Hampshire voters two years ago and I hope he gains back the seat that is rightfully his. If John Stephen wins the nomination I will support him all the way. Carol Shea-Porter is a disgrace.