Panic: Four Junior House Dems Run from Spending Spree

FYI, a version of the release below went out to the following incumbent and challenger districts: John Adler (NJ-03); Jim Himes (CT-04); Gary Peters (MI-09); and Peter Welch (VT-AL).

Washington– In a textbook example of political panic, Jim Himes, ever loyal to the Democrat majority’s out-of-control spending agenda, has suddenly found religion. In this underhanded political maneuver, Himes and three other vulnerable Junior House Democrats have formed what they’ve called the Spending Cuts and Deficit Reduction Working Group in response to Democrat leadership’s lack of action in putting any serious budget cuts on the table. After almost two years of unapologetic support for a Democrat agenda of runaway spending that has failed to create jobs and has produced the highest national debt in American history, the looming mid-term election has finally forced Himes to think about the consequences.

During his first term in Congress, Himes did not show an ounce of remorse when he voted on the following:

• Voted YES on the trillion-dollar stimulus.
• Voted YES on one of the largest one-year increase in federal spending since the Carter administration.
• Voted YES on the ‘most fiscally irresponsible budget in American history.
• Voted YES on raising the debt ceiling in order to bring on $2 trillion in new debt.
• Voted YES – twice – on the trillion-dollar government takeover of healthcare.

Now, with November in sight, Himes and his fellow vulnerable colleagues are running scared from their record:

“Four junior House Democrats frustrated with leadership’s approach to deficit spending are going rogue.
Reps. Gary Peters (D-Mich.), John Adler (D-N.J.), Jim Himes (D-Conn.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) are getting more vocal on their concerns about government spending.”

“At the same time, Peters, Adler and Himes benefit from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s “Frontline” program, which funnels money from well-established Democrats to those in traditionally Republican districts.

“Himes defeated Republican Chris Shays in 2008 to get the spot, which Shays had held since 1987. Peters represents historically Republican Detroit suburbs, while Adler hails from what is considered New Jersey’s swing district.” (Simmi Aujla, “Four House Dems revolt,” Politico, 7/20/2010)

“Calling for minor spending cuts just months before election day after blowing a multi-trillion dollar hole in the federal deficit is bordering on absurdity,” said NRCC Communications Director Ken Spain. “Jim Himes has gladly signed off on trillions in new spending and new debt, but now that he’s feeling the pressure of a difficult re-election campaign, he’s making a pathetic attempt to run from his own record. Connecticut taxpayers should see right past Himes’ empty stunt. After all, they’re the ones stuck with the bill for his reckless spending agenda.”