Committee On Oversight And Government Reform

The House Republicans Oversight Website has posted a letter from House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Ranking Member Darrell Issa (R-CA) to Rham Emanuel citing threats used against Republicans who negatively reported on the success of the stimulus program.  Below are some excerpts from that letter, including some of the threats made:

Letter from Ray LaHood, Secretary of Transportation:

On Sunday, Arizona Senator Jon Kyl publicly questioned whether the stimulus is working and stated that he wants to cancel projects that aren't presently underway. I believe the stimulus has been very effective in creating job opportunities throughout the country. However, if you prefer to forfeit the money we are making available to your state, as Senator Kyl suggests, please let me know [emphasis added].

 

Letter from Ken Salazar, Secretary of the Interior: 

Some key Republican leaders in Congress have publicly questioned whether the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is working and suggested cancelling all projects that are not currently in progress. I believe they are wrong. The stimulus funds provided through the Recovery Act are a very effective way to create job opportunities throughout the Country. However, if you prefer to forfeit the money we are making available to Arizona, please let me know [emphasis added].

"At what point do you believe your practice of Chicago-style politics violates a public official's right to speak out in favor of alternative policies," Issa asks.  "The American people have a right to know what role you played in developing the threatening letters to Governor Brewer and whether you intend to continue to engage in these tactics in the future."

This is not American politics as usual and should be brought to the public's attention.  Anyone engaging in this type of practice should be promptly voted out of office.