Charles Netzel – 10/9/08

This page was last updated on October 12, 2008.

Hart’s smear job just doesn’t stick; Charles Netzel; Beaver County Times; October 9, 2008.

Below is a detailed critique of the subject letter.

“While all of the Melissa Hart attacks highlighted in the article ‘Roles reserved: Altmire and Hart to meet again’ were ludicrous, her allegation that Jason Altmire is a liberal Democrat, as in far left wing Democrat, is off the mark.”

[RWC] As you’ll read below, Mr. Altmire’s voting record indicates he is “a liberal Democrat.” Don’t you love it when lefties call it a “smear” or are otherwise offended when they’re identified as “liberals,” leftists, et cetera?

“Altmire is pro-life and pro-gun ownership. He has been one of the strongest advocates of protecting Americans’ Second Amendment rights and is even endorsed by the NRA.

“Time and time again — whether on energy or illegal immigration or national security — Altmire has shown that he has no problem bucking his party’s leadership and will always put the needs of his constituents first.”

[RWC] Does Mr. Netzel know he just bashed his party for being wrong on all the issues he cited in the previous two paragraphs? Though Mr. Netzel is clearly a Democrat, he’s saying to vote for Mr. Altmire because he allegedly takes the Republican position on some issues.

“He also insisted on our southern border fence with Mexico being made from American steel. It was being made with Chinese steel, a special slap in the face to all in the area who did and still work with American steel companies.”

[RWC] Everyone in Congress took this position.

“For Hart, the title of ‘partisan operative’ is accurate. Hart voted with George Bush more than 95 percent of the time. During her six years in office, she rose quickly within the Republican ranks by being a loyal, lock-step Bush soldier, even though I know a lot of people in Beaver County wish she had spent more time addressing constituents needs rather than the Republican leadership’s needs and demands.”

[RWC] President Bush is a Republican and so is Ms. Hart. If two members of the same party who allegedly share the same principles don’t agree the vast majority of the time, something’s wrong. That’s true regardless of political party. As you’ll see below, Mr. Altmire votes with his party leadership the vast majority of the time, but that’s not a problem for Mr. Netzel.

“I want a congressman who cares more about what I need than about what the Washington politicos want. That is why Altmire has my vote and enthusiastic support in this election.”

[RWC] Mr. Netzel failed to note Mr. Altmire had a 95% Liberal Quotient (The ADA’s term, not mine.) for 2007 from Americans for Democratic Action (“Washington politicos” and self-described as “America's most experienced independent liberal lobbying organization”). The ratings for 2008 won’t be out until next year. Majority leaders Steny Hoyer (D-MD) and Harry Reid (D-NV) had LQs of 90% and 85%, respectively. Apparently while “bucking his party’s leadership,” overall Mr. Altmire still was able to vote more liberally than “his party’s leadership” as well the average House (92%) and Senate (87%) Democrat.

On a relative basis, Mr. Altmire did “better” (28%) in the American Conservative Union ratings. Note that in general the ADA and ACU don’t use the same roll call votes to determine their ratings.