What do DU Marylanders think of Roscoe Bartlett?

[TheFarseer]

I've seen him on C-Span on several occasions always talking about energy. He's very informative and pragmatic. If nothing else, he's taking the problem of energy very seriously. What do you guys think of Roscoe?

[Stinky The Clown]

1. One of the very worst GOPers in Congress. He scores 100% on conservative ......

.... issues and 0% on progressive issues.

In short ..... he's a Neanderthal.

He's also old enough that his retirement is, we can hope, imminent.

He used to be our congressman until we got redistricted into Elijah Cummings' district.

[hootinholler]

2. I concur, but I will give him props for peak oil.

That's about the only thing he's gotten right.

-Hoot

[TheFarseer]

3. too bad

sounds like he's only got one issue correct.

[DaveinMD]

4. he's insane

he a crazy Republican conservative. He's one of those that thinks the UN is the cause of all evil in the world.

[RavensChick]

8. Aren't they all?

I'm in PG County but you have my 100% support!

[Bentcorner]

5. He is a draft dodging chickhawk that is constantly ignoring the interests

of his constituents. He no more represents the people of western Maryland then a congressman from Alaska or Wyoming.

[rockfish]

6. Bad for the District and the Country

Even though he preaches Peak Oil and conservation and renewable energy, just today he voted against the Democratic Energy Bill raising CAFE standards to 35 MPG by 2020 (even though European cars get that now) and eliminating some large tax breaks for Big Oil. He voted twice against SCHIP even though a substantial portion of this district would benefit. He cited all the typical conservative lies i.e. it busts the budget, it taxes the poor who use cigarettes to pay for costs (no irony in busting us on both sides of this), it leads to socialized medicine, etc. He's nothing but a toady for Cheney/Bush administration up and down the line. The only time he goes against them is when he really doesn't agree, but knows that they have enough votes without him.

This guy is 81 years old and I don't think he is physically up to the job anymore. Recent letter to the Editor of Carroll County Times told story of attending a congressional committee meeting for Small Business that Roscoe sits on concerning an issue important to this small business woman. Roscoe showed up 1 hour late and promptly fell asleep for a hour, then got up and left before the meeting was over.

He's being opposed by several repubs this time but I don't think he will have any trouble beating them all. The system is too rigged to protect incumbents.

There are several democrats running against him but the clear favorite is Andrew Duck who opposed Bartlett in '06. Lots of data at his website http://duckforcongress.org

Andrew is a 20 yr Army vet who served 3 tours in Bosnia and time on the ground in Iraq in '03 as an Intelligence Officer. Got tired of the crap coming out of the Pentagon stopping him from doing things he knew from time in Bosnia would be effective in Iraq. Like working with local sheiks, early local elections and self rule. So he took his 20 and out.

Andrew has commissioned an honest poll which shows:
1) With no information about either candidate, 62% would vote for someone other than Bartlett
2) With basic bios of both, 74% would vote for someone other than Bartlett.
3) Only 26% are committed to Bartlett's re-election.
These are dismal support numbers for an incumbent. Duck should be able to win this seat if he can get some financial support.

I would urge all DU members to seriously consider supporting Andrew with a contribution and help rid us all of Roscoe once and for all.

[CBHagman]

7. My Republican friend used to live in Bartlett's district...

...and I can't print what he thought of ol' Roscoe without getting this post deleted. I am not exaggerating.

Me, I think of him as "Crazy Roscoe."