Boehner Bucks Tradition, Punts on Capitol Cinco De Mayo Event

[Keith Bee]

WASHINGTON -- Breaking with a bipartisan tradition kept by previous House speakers, Rep. John Boehner (R-Ohio) announced that he is not putting on a Cinco de Mayo reception at the Capitol next month.

“We've told the Hispanic Caucus that they are welcome to host one this year,” said Boehner spokesman Michael Steel. “The speaker won't personally be hosting it, but we are supportive of them having it.”

Leaders of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus reached out to Boehner earlier this month urging him to host the reception. It has been an annual event since at least 2003, when Illinois Republican Dennis Hastert was the House speaker. On Thursday, Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) added her voice to the chorus. Boehner's Democratic predecessor sent him a letter saying that she had held the event every year when she was speaker and offered to assist in planning it again.

“Members of the House and Senate, Walter Reed Hospital wounded soldiers and their families, and other invited guests attended this reception, which included a brief speaking program with Mexico’s Ambassador and Members from both sides of the aisle,” Pelosi wrote.

Steel wouldn’t say why Boehner isn’t hosting the event or if the Ohio Republican has other plans on May 5.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/04/18/boehner-punts-on-cinco-de-mayo-event_n_850709.html

Keep it up, Johnny Boy: You wanna piss off the fastest-growing bloc of voters in the whole fuckin' country? Be my guest! :dunce:

[Riftaxe]

1. A bit off topic, but it only takes 7 years to become a "Tradition"?

That means i have traditions that are well over 6 times longer. Now that is a good boost for the self esteem :)