I see that Andy Harris, perhaps aware that he has an election coming up, is now doing some “town halls” – not in-person sessions, but phone calls where all the questions are screened ahead of time. I guess it’s better than nothing. Based on my conversations with friends, neighbors, and colleagues, here are ten big questions for Rep. Harris that I believe voters deserve answers to heading into the fall election:
- Now that the international firefighters’ association has censured you, do you regret voting against the 9/11 victims’ compensation fund and against survival benefits for spouses of first responder suicide victims?
- As someone who claims to be a proud veteran, why did you betray veterans by voting against legislation to provide health care to vets injured by exposure to burn pits?
- If the conservative position is that abortion should be decided by the states, why do you support a nationwide ban with no exceptions for rape, incest, or health of the mother?
- You met with Marjorie Taylor Greene, Matt Gaetz, and others at the White House in December 2020 at the White House to plan overturning a free and fair presidential election. Why did you do that? What was your role in those discussions?
- Taxpayers have paid you over $2 million in salary over the last 12 years, during which you have passed one bill – to rename a post office. Are you proud of this record of accomplishment?
- Do you think your highly politicized, campaign-style mailers and radio ads are an appropriate use of public funds?
- Capitol Police officers risked their own lives to protect you on January 6, 2021. Why did you vote against awarding them Congressional Gold Medals?
- In a district where so many lives and livelihoods depend on the health of the Chesapeake Bay, how do you justify your 3% lifetime voting score from the League of Conservation Voters and your denial of the reality of human-caused climate change?
- How do you explain to parents your vote against legislation to ease the baby formula shortage?
- Is it right for you to take credit for local projects funded by bills you voted against, like that new ambulance down in Pocomoke City?
Alexa Seip
Talbot Count
jeff morton says
Ref question #1: I can still remember being surprised that Harris had the gall to hop on the back of an EVFD truck for Easton’s Christmas parade. I wished someone from the Dept. had told him to get off and walk.
JT Smith says
Congratulations to Alexa Sipe for framing this list of questions for our woeful Congressman. If he were to see this list, he would not have any answers.
Gerry Early says
Brilliant list! Also, all GOP candidates should be asked if they think President Biden was honestly elected and is the legitimate president. This should apply right down to the county council level.
Dick Deerin says
Great letter Andy Harris has got to go.
William Keppen says
As a registered Independent voter, I am anxious to hear Harris’s responses to these important questions. I’ll wait, Andy.
James Wilson says
After Harris’s announcement of his telephone town hall on Wednesday, I sent an email to his office asking questions about the exact format for it. e.g. how was he “reaching out to over 100,000 constituents.” I also asked about his constituent list and how to get on it or off it.
The answer as totally expected … no answer at all.
Jerry McConnell says
Answer to most of the legitimate questions above, as related personally and sort of succinctly to me by “Top Gun” Andy Harris :
“I’m not a ultra-conservative fascist GOPHER like it appears. I’ve tried—maybe, uh, unsuccessfully— to figure out what’s best for my constituents, and then do what’s best for me, politics-wise. I’m especially happy to cohabitate with constituents who support government policies that emphasize white Christian ideals and frown on inclusion of crazy homosexual liberals and people who are vaccinated against COVID’s 19, 20, and 21.
“ I, Andy Harris, am not afraid to put up my dukes if you cross me the wrong way or talk with an accent. My voting record reflects my loyalty to those anti-socialist, ultra conservative Christian nationalists like the 400 or 500 patriots who stormed the Capital building to try to capture Mike Pence, urinate on Nancy Pelosi’s desk, and make the election results more closely reflect how Matt, Josh, Margie T. and I believe they should have gone. If you don’t agree with my voting record or dislike my political behavior, you’re probably not one of my constituents.”
Willard T Engelskirchen says
And what are the congressman’s positions on public education and freedom of speech? How does he think books like Huckleberry Finn should be treated?
Vincent De Sanctis says
Alexa
Your questions are right on target but I have one more. Do you have any concern that the leader of your right-wing party retained government documents, including many that require felony convictions for possessing?
Bob Kopec says
Time to get rid of another gun toting Trump lapdog that just takes up space in Congress.
Mark Pellerin says
I’d also ask: Did you or did you not come out as “anti mask” in Salisbury — but profess then and profess still that you’re an M.D. ?
Anne C Stalfort says
I tried to listen to Harris’ town hall last night. It began with a caller blaming Obama for the spread of the COVID virus. It went downhill from there. I listened to six callers, all pretty crazy. Had a feeling that I wasn’t going to hear any substantial dialogue about important issues. So I hung up.
Charles and Ellen Garrison says
These are great questions that expose Harris and burst the bubble in which he “serves ” his constituents . Why doesn’t Harris hold open, unscripted town hall meetings with ALL of his constituents.
Michele gramens says
I went to one of his in-person town halls several years ago when it was in my county (Carroll). Harris was defensive, irritated and confrontational with his constituents…a real eye opener. He does not belong in that position…period.
Michael Tooke says
Great questions Alexa. Since it’s clear Harris won’t come near these, they should instead be asked of anyone who is considering voting for him.
Susan Devlin says
Thank you Alexa for your info n point and well stated questions for Andy Harris. If only he had the integrity and courage to answer these questions.
Diane McComb says
Since none of the others mentioned it – we in the 1st district have a real choice in November. Vote for Heather Mizeur and we’ll have a concerned and conscientious congressional rep who will listen to all of our concerns regardless of our political party. Andy Harris is dishonest and disingenuous!