I wanted to call your attention to a story that ran in Politico this morning, highlighting a strategy by House Minority Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA) to ambush freshman Democratic congressmen on the House floor.  Some Democrats have withered under the attacks and the article suggests that House leadership is pulling freshman off the floor when the GOP attacks begin.

The ambush attacks and the rhetoric was particularly harsh during April 1 debate on the House budget resolution and Congressman Gerry Connolly came under attack twice during the deliberations, once from Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) and once from Rep. Paul Broun (R-GA).  As Politico notes in its story today, Connolly got the best of the Republicans when they came after him on the floor. 

I encourage you to read the entire article, but here is the applicable paragraph from Politico:  “Of course, these attacks don’t always work out. Virginia Rep. Gerry Connolly, a veteran of party politics, quickly turned a Chaffetz challenge against his attacker. The Utah freshman also appeared flustered when Kilroy left the floor recently as he launched another line of questioning about her AIG vote.”

Also, on April 2, Connolly, a member of the House Budget Committee, was asked to participate in a press conference with the House leadership on the budget and he was singled out for praise by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who said:  “A very important part of our passing this budget today was Congressman Gerry Connolly, a neighbor from Northern Virginia. Thank you, Gerry, for being with us and for your leadership.”

Connolly Tangles with Rep. Jason Chaffetz about Budget on House floor on April 1

Connolly Tangles with Rep. Paul Broun (R-GA) about Budget on House floor on April 1

Thanks,

George

George Burke, Communications Director
Office of Congressman Gerald E. Connolly
202-225-1492 (office)
202-503-7756 (cell)
George.Burke@mail.house.gov