Kline A No Show At Vets Forum-Staffer Lies About Klines Ratings

You gotta see this, courtesy of Lakeville Dad.
Watch how Kline staffer/candidate stand-in Mike Osskopp lies about John Kline's ratings from the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). He's a pretty good actor (remember his performance here?) and he does it with a straight face. He keeps up the act until vets get to talk to him one-on-one after the forum. Then Kline staffers try to block the camera and Osskopp heads for the door.

Kline needed an insider to get Pioneer Press endorsement

This story from Inside Minnesota Politics might explain why the Pioneer Press endorsed Kline over Rowley. Kline needed help from his good buddy Republican blogger Craig Westover to get the endorsement, so Westover fudged on the facts so much that the Pioneer Press had to run a correction. The really troublesome part is nobody at the PP Editorial Board checked out the facts reported by a known partisan!

Despite Westover's best efforts to manipulate the process, the PP gave Kline a very unenthusiastic endorsement.

John Kline Turns To Comedy

Mark Kennedy, who was joined by fellow Minnesota Republican congressman John Kline, called for more debate on the war on terror, saying it deserves more time. Then Kline added:

"I, like Mark, am tired of people saying, 'Well, we don't like the war in Iraq, we'll just make it better.' That's empty rhetoric,"

How can Kline talk of 'empty rhetoric' when his expensive, massive corporate welfare, devoid of policy war in Iraq has killed 99 military deaths in October alone?

And since when can John Kline join Mark Kennedy in calling for more debate when Kline is ducking out of debates with his opponent Coleen Rowley? Unless, of course, the fix is in and the moderator is partisan to the NeoCon issues.

Oh, now I get it, Kline is being funny! What a card! I'll be sure to catch him on SNL but I sure won't be voting for the joker!

With all the important issues facing Minnesotans (most of which came under Kline's leadership!), we need a new direction with a well thought out policy, not more of Kline's empty negative threats and misleading statements.

The best reason to vote for change

If this letter from a soldier who served in Iraq and Afghanistan doesn't convince you to vote for change in Washington, nothing will.

The best reason to vote for change

If this letter from a soldier who served in Iraq and Afghanistan doesn't convince you to vote for change in Washington, nothing will.

Kline's Broken Promises On Healthcare

In 2000 when John Kline (MN R) faced off against Bill Luther, there was a TV ad that showed a small baby while the announcer told viewers that 'Rep. John Kline is fighting for “affordable, quality healthcare”.' Now - six years later anyone watching that ad would either laugh at loud or cry given Kline's horrific record on healthcare since then:

• Kline voted YES on denying non-emergency treatment for lack of Medicare co-pay. (Feb 2006) This allows hospitals to refuse treatment to Medicaid patients when they are unable to pay their co-pay in addition to excluding payment to grandparents for foster care.
• Kline voted NO on allowing human embryonic stem cell research.
• Kline voted YES on limiting medical malpractice lawsuits to $250,000 damages. (May 2004) I guess we hope it’s not his child left dead from gross medical neglect. Pain and suffering damages are often all that is available when a child dies from medical negligence.
• Kline voted YES on capping damages & setting time limits in medical lawsuits. (Mar 2003)
• Kline voted YES on limited prescription drug benefit for Medicare recipients. (Nov 2003) Makes me wonder if Kline’s prescription drug benefit has limits?
• Kline voted NO on allowing reimportation of prescription drugs. (Jul 2003)

But this doesn’t end at just broken promises for affordable quality healthcare: Big drug interests have given over $100,850 to Kline over the Representative's career. They know who they can count on for their votes.

• Rep. Kline voted for the GOP Medicare Prescription Drug Bill that will give billions to businesses and the health care industry, while forcing seniors to accept annual increases in premiums and deductibles and a growing gap in coverage for the prescription drugs they buy.
• Rep. Kline voted against allowing millions of Americans to save their hard-earned dollars on prescription drugs by re-importing them from Canada, even though these were U.S. made and patient safety was ensured.

While John Kline has been in office the medically uninsured population has grown nationally to 46 million Americans without health insurance. In Minnesota alone the uninsured has grown from 5.4% to 6.7%, for a total of 343,000 Minnesotans without health insurance. Those without insurance forego medical care entirely, ignoring preventive care and routine checkups, then clogging overstressed emergency rooms when their health problems become critical.

Rep. John Kline is rated 0% by APHA, showing a anti-public health voting record. The American Public Health Association (APHA) is the oldest and largest organization of public health professionals in the world, representing more than 50,000 members from over 50 occupations of public health. APHA is concerned with a broad set of issues affecting personal and environmental health, including federal and state funding for health programs, pollution control, programs and policies related to chronic and infectious diseases, a smoke-free society, and professional education in public health.

If Kline was committed to “affordable, quality healthcare”, ask yourself how he could take money from and vote for the special interests of big drug and insurance companies instead of Minnesotans? Better yet, ask your neighbors about thier health insurance. They'll tell you about increasing costs for fewer services, if they have services. As it stands today one in five of Minneosta's children have no insurance. So go ahead and ask but I can guarantee the answer is to vote for change.

Across the Great Divide has more on the state of healthcare in MN...it's not a rosy picture.

Kids know- John Kline is a BULLY.

bul'ly, n 1. a person who hurts, frightens, threatens or tyrannizes over those who are smaller or weaker.

Nearly every campaign ad and mailing John Kline has sent out was meant to inspire fear. His paid Congressional staff show up at Coleen Rowley events to intimidate people by yelling racial slurs. When he "debates" John Kline has to have someone like Jason Lewis help him, or as on Almanac, he refuses to answer the questions and instead keeps interrupting his opponent.

Kids know bullies. These are smart kids:

Star Tribune Endorses Coleen Rowley!

Wow! Coleen Rowley received the Star Tribune endorsement in the Second Congressional district of Minnesota against the encumbant Rep. John Kline! Among other things they cited the need for a change from the failed Bu$hCo agenda that Kline has so faithful served:

"...we cannot endorse his (kline's) steadfast, increasingly strained, defense of the Bush administration over policies that have produced destructive budget deficits, mired the nation in a disastrous war and tarnished the nation's image as a defender of human rights and the rule of law....

...While Rowley is short on political experience, she has proved herself a quick study and avid learner. Washington needs a change in course, and the Second District is a good place to start."

'nuff said! Now go tell your neighbors and friends and vote for change, vote Coleen Rowley!

A pair of Kline ad rebuttals

Nothing like a pack of lies to spur creativity in people. Thanks to Lakeville Dad and mmcintee for their work on these two video gems.

Kline Part Of The Worse Congress Ever!

Rolling Stone has a new article The Worst Congress Ever in their latest edition. "How our national legislature has become a stable of thieves and perverts -- in five easy steps". It basically shows that politics has evolved under the likes of John Klines and the other congress members to an all time corrupted low.

The cliff note version:

Step One- Rule by Cabal. Remember when Sensenbrenner just shut off the power and walked out when the Democrats wanted to hold a hearing on the PATRIOT Act?

Step Two- Work as little as possible and screw up what little you do. Congress worked a record breaking low: 92 days in the second session and they sucked at it.

Step Three- Let the president do whatever he wants. No oversight. When there is a Democratic president, no issue is to small to investigate. When there is a Republican president. Nothing is debated.

Step Four- Spend, spend, spend. Since there is no oversight happening, what else is there to do? Spend money.

Step Five- Line your own pockets. And feel no remorse for it when you get caught. Blame those who busted you for ruining your life.

The corruption needs to stop and America needs new leadership with values. While you're at Rolling Stone, don't miss the feature: The 10 Worst Congressmen. While Rep. John Kline missed out on being one of the top ten worst, he certainly is the worst in Minnesota!

Kline Wants To Stay A Losing Course

Kline wants to stay a losing course in Iraq. The question you need to ask yourself is: Do you really want to stay with him?

If you read just one post on Iraq today...let this be the one! I know Rep. John Kline should. And before you go on about how Kline has been on several 'fact finding' tours in Iraq, let me point out the obvious: 1. Kline hasn't yet reached a fact the matches the truth; 2. Three days doesn't compare with three years; 3. Nir could speak the language, move around outside the protected zones among locals and not be precieved to be a Dubya goof and stoolie.

Nir Rosen is a fellow at the New America Foundation and a free-lance writer. His book on postwar Iraq, "In the Belly of the Green Bird: The Triumph of the Martyrs in Iraq" was published by Free Press in May 2006. His articles from Iraq and elsewhere are available on http://www.nirrosen.com.

Nir spent three years reporting out of Iraq. He has the first hand experience and insight that puts to rest John Kline's shallow 'stay the course' mindset. Staying the course has done nothing in Iraq but built a stronger, larger and more devoted terrorist network.

It's time to change the course as most experts and senior military strategist agree. Those that side with Kline are the moneymen, committed to making money for larger corporations. They could give a fig if Iraq becomes a democracy or how many of our children are sacrificed for their 'stay a losing course' policy where everybody but them pay the price.

The lack of vision and leadership by Kline that has lead us to and keeps us in Iraq is enough to vote him out. Vote for Coleen Rowley.

DeKlining Wages

While John Kline (MN R) gave himself a payraise, he opposed even a symbolic non-binding resolution to raise minimum wage for America's working poor!

When Norwgianity posted up about Republicans not raising the minimum wage, he’s talking about Rep. John Kline. The very same Kline that attempted to hide his payraise this year by burying it in a larger spending bill.

Again, good enough for Kline - not good enough for the rest of us.
"Now that ain't workin' that's the way you do it"

Kline Gives Meaning to Sleeze

When Cunningham was convicted, Kline's office announced it would give the money ($6,000 from Cunningham) to charity:

"FEC records show the campaign contributed $4,000 to Kline's church in Burnsville, MN, Grace Methodist, where his wife Vicky is on the Board of Trustees and treasurer of the women's group "

Kline gives sleeze a whole new meaning. John Kline has received 42 contributions totaling $139,557 since 2000. And 17 of the 21 Republican congressmen on the CREW list have given to Kline. This isn't a 'chance' happening. This is cronyism and corruption and Kline is up to his neck with it's ties.
hattip to Lakeville dad

Kline and His Insane Posse

Kline And His Insane Posse

Bu$h, Cheney and Rumfeld (along with John Kline) supported the failing Iraq War policy and now want to 'stay the course' of that failure. Wonder if the 53 Americans dead in October so far in Iraq feel the same way?

According to Kline: The soldiers and Marines "know why they are in Iraq . ... They know what their mission is. And they understand [as] not everyone here does, that Iraq is the front line in the war against Islamist extremists... ." Rep. John Kline, R-Minn., in a June 16 speech on the House floor

Kline is in the same neocon choir singing the same losing tune. But we have a choice in Novemeber...stay a losing course or vote Kline out?

Kline's Moral Compass Is Broke

Is there nothing Kline wouldn't do? He even uses a Rove-like clearing house that markets in a neat little package - hate and lies. When Kline couldn't find mud on Coleen Rowley, he flings half truths at one of her volunteer campaign worker. A real class act!

It's no surprise that Kline works with, has taken money from and pals around with a really classy group of people like: felony criminals, sexual pederators, liars, cheaters, and war profiteers. Obviously he's using the same moral compass in his campaign as he does in his lock step voting with Bu$hCo over Minnesotans. Voters deserve better.

Kline: Anything To Win!

Doesn't get much better than this:

"I always vote Republican," said Tuma, who doesn't follow politics much but had Kline sponsor one of his cars. "That's just the way it is."

We get that Tuma doesn't follow politics 'much', if he did he wouldn't be voting Kline. But doesn't Kline's sponsoring of his car then amount to buying a vote? Hmm, Sponsoring cars for votes? Is that legal?

I guess it's as good as the oil, pharmacuetical , weapons and defense industries giving 'donations' to Kline's campaign while he votes for their legislation. At least this guy might actually reside in CD2!

Kline, No Ethics Left

Under this unethical and morally bankrupt Republican Congress with John Kline (MN R):

"Ney pleaded guilty to conspiracy and making false statements" and acknowledged taking money, gifts and favors in return for official actions on behalf of Abramoff and his clients."

Today Congressman Bob Ney, Republican of Ohio, went before a court and admitted guilt to charges related to his connections with disgraced former GOP superlobbyist Jack Abramoff.

John Kline has accepted donations from Ney (and Abramoff and Delay). Will he keep the dirty money like he's kept DeLay' s $30,000? Probably, no surprise there.

John Kline's Deklining Performance

I have some good news for John Kline (MN R). Kline actually gets on the scorecard! Unlike Lakeville Dad’s blog that shows Kline with 70 different ratings of ZERO. I found a 8% and a whopping 25% rating for Kline. Naturally, they are both very low, and some might point out, failing scores, but he does at least make it on the board.

First, the League of Conservation Voters scorecard shows Kline with an 8%,(on a 1-100 scale). They based there scoring following a session of Congress that saw continued reliance on the failed energy policies of the past while ignoring common sense solutions to America's energy challenges.

“The 2006 National Environmental Scorecard offers a clear view of where each member of Congress stands on some of the most important issues facing our country,” LCV President Gene Karpinski said. “Who voted for the energy policies of the past and giveaways for Big Oil? Who stood up to protect the environment and the health and safety of American families? “

The National Environmental Scorecard was scored on the number of pro-environment votes cast out of the total number included for 2006. Among the votes included in the 2006 Scorecard are those on offshore drilling, drilling royalties, public health and environmental funding.

109th, 2nd session Score MN
Senate
Mark Dayton 86%
Norm Coleman 29%

House
MN 1 Gil Gutknecht 0%
MN 2 John Kline 8%
MN 3 Jim Ramstad 83%
MN 4 Betty McCollum 100%
MN 5 Martin Olav Sabo 92%
MN 6 Mark Kennedy 33%
MN 7 Collin Peterson 17%
MN 8 James Oberstar 67%

Next, Americans for shared Sacrifice has rated the 2005/2006 Sessions of the 109th Congress showing the percent of YES votes for Veterans Benefits. John Kline (MN R) scores the lowest among Minnesotan’s for support of Veteran benefits. John Kline once again receives a failing grade of 25%

John Kline talks of being a supporter of veterans, but he sure doesn’t vote like one. I couldn't help but notice Kline's latest mudfling at Coleen accuses her of not supporting the military, but based on the facts (Kline's vote record), he gets to hold that title:

SenateMark Dayton (D) 88%
Norm Coleman (R) 50%
House
CD1. Gil Gutknecht (R) 38%
CD2. John Kline (R) 25%
CD3. Jim Ramstad (R) 38%
CD4. Betty McCollum (D) 100%
CD5. Martin Olav Sabo (D) 100%
CD6. Mark Kennedy (R) 38%
CD7. Collin Peterson (D) 75%
CD8. James Oberstar (D) 88%

Issues? What Issues?

The Star Tribune has long been promising to run stories that focus on the issues in Minnesota's Second Congressional District race. I hope what the Strib published today is not its definition of an "issue story". If you're looking for a feature story that glosses over or doesn't mention most of the issues in this campaign, read the stories from Kevin Diaz on John Kline and David Peterson on Coleen Rowley.

What's missing from either story is an in-depth look or even a summary comparison of the Rowley and Kline's stands on the issues. You won't find that on John Kline's site. Luckily there is a reasonably good comparison posted up on Rowley's site this morning. Good reading and suggested for all who are still trying to make up their mind in this very crucial race.

Believe it or not, voters are interested in the issues this election. I hope the Strib gets around to doing more than it's voter guide listing on this race between now and the election.

Kline and War Profiteers

Minnesota recently got a windfall of 70 Million earmarked in the new defense bill making John Kline a defense lobbyists ‘go to’ dream guy. So let's take a closer look at Kline's campaign funding.

It shows special interest PACs represent 40% of the campaign funds for Kline. Of that, Defense PACS have donated $55.000.00; more than any other PAC industry! Defense is also among Kline’s top ten ‘supported by’ industries.

But who can blame the Defense Industry? Kline supports the wars that make their industries grow. Among the companies in Minnesota that will benefit from this money are:

• $4.5 million to Golden Hour Technology/Minnesota Thermal Sciences, for a blood-bag project, which helps enable safe transport of blood to injured troops on the battlefield. They donated $15,500 to Kline’s re-election campaign.

• Also $4 million to Lockheed Martin for common submarine radio rooms. Lockheed Martin PAC donated $10,500 to Kline’s campaign.

While cheerleading the war, Kline has received contributions from those profiteering from the war. How ethical is that? Still it's not too surprising, afterall, Kline still hasn't returned Delay's dirty $30,000.00.

Kline + Bush = The Definition Of Insanity

Rep. John Kline (MN R) and his mentor Bu$h will 'Stay the Course' until the last lifeboat sails away and they will go down with the sinking ship...

“I will not withdraw, even if Laura and Barney are the only ones supporting me.”
George Bush on Staying the Course, from "State Of Denial" by Bob Woodward.

...And the boat is sinking from view:

"...two-thirds said the war was going somewhat or very badly, while only 3 percent said it was going very well. Two thirds said they disapprove of how Mr. Bush is handling Iraq."

Slap a happy face on your sinking ship...but don't be surprised that voters are now seeing it for what it is:

"Mr. Bush’s job approval has slipped to 34 percent, one of the lowest levels of his presidency..."

"Seventy-nine percent of respondents said House Republican leaders were more concerned about their political standing than about the safety of teenage Congressional pages."

I Am A Veteran

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Both my grandfathers were veterans – Grandpa Nels was in Europe the day the Armistice was signed ending WWI. My father-in-law served on the sub USS Grenadier in WWII. My brother and I served peacetime.

I am writing this to you on behalf of Coleen Rowley – who was born on an Army base at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia. Her father and father-in-law both served in the military; her brother retired a year ago from the Air Force; her brother-in-law, a West-Point Graduate, is retired from the Army; and her daughter is in her senior year of Naval ROTC.

Like you, like me, Coleen Rowley is intimately familiar with the military, with veterans, and how veterans issues affect veterans families. This is why I am writing you this letter. There are only 36 days left until the election – and I am asking for your support and help. I am especially asking for your help in door knocking for Coleen Rowley; to let voters see that veterans and family members of veterans support Coleen Rowley – because Coleen Rowley supports veterans and veteran’s families.

I’m Tommy Johnson, and I’m a Veteran For Rowley

The above letter was posted up at VFC, Vote Coleen Rowley. Kline's lastest mud slinging is to question Coleen's stand against the war as hurting the troop. Funny thing is - a majority of our troops support Coleen's position over John Kline's cemented 'Stand and Die' position. Had enough yet...vote 'em out!

Kline's Partisan Behavior Hurts Veteran's Causes

Kline rejects bi-partisan support of our veterans( From Rowley Press Release):

Last year, a group of Minnesota veterans traveled to Washington to ask Minnesota's congressional delegation to support several pro-veteran bills which happened to be proposed by Democrats. Instead of evaluating those bills on their merits, John Kline summarily rejected them, insisting that he would only endorse and co-author Republican bills."

DeKlining Judgement or Deception?

John Kline's party of “family values” was more than willing to throw their ideals out the window if it meant keeping a seat in the House. Let's see, keep a seat in congress or allow children to be sexually victimized?

It's no secret that all five of the House Republican members of Congress accused of covering up the Mark Foley congressional page child predator scandal are Christians. And most of them, not surprisingly, are conservatives. Kline is also Christian and conservative and associates with them. Hmmm...

According to Roll Call , Boehner told Alexander to go to Reynolds with his concerns about Foley’s behavior in early spring (February of 2006). That would be after Boehner had become Majority Leader. Kline supported Boehner as a friend for the Majority Leader position saying Boehner was:

"a breath of fresh air to a body in need of reform" and a man who will lead "with experience and integrity"

Kline has also taken $1,000 from House Majority Leader John Boehner and received $35,574 from Boehner's "Freedom Project" PAC! Even Kline characterizes their relationship as being close:

I supported Congressman John Boehner because over the last three years I've seen his leadership up close. Boehner is the chairman of the Education and the Workforce Committee, of which I am a member.

John Kline goes on the say:

"..I knew I was supporting someone with a proven record who would lead us with experience and integrity."

Given all the above, can we really rely on John Kline's judgement? The GOP leadership has betrayed the trust of Americans and led us into an unjustified war, now they covered for a pedophile while children where victimized. Where's the shame?

Kline Pulling Strings

Just wanted to make a point...
You can read the previous posts on this here and here...
If Kline or his staff don't think it, the puppet shrill Diaz doesn't report it.
The strib covered a link on a website to here but not the debate...
nuff said...

Numbnuts and Whirleybirdy (aka Brodkorb and Kline)

Hold the press...this just in from the dark numbnuts:

"...vicious anti-Kline webpage (dumpjohnkline.blogspot.com) that attacks Kline’s military and Congressional service"

First, I'm hurt MB didn't directly link out to me, but not surprised.

Second, it wasn't a bullseye but a target (as in the store) icon, but whatever spins your post. We all realize reality and truth isn't a strong point with you or Kline.

Third, the "vulgar and obscene images of Kline cavorting with Paris Hilton" got tons of hits...and was one of my better photoshop attempts. I guess Kline inspired me with his support of the top 2 percent of the 'super wealthy' Americans over the rest of us.

And finally, all this crap is just another crybaby attempt to deflect from the real issues...no surprise there. Since Mr. Kline and/or his staff read this blog on a regular bases, feel free to comment directly (see comment links below)...no need to keep communicating through a paid GOP operative blogger or reporter. Hey, it may even save you some money for your retirement in November.

Kline, Reporter Diaz and Torture

After reading Strib reporter Kevin Diaz's fluff piece on torture in today, I find myself asking the Elvis Costello line: What's so funny about peace love and understanding?"

"Torture protest by fax"
Cute fun title ...kudos in minimizing torture while catching our attention…

"A small group of demonstrators protesting Rep. John Kline's position on terrorist interrogations ran into unexpected resistance last week at the Republican's Burnsville office."

"First, they said, they encountered a police squad. Then they found the door locked and cardboard taped over the mail slot. A property manager asked them to leave. Finally, the seven -- described on the anti-Kline blog LakevilleDad as seven "old time peaceniks" -- contented themselves to holding up signs outside that said "Tell Kline to say NO to torture." "

Kevin, you'll never be a big time reporter until you get the order right...
1. cop
2. protest
3. Kline's congressional office visit (untapped mail slot)
4. Kline's campaign office
5. back to Kline’s congressional office, where this time they encountered the taped mail slot...

I’m no reporter but I can’t help but notice you missed some real story lines like why were they protesting Kline’s policy on torture? Or maybe discuss first amendment rights and the barriers that some might try and throw up against them. But instead you decided, 'why deal with substance when fluff is easier, faster, and much more funnier!' Or…

• Why was a police officer was there before the protesters (easy enough to verify by a call to the cop shop …Did Kline call? His staffer? The landlord on Kline’s behalf? What was the reason?
• I came late and no property manager was there to ask me to leave but there was a tow truck in the parking lot idling with it’s driver inside for an hour before it left. You left this out totally! Who called the tow truck? Why? What was the intent?
• Congressman Kline’s office was closed (as in locked) during regular business hours but his staff could clearly been seen inside through the untapped mail slot that later was tapped over! (see the order above) or review the incident by an eye witness account from Lakeville Dad. Does Kline’s staff usually keep the office locked during business hours while hiding inside? Why? Is that usual for a congressional office? Some might ask if it’s maybe a tad unprofessional?

"They also encouraged drivers-by to call Kline. The number they held aloft, according to Kline staffers, was his fax number. The machine took three calls. They were answered by a long, screeching beep. "

I just now checked the number posted up at DU (so I assume it is the same as on one of the signs) and it is indeed a fax number with a long, screeching beep…which would make it both more informative and less damaging than Kline himself…but most anyone who’s review Kline’s vote record in the last four years knows that. Perhaps before this election is over you'll stop kidding around and do a serious piece about it.

So thanks Kevin in the lesson on how to kiss butt with a Congressman while make light of serious issues. It was very Rovian of you to avoid the real issue. You do your profession, the newspaper and the people of Minnesota a real ‘unservice’ treating this story as a laugh while reminding us of why most people no longer get their news from the newspapers!

You keep it up and you'll be joining the big time reporters at National Enquirer in no time. Let me know if you need a reference. Until such time your silence on what's important like the recent U.S. policy on torture and Kline's position will continue to grow 'like a cancer' doing more harm to our society.

"The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls. And tenement halls. And whispered in the sound of silence " or even in blogs...but they apparently won't be written by you.

The Unholy Alliance: Kline, Hastert, Boehner

..."How can we trust them to protect America when they can't even protect the summer interns on Capitol Hill."....

Mark Foley (R-FL) targeted underage teenage pages in WA. DC.
The inappropriate "contact" was known by GOP leadership for several months (if not years) and covered up.

The Start:
John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) told The Washington Post on Friday that he had learned in late spring of inappropriate e-mails Foley sent to the page, a boy from Louisiana, and that he promptly told Hastert, who appeared to know already of the concerns. Hours later, Boehner contacted The Post to say he could not be sure he had spoken with Hastert.

Now:
As if it wasn't bad enough that John Boehner knew about Foley's track record of sexual harassment of his underage pages, now it turns out that Speaker Denny Hastert lied about what he knew and when he knew it just as Boehner lost his memory after the cat got out!

Thomas Reynolds (R-NY), the chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, told Hastert about Foley's predatory actions in late winter or early spring of this year. Only after Reynolds released his statement did Hastert acknowledge that he knew about Foley's earlier issues.

Did John Kline (R-MN) know about Foley's crimes? That remains to be seen. But we do know that Kline is in 'tight' with both Boehner and Hastert.

Kline and Hastert
John Kline said he is 100% with Dennis Hastert and believes that the GOP Leader didn’t know about Mark Foley’s sexual harassment of underage pages. In the past Kline has said that Hastert is a hero of his: John Kline credits Hastert with healing and unifying the House of Representatives after leadership turbulence. (yeah even at the risk of putting children at the mercy of a pedophile.) Hastert has come to MN to raise money for Kline!

Kline and Boehner
Kline supported Boehner’s run for Majority Leader. Kline, Kennedy and Boehner traveled in MN several years back in support of Boehner's “No Child Left Behind’ .

Hastert and Boehner
Both Majority Leader Boehner and Dennis Hastert have lied to the media and American public in an effort to coverup their involvement with a coverup. They both have history regarding ethic issues: Dennis Hastert has a long history of covering up GOP ethics scandals. He was the one who put the boot to Republican Joel Hefley as Chairman of the House Ethics Committee when he refused to give Tom DeLay a pass on his cornucopia of violations, and also helpfully stacked the committee with those indebted to DeLay's PAC for their re-election funds.

Besides handing out tobacco checks to members on the floor, John Boehner used his cellular phone in 1996 to participate in a conference call with Gingrich and other key Republicans regarding Gingrich's response to his ethics violations. Ultimately it lead to Boehner being disgraced and Delay raising in political power. Gingrich went on to resign.

It's Just Wrong
Kline's willingness to stand 100% with a GOP leadership that would coverup for a pedophile and keep teenagers at risk destroys all his credibility. On his website Kline says:

We live in a special place and the values we share - faith and family, freedom and individual responsibility - are the values I strive to represent in Washington, D.C.

What crock! No 0ne with Minnesota values would stand with criminals at the risk of children.

Wanted: A Congressional Leader Who Believes In Open and Fair Debate

America's government was built on the principle of debate, on the view that every voice has merit, and while the representation in government of every view should be based upon the number of people who share that view, the strength of all voices should be equal.

Unfortunately, Kline's congressional staff who recently locked their door during business hours while hiding within, seem to have learnt how to duck and hide from CD2 constiuents and voters from their boss, Congressman Kline:

"Looking for a face-to-face, no-holds-barred political row between U.S. Rep. John Kline, a Republican, and his Democratic opponent, Coleen Rowley?

You might have to keep looking.The Kline campaign informed the League of Women Voters last week that the congressman is declining its invitation to participate in a three-way debate Oct. 14, in the thick of the election season."

It shouldn't be a big surprise that Congressman Kline doesn't want to debate given his previous vote record and support of:

• Warrantless Wiretapping
• The Patriot Act and it's limits to American freedoms
• Secret Tribunales
• Torture
• No Corporate or Congressional oversights
• Secret Prisons
• Denying habeas jurisdiction (US citizens and children!)
• The War

John Kline uses words like 'democracy' often in his speeches, but just like Mark Foley, Kline doesn't practice what he preaches.

In the United States, all Americans are supposed to have a voice. All Americans are supposed to be able to say their piece and be heard. But in Kline's America, a society with open and fair debate is nothing more than a long-distant memory.