Garrett Makes a Funny

Last night, Representative Scott Garrett took to the floor to explain all of the reasons he doesn't like the Democrats' Stimulus package. During the exchange with Rep. Gingrey, Garrett made a bit of a joke at Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner's expense:

We could have our new Treasury secretary, if he wanted to, he could go out and buy a TurboTax for every American in this country so those people would be able to figure out how their taxes are done and make sure that they pay their right taxes. That is what we basically granted when we passed last Wednesday an additional $350 billion, again, over my objection, and I believe over your objection as well, when that TARP bill went through.

For those that had missed it, one of Geithner's excuses for not paying his taxes was that he had used TurboTax.

Frank and Garrett

I've often thought about what a great reality show it would be to have Representative Scott Garrett and Representative Barney Frank live together. Their fights on the House Floor often have a hilarious, old married couple feel. From the Boston Daily comes an example:

On Republican Congressman Scott Garrett’s testimony that he had sponsored numerous amendments that would have helped prevent the Fannie/Freddie meltdown if they hadn’t been defeated by Democrats:

“Yes, the gentleman from New Jersey offered amendment after amendment—in his head. This is a serial violator writing on the mirror, ‘Stop me before I don’t legislate again.’ …I know it is a bad feeling not to get your own party with you. Sometimes, [your amendments] were defeated by only 60 percent of Republicans.”

With Garrett getting much more face time with regard to the bailout bonanza, I'm sure we can expect more exchanges in the future of a comic value. Unfortunately for our District, this is the reputation Garrett has. Although, as noted in an earlier piece, because he's become a voice against the bailout bonanza Garrett has the chance to reinvent himself.

Whether it's reinvention or continued comedy, there's a lot to look forward to in the coming months. For that I'm grateful.

Let's Go Red Bulls

With an impressive win last night on the road, the Red Bulls are playing in the Major League Soccer championship game next Sunday. As I've mentioned in the past, I'm a fan, so this is great.

Greatest Diet Ever

This is something to laugh about: A man in Wisconsin claims he has eaten 23,000 Big Macs.

Betting On Palin

People will gamble on anything. Marketwatch has posted the odds from Ireland's largest bookmaker regarding Vice Presidential nominee Gov. Sarah Palin:

Sarah's Next Surprise:
5/4 Driving Offence
7/4 Cheated in school or college exams
10/1 Arrested for flashing
25/1 Is a member of Church of Scientology
33/1 Moose burger addiction
40/1 Donated money to the Obama campaign
50/1 Wears Bill Clinton pyjamas to bed
250/1 Breaking and entering an Igloo
500/1 Abducted by aliens

US Election Betting Update Will McCain drop
Sarah?
8/1 Sarah Palin is dropped as the Republican VP candidate
20/1 Sarah Palin is dropped as the Republican VP candidate by Sunday
7th September

Next US President?
4/9 Barack Obama
13/8 John McCain

When File Photos Attack

The Express Times has articles regarding Representative Scott Garrett and his 8% score, as well as a protest staged by the Texas Oilmen for Garrett.

One thing of note, the file photo in heralding these stories on their blog is a bit dated:

Well, I suppose if the Shulman campaign pulls this off, Garrett has at least one person of note who shares his ability to rock that special stache:

Day at the Fair

Yesterday, I went with some friends for the annual trip to the State Fair in Augusta. There's always a lot of fun things to see and do. The Branchville Rotary Club still has the best deal, with their commemorative cup and dollar iced tea.


Although I was hoping to bump into Representative Scott Garrett, or some of the local officials, it didn't happen. However, I did find evidence of Garrett supporters attending:


I still think it's funny that the Fair places the Sussex County Republicans and Democrats right across from each other. I guess it's kind of like McDonald's and Burger King being near each other in most areas.

One very interesting thing I learned was that monthly ridership on the fixed bus routes in Sussex has increased 37% since the beginning of the year, and 21% overall. I'm pretty sure everyone would agree that as a county Sussex needs more transit options.


It was a great time as always, and I'm already looking forward to next year. Here are some other pics:

Paris for President

Paris Hilton's response to John McCain made me laugh...

See more funny videos at Funny or Die

Garrett for VP?

In the second section of his segment on Fox Business this morning, Representative Scott Garrett offered himself for Vice President.



I'm pretty sure he had his tongue firmly in his cheek. But, considering he's significantly raised his name recognition nationally with the entire Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac debacle, you never know...

Update: You can actually watch the first segment here.

Vote Wright

I don't know how he could have been left off the team, but vote David Wright onto the All-Star Squad.

Happy Fleet Week!

So, as I do every year, I took this morning off to see the ships come in for Fleet Week.

It was amazing as always. We were a little shorted on aircraft this year, but the F-18s are always great. Also, and I always say this, could someone PLEASE figure out how to include at least one Marine Corps raid demo in NJ? Is it too much to ask?

Anyway, here is the schedule of events. As always, remember to say thanks to the service people running around New York City and Hoboken.

I have more pictures posted here.

Politico Piece on Garrett

The Politico ran a nice little piece on Representative Scott Garrett. Two things we learned: Garrett loves his dog and plays keyboard.

Oh Hell Yeah!

Giants vs. Packers Forecast

As I'm looking at the snow outside, I figured I'd check the forecast for next Sunday's game of the Giants vs. Packers. This from the NOAA:

Sunday: Mostly sunny and cold, with a high near 7.

Hopefully, Tom Coughlin has the good sense to have the guys practice outside all week.

Go Giants!

Blog the Fifth Is Back

Well, the last week showed why I should get some other people writing on this little blog of mine. Life can get in the way of blogging at times. Here's what went on:

In Washington:

Representative Scott Garrett voted against making our nation more energy independent and was one of only 55 Representatives to vote against providing funds to clean up the water supply in the North Bay. This bill will help prevent all those little e coli breakouts we've been having, so I'm not sure what Garrett was voting against.

On a positive note, Garrett did vote with nearly all of Congress to fight child porn and child abduction, as well as make funds available to reservists and veterans to start businesses and for small businesses who hire reservists and veterans.

Garrett has largely panned the President's sub-prime interest rate freeze, but we have to remember he feels the housing market is in good shape. On Bloomberg television he seemed almost pleased with the way the housing market is going. Garrett does say that when there is fraud, the government should step in. However, Garrett places all of the blame on the mortgage holder as opposed to the product they were told they could take.

I may have only done it for eight weeks, but I'd be happy to discuss how a largely sub-prime mortgage broker house works with Garrett, or any of his staffers. The interest was on developing a spread of loans, from good to bad, to sell investors. I ended up quiting because it didn't seem right to try and sell people loans they couldn't afford. I never did close a loan because I'd tell people they didn't need us.

On the campaign trail:

Camille Abate got some press for a breakfast she had with several union leaders. There's some confusion in the press as to whether she was or was not endorsed by the group. This is understandable, as her press release about the event is similar in verbiage to that of Aronsohn's back in February announcing Corzine's "endorsement."

Herb Jackson is reporting that Rabbi Dennis Shulman is going to be down in DC talking with various fundraisers, including the DCCC.

In the 39th:

Assemblyman John Rooney is pondering retirement. Eric Sedler of Red Jersey has "started" his campaign to succeed Rooney. PolitickerNJ.com speculates that Bob Schroeder, Lisa Randall, Old Tappan Mayor Victor Polce, Norwood Mayor James Barsa and Ramsey Mayor Chris Botta as possible Republican candidates.

Why doesn't my name ever make these lists?

Just for fun:

A big congratulations to Oradell's Jim McGovern on his return to the PGA. He's worked really hard for this, and it couldn't happen to a nicer guy.

A Young Rove

H/T to Rob Tornoe on this one. This is a great piece, which also shows the seeds of modern campaigning.

The Beckham Effect

I love all sports, including Major League Soccer. I've gone to two games this year. The first, The Red Bulls against The Kansas City Wizards on June 16th, which ended in a 3-3 tie. I took some pictures.

The second game was last night, against the LA Galaxy, which the Red Bulls won 5-4. I took some more pictures.

Yes, David Beckham was in town. Up until last night, the game against the Wizards had been the highest attended of the year. Last night exceded that by 51,000 people. The majority of which was to see this guy:

It was a lot of fun, and Beckham should be a great thing for the game and the league. Although, like I told people I knew going to the game, the Red Bulls are a pretty good team and don't be surprised if we win.