Repubs must choose between Blunt or Boehner

(Roy Blunt: a friend of tobacco and a face for radio)

House Republicans will soon choose who gets the red rose (who becomes the next Majority Leader). The frontrunners in the race are acting Majority Leader Roy Blunt of Missouri and John Boehner of Ohio (sadly, it's pronounced "bayner"). Critics have pointed out that both of these potential leaders have strong ties to lobbyists, which could hurt their credibility in wake of the whacky-Jack Abramoff scandal. Specifically, Boehner has recieved large amounts of campaign contributions from Sallie Mae, a private student loan company. Some may find this significant because Boehner chairs the House Committee that writes student loan laws. Boehner is also infamous for doling out tobacco industry contributions to Republican members on the House floor. As for Blunt, he has pretty close ties to lobbying as well...he's married to one who represents Philip Morris, his largest campaign contributor. In fact, Blunt tried to attach a provision in a homeland security bill that would have protected the tobacco industry from online cigarette sales. In summation, it looks like the ruling party in the House will ultimately be headed by a sleazy friend of special interest...and the Deomcratic party continues to be headed by one of the least appealing individuals in DC. Really, the guy who asks me for change on 7th street has more charisma than Harry Reid.