Congressman Michael Baumgartner is once again proving that he’d rather clink steins with big donors than face the everyday voters of his district. His latest fundraising spectacle, humorously titled “BaumTOBERFEST,” is set for March 19 at The German Hall in Spokane, where for a mere $1,000, PACs and wealthy couples can enjoy a VIP reception before dinner. Regular constituents, however, will have to settle for the $125-per-person price tag—assuming they can afford it in this economy.
Curiously absent from Baumgartner’s schedule? A town hall meeting where he might have to answer real questions from real people. While the congressman is happy to rub elbows with House Deputy Whip Guy Reschenthaler and his deep-pocketed Vanguard members, there’s no sign he’s interested in hosting an open forum to explain his voting record.
Baumgartner, who serves as Vice Chair of the Higher Education Committee, seems to have adopted a political strategy straight out of a college lecture hall: Avoid the tough questions, keep your office hours vague, and hope the students (or in this case, voters) don’t notice. Meanwhile, his campaign’s willingness to charge $1,000 for a table at dinner suggests he’s more interested in catering to lobbyists than listening to working families.
If only he were as enthusiastic about transparency as he is about Oktoberfest themes. Instead of answering for his decisions, Baumgartner is hiding behind a plate of bratwurst and a pint of beer, hoping that a little polka music will distract voters from the fact that he won’t meet with them.
Perhaps it’s time for Congressman Baumgartner to show some real political courage. If he can handle a beer hall full of donors, he should be able to handle a town hall full of constituents. Until then, his message is clear: If you want access, bring your checkbook.
