Why this have to be a rule or law is beyond me. There are many professions where background checks are conducted on potential candidates, and if an applicant is found owing child support, he or she is automatically disqualified.
Well, as of now, Congress is different.
We all remember Republican Representative and Teaparty favorite, Joe Walsh. At the time when he won his House Seat representing the 8th congressional district in Illinois, Walsh was a deadbeat to the tune of over $117, 000. He hadn’t paid child support in over 9 years!
If left up to Democratic Rep. Jack Franks, Deadbeats like Walsh wouldn’t be able to clean shoes in Washington.
A bill clearly inspired by U.S. Rep. Joe Walsh’s child support issues would forbid people owing more than $10,000 in back child support from running for office in Illinois. House Bill 3932, filed Tuesday by state Rep. Jack Franks, D-Marengo, would require statements of candidacy to include a statement that the person running for office is not delinquent by $10,000 or more.
Walsh, a tea party Republican freshman representing the 8th Congressional District, is facing allegations in court by his ex-wife that he owes her more than $100,000 in back child support. Walsh has not been found delinquent or in contempt of court in the ongoing dispute.
The bill would have no effect on Walsh, but it is a step in the right direction. If regular jobs disqualify a deadbeat, why should that deadbeat be able to get a job making laws in the United States government?
Then again, the House of Representatives is controlled by Republicans. Don’t expect this bill to see the light of day.
And Mr. Joe would be perfect as their leader.
A new Conservative species: The Tea Beats.