Paul Ryan Lied About Requesting Stimulus Money

In your face

PoliticsAugust 2012 • Views: 26,354

No other way to say it: when Paul Ryan was asked on a radio show whether he ever sought or accepted money for Wisconsin from the Obama stimulus program, he flat-out lied.

BOSTON (CBS/AP) – Republican vice presidential candidate Rep. Paul Ryan denied requesting stimulus money for his home state of Wisconsin in a 2010 interview on WBZ NewsRadio 1030. …

But months after Congress approved the nearly $800 billion package, he was trying to steer money under the program to companies in his home state.

Rep. Ryan wrote letters in 2009 to Energy Secretary Steven Chu and Labor Secretary Hilda Solis seeking stimulus grant money for two Wisconsin energy conservation companies. One of those companies, the nonprofit Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corp, later received $20.3 million from the Energy Department to help homes and businesses improve energy efficiency, according to federal records.

But, in a October 28, 2010 interview on WBZ NewsRadio 1030’s Nightside with Dan Rea, Ryan denied ever seeking stimulus money.

“I assume you voted against the stimulus and I’m just curious if you accepted any money in your district,” a caller, who identified himself as Joe from Stoughton, asked.

Listen: Paul Ryan on Nightside with Dan Rea 10/28/10

MP3 Audio

“No, I’m not one (of those) people who votes for something then writes to the government to ask them to send us money. I did not request any stimulus money,” Ryan responded.

Ryan’s actions in Congress and as chairman of the House Budget Committee have been drawing fresh scrutiny since he was named last weekend as Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s running mate.

A Ryan spokesman, Brendan Buck, noted the congressman’s office’s previous explanations that he was “providing a legitimate constituent service.” The Wall Street Journal reported Ryan’s efforts to secure stimulus money two years ago.

“If Congressman Ryan is asked to help a Wisconsin entity applying for existing federal grant funds, he does not believe flawed policy should get in the way of doing his job,” Ryan’s office said then.

Ryan also sent three letters to Chu in October 2009 seeking stimulus money for the Energy Center of Wisconsin, another nonprofit organization that promotes energy efficiency. The company later received $190,000 in stimulus money to conduct research on geothermal heating and $50,000 more to develop a training curriculum for students at Milwaukee Area Technical College.

Jump to bottom

80 comments

Kragar Thu, Aug 16, 2012 2:23:44pm

He retroactively never requested the funds.

funky chicken Thu, Aug 16, 2012 2:28:24pm

Hey, he didn't personally write those memos, and the signature was just a stamp put on there by a staffer. And hey, the money didn't go into his bank account.

//just trying to figure out what he's gonna say.

dragonfire1981 Thu, Aug 16, 2012 2:29:25pm

Having reviewed the audio and read the letters, I do not even see where he could be splitting hairs. It's clear he requested the money he is now saying he didn't.

My only guess is that he's counting on voters to have short memories.

Kragar Thu, Aug 16, 2012 2:29:48pm

re: #2 funky chicken

Hey, he didn't personally write those memos, and the signature was just a stamp put on there by a staffer. And hey, the money didn't go into his bank account.

//just trying to figure out what he's gonna say.

OFF THE TABLE!!!

It was all Obama's fault for making the funds available.

Lidane Thu, Aug 16, 2012 2:30:18pm

Is this the part where we discover that Paul Ryan is secretly a Time Lord, able to go back and change his past?

Targetpractice Thu, Aug 16, 2012 2:31:52pm

re: #4 Kragar

OFF THE TABLE!!!

or

It was all Obama's fault for making the funds available.

I was gonna go with "It's his constituents money, he was just getting it back for them!" or something along those lines. You know, the excuse Crazy Uncle Liberty's used for years for why he never supports spending bills, but is one of the first in line when it comes to request money for his district.

engineer cat Thu, Aug 16, 2012 2:34:26pm

the stimulus was a stumbling block placed in the way of the virtuous by the devil to lead them to sin

erik_t Thu, Aug 16, 2012 2:37:31pm

But Left-Wing War on Facts!!!1

Gus Thu, Aug 16, 2012 2:38:03pm

Caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

andres Thu, Aug 16, 2012 2:39:14pm

re: #5 Lidane

Is this the part where we discover that Paul Ryan is secretly a Time Lord, able to go back and change his past?

If he were truly a Time Lord, wouldn't those letters have disappear?

:-P

Targetpractice Thu, Aug 16, 2012 2:39:27pm

re: #9 Gus

Caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

"They were the ones who put the jar there! I was just getting cookies for the people who baked them!"

Gus Thu, Aug 16, 2012 2:39:29pm

Here's a direct link to the letters (PDF).

makeitstop Thu, Aug 16, 2012 2:40:22pm

I think we should wait for Politifact to tell us whether Ryan is lying or not.

/KT

Only The Lurker Knows Thu, Aug 16, 2012 2:40:31pm

Now I am no supporter of Ryan, but this he "lied" about asking for Stimulus funds seems a bit over the top.

“If Congressman Ryan is asked to help a Wisconsin entity applying for existing federal grant funds, he does not believe flawed policy should get in the way of doing his job and providing a legitimate constituent service to his employers,” the 2010 statement said.

Now. if this is correct, he didn't directly ask for those funds. The companies applying for the Federal grants did through their applications. All he did was write letters to the Fed asking them to approve those applications.

This is one of the things Congress critters are elected to do. Intercede on the behalf of their Constituents and help them navigate the Federal bureaucracy. What was he supposed to do? Tell these companies that he was personally against these grants and refuse to help them?

Doing so would have been political suicide.

Just my two cents worth.

moderatelyradicalliberal Thu, Aug 16, 2012 2:40:31pm

A lying liar telling lies.

Killgore Trout Thu, Aug 16, 2012 2:42:35pm

re: #13 makeitstop

I think we should wait for Politifact to tell us whether Ryan is lying or not.

/KT

It appears to be a real story from a real news source. I don't see any reason to doubt it.

andres Thu, Aug 16, 2012 2:42:42pm

re: #14 Bubblehead II

Then he should tell it as it is: he didn't believe in the stimulus, but some of his constituents requested them, and he owes himself to this district and state. No need to say, "I didn't do it".

Sionainn Thu, Aug 16, 2012 2:43:25pm

re: #14 Bubblehead II

Now I am no supporter of Ryan, but this he "lied" about asking for Stimulus funds seems a bit over the top.

“If Congressman Ryan is asked to help a Wisconsin entity applying for existing federal grant funds, he does not believe flawed policy should get in the way of doing his job and providing a legitimate constituent service to his employers,” the 2010 statement said.

Now. if this is correct, he didn't directly ask for those funds. The companies applying for the Federal grants did through their applications. All he did was write letters to the Fed asking them to approve those applications.

This is one of the things Congress critters are elected to do. Intercede on the behalf of their Constituents and help them navigate the Federal bureaucracy. What was he supposed to do? Tell these companies that he was personally against these grants and refuse to help them?

Doing so would have been political suicide.

Just my two cents worth.

Since they use that excuse when it comes to women's issues, then I say yes, that's exactly what he should have said.

blueraven Thu, Aug 16, 2012 2:44:17pm

re: #14 Bubblehead II

Now I am no supporter of Ryan, but this he "lied" about asking for Stimulus funds seems a bit over the top.

“If Congressman Ryan is asked to help a Wisconsin entity applying for existing federal grant funds, he does not believe flawed policy should get in the way of doing his job and providing a legitimate constituent service to his employers,” the 2010 statement said.

Now. if this is correct, he didn't directly ask for those funds. The companies applying for the Federal grants did through their applications. All he did was write letters to the Fed asking them to approve those applications.

This is one of the things Congress critters are elected to do. Intercede on the behalf of their Constituents and help them navigate the Federal bureaucracy. What was he supposed to do? Tell these companies that he was personally against these grants and refuse to help them?

Doing so would have been political suicide.

Just my two cents worth.

Well of course it is going to his constituents. That is the point of requesting the money. Where else would it go?

moderatelyradicalliberal Thu, Aug 16, 2012 2:45:10pm

re: #17 andres

Then he should tell it as it is: he didn't believe in the stimulus, but some of his constituents requested them, and he owes himself to this district and state. No need to say, "I didn't do it".

There's still no real difference. The question isn't whether he asked for stimulus funds for his own personal use. All requests or for some business or government program or project. So even if he asked on behalf of someone else, he's still asking for stimulus funds for his district.

moderatelyradicalliberal Thu, Aug 16, 2012 2:46:30pm

re: #18 Sionainn

Since they use that excuse when it comes to women's issues, then I say yes, that's exactly what he should have said.

Exactly. He wouldn't have made the request on behalf of a PP clinic in his district.

Only The Lurker Knows Thu, Aug 16, 2012 2:46:30pm

re: #17 andres

Then he should tell it as it is: he didn't believe in the stimulus, but some of his constituents requested them, and he owes himself to this district and state. No need to say, "I didn't do it".

This I can agree with. He should have stated that he didn't personally ask for Federal funds for State projects (roads,ect) but did help some of his Constituents apply for and receive Federal funds.

andres Thu, Aug 16, 2012 2:48:15pm

re: #20 moderatelyradicalliberal

There's still no real difference. The question isn't whether he asked for stimulus funds for his own personal use. All requests or for some business or government program or project. So even if he asked on behalf of someone else, he's still asking for stimulus funds for his district.

I kinda agree. But he could have spin it in the "I work for my constituents" line, which in turns sheds a more favorable light. Or, on the least, doesn't paint him in a corner between his mouth and facts.

Gus Thu, Aug 16, 2012 2:50:56pm

OT...

SPLC Responds To Blame For Shooting: ‘Perkins’ Accusation Is Outrageous’

moderatelyradicalliberal Thu, Aug 16, 2012 2:52:26pm

re: #23 andres

I kinda agree. But he could have spin it in the "I work for my constituents" line, which in turns sheds a more favorable light. Or, on the least, doesn't paint him in a corner between his mouth and facts.

True, but the answer still undermines his opposition to the stimulus. The stimulus was passed to help keep states and business afloat during a recession. Helping constituents, including business owners get stimulus funds acknowledges that money from the government helps businesses "build that". It doesn't just go against his opposition to the stimulus it goes against his opposition to government. He should have told those business owners to pull themselves up by their bootstraps and stop asking for government handouts.

engineer cat Thu, Aug 16, 2012 2:53:28pm

it's the same kind of thinking as wingnuts vis-a-vis medicare: they're agin it, but they'll take it, cuz they "earned it"

it's randian thinking where they believe that they are the hard working ones who've put all the money in but there are all these freeloaders who they're supporting

ayn rand got the idea from neizsche's ubermensch who supports all the numbskulls in the world (that's us) with his superior intellect and creativity

Charles Johnson Thu, Aug 16, 2012 2:53:36pm

re: #14 Bubblehead II

Er ... this is what Ryan actually said:

“No, I’m not one (of those) people who votes for something then writes to the government to ask them to send us money. I did not request any stimulus money."

But he absolutely did write to the government, requesting stimulus money.

I'm at a total loss about how you can say that's not a blatant lie.

moderatelyradicalliberal Thu, Aug 16, 2012 2:54:18pm

OT-Good news in OH.

[Link: wonkette.com...]

Extended voting times have been issued to all counties in OH and not just the GOP counties.

Killgore Trout Thu, Aug 16, 2012 2:54:45pm

re: #14 Bubblehead II

Now I am no supporter of Ryan, but this he "lied" about asking for Stimulus funds seems a bit over the top.

“If Congressman Ryan is asked to help a Wisconsin entity applying for existing federal grant funds, he does not believe flawed policy should get in the way of doing his job and providing a legitimate constituent service to his employers,” the 2010 statement said.

Now. if this is correct, he didn't directly ask for those funds. The companies applying for the Federal grants did through their applications. All he did was write letters to the Fed asking them to approve those applications.

This is one of the things Congress critters are elected to do. Intercede on the behalf of their Constituents and help them navigate the Federal bureaucracy. What was he supposed to do? Tell these companies that he was personally against these grants and refuse to help them?

Doing so would have been political suicide.

Just my two cents worth.

I get what you're saying but

“No, I’m not one (of those) people who votes for something then writes to the government to ask them to send us money. I did not request any stimulus money,” Ryan responded.

That's a questionable statement. He did request stimulus funds for local businesses. There's also the qualifier of "us". Does that mean state government? There was no need to request stimulus money, it was granted. Wisconsin Stimulus spending (more detail here) That State or county spending. There was no need for him to request the money.

Charles Johnson Thu, Aug 16, 2012 3:00:02pm

I don't blame Ryan for asking for stimulus money, by the way -- that's what it was for.

But the reeking hypocrisy of the GOP's scorched earth, no compromise, "everything Obama does is bad" strategy has never been more obvious. Ryan was right to request the money, and a total asshole to deny it.

andres Thu, Aug 16, 2012 3:01:54pm

re: #25 moderatelyradicalliberal

True, but the answer still undermines his opposition to the stimulus. The stimulus was passed to help keep states and business afloat during a recession. Helping constituents, including business owners get stimulus funds acknowledges that money from the government helps businesses "build that". It doesn't just go against his opposition to the stimulus it goes against his opposition to government. He should have told those business owners to pull themselves up by their bootstraps and stop asking for government handouts.

Correct. But his options are: deny his actions, or embrace them. Embracing them would have very few political consequences for him, and it's harder to exploit. By denying his actions, he just gave the Obama campaign more things to pin on him.

Thank goodness the Obama team can't pin many things on his running mate. //

Charles Johnson Thu, Aug 16, 2012 3:01:59pm

Flacks like Ryan lie about simple things like this because they're scared to death of losing the support of the reactionary Tea Party base.

Only The Lurker Knows Thu, Aug 16, 2012 3:02:15pm

re: #27 Charles Johnson

This is my take on it. Ryan didn't ask for anything. The companies wanting that money did when they submitted their paper work. All Ryan did was write 4 letters to the DOE stating that he had reviewed their paperwork and felt that they would make good use of those funds and requested the following.

I would appreciate it if you and the appropriate DOE officials would ensure that it is given your prompt and full consideration, consistent with all laws and regulations.Thank you for your consideration of my request.

No where in those letters do I see him asking for money. Only that the DOE consider it.

engineer cat Thu, Aug 16, 2012 3:03:08pm

re: #27 Charles Johnson

Er ... this is what Ryan actually said:

But he absolutely did write to the government, requesting stimulus money.

I'm at a total loss about how you can say that's not a blatant lie.

he might admit to "misspeaking"

Killgore Trout Thu, Aug 16, 2012 3:04:20pm

re: #30 Charles Johnson

I don't blame Ryan for asking for stimulus money, by the way -- that's what it was for.

But the reeking hypocrisy of the GOP's scorched earth, no compromise, "everything Obama does is bad" strategy has never been more obvious. Ryan was right to request the money, and a total asshole to deny it.

I have no doubt he worked to see his state got its stimulus money. It would be insane not to. There were a few governors (Jindal and I think Perry) who made some noises about refusing stimulus funds but of course they never followed through on blocking the funds. It would have been an insanely stupid thing to do.

Reverend Mother Ramallo Thu, Aug 16, 2012 3:04:39pm

I'm confused.
Does this mean Ryan is a RINO?
:)

Charles Johnson Thu, Aug 16, 2012 3:04:51pm

re: #33 Bubblehead II

Oh, come on! You don't write a letter like that just to say "Howdy neighbor!" He was urging them to approve the requests for stimulus money, and I guarantee you that the DOE officials understood it that way too. There's no other reason to write that kind of letter.

engineer cat Thu, Aug 16, 2012 3:05:04pm

i'll have to admit to waiting impatiently for new polls on the horse race since ryan was announced

the veep announce and the convention speech are rombley's two best chances to move his numbers ahead

wrenchwench Thu, Aug 16, 2012 3:05:44pm

re: #33 Bubblehead II

No where in those letters do I see him asking for money. Only that the DOE consider it.

That's the same thing.

erik_t Thu, Aug 16, 2012 3:05:48pm

re: #35 Killgore Trout

I have no doubt he worked to see his state got its stimulus money. It would be insane not to. There were a few governors (Jindal and I think Perry) who made some noises about refusing stimulus funds but of course they never followed through on blocking the funds. It would have been an insanely stupid thing to do.

It absolutely would be insanely stupid, but here we are. He shouldn't lie about it.

engineer cat Thu, Aug 16, 2012 3:06:00pm

re: #33 Bubblehead II

This is my take on it. Ryan didn't ask for anything. The companies wanting that money did when they submitted their paper work. All Ryan did was write 4 letters to the DOE stating that he had reviewed their paperwork and felt that they would make good use of those funds and requested the following.

I would appreciate it if you and the appropriate DOE officials would ensure that it is given your prompt and full consideration, consistent with all laws and regulations.Thank you for your consideration of my request.

No where in those letters do I see him asking for money. Only that the DOE consider it.

same difference

Gus Thu, Aug 16, 2012 3:07:40pm

re: #33 Bubblehead II

This is my take on it. Ryan didn't ask for anything. The companies wanting that money did when they submitted their paper work. All Ryan did was write 4 letters to the DOE stating that he had reviewed their paperwork and felt that they would make good use of those funds and requested the following.

I would appreciate it if you and the appropriate DOE officials would ensure that it is given your prompt and full consideration, consistent with all laws and regulations.Thank you for your consideration of my request.

No where in those letters do I see him asking for money. Only that the DOE consider it.

That's not standing up to his alleged principles at the time. Criticizing the recovery act in public and then turning around and acting like a middle man to get federal money for his district.

goddamnedfrank Thu, Aug 16, 2012 3:07:58pm

re: #39 wrenchwench

That's the same thing.

It's called a Letter of Recommendation for a reason. It's the opposite of a Letter of Fuck Those Guys.

Gus Thu, Aug 16, 2012 3:08:16pm

The stimulus is an outrage!

Can I have 20 million?

God of Binders with Women Thu, Aug 16, 2012 3:09:06pm

Oh, for fuck's sake. Willard just said that he paid "about 13% in taxes." And then this: "And when you add in CHARITY, it's above 20%." Yes, he just equated charity with income taxes. You dumbfuck.

calochortus Thu, Aug 16, 2012 3:10:36pm

re: #45 Changing Colors, Spinning Yarns

Oh, for fuck's sake. Willard just said that he paid "about 13% in taxes." And then this: "And when you add in CHARITY, it's above 20%." Yes, he just equated charity with income taxes. You dumbfuck.

Yeah, stupid. But the real question is 13% of what? How much of the income was taxable? How much was sheltered and not being counted by him?

Only The Lurker Knows Thu, Aug 16, 2012 3:11:58pm

re: #37 Charles Johnson

Oh, come on! You don't write a letter like that just to say "Howdy neighbor!" He was urging them to approve the requests for stimulus money, and I guarantee you that the DOE officials understood it that way too. There's no other reason to write that kind of letter.

Well of course he was asking them to approve it. That's what he was getting paid to do. My point is, that he did not ask for the money himself. The companies that submitted the paperwork for the grants did. All he did was ask that DOE consider their applications consistent with the law/currents regs and if they met the requirements, approve the grant.

wrenchwench Thu, Aug 16, 2012 3:12:32pm

re: #46 calochortus

Yeah, stupid. But the real question is 13% of what? How much of the income was taxable? How much was sheltered and not being counted by him?

And how much of what he's counting was some kind of taxes other than income taxes?

engineer cat Thu, Aug 16, 2012 3:13:13pm

re: #46 calochortus

Yeah, stupid. But the real question is 13% of what? How much of the income was taxable? How much was sheltered and not being counted by him?

mitt's money leads a sheltered existence in a ladies' finishing school in switzerland, where it studies flower arranging and italian

calochortus Thu, Aug 16, 2012 3:14:01pm

re: #49 engineer cat

mitt's money leads a sheltered existence in a ladies' finishing school in switzerland, where it studies flower arranging and italian

What? He doesn't have manly money? What a wuss.

wrenchwench Thu, Aug 16, 2012 3:14:11pm

re: #47 Bubblehead II

Well of course he was asking them to approve it. That's what he was getting paid to do. My point is, that he did not ask for the money himself. The companies that submitted the paperwork for the grants did. All he did was ask that DOE consider their applications consistent with the law/currents regs and if they met the requirements, approve the grant.

Asking for the application to be approved is the same thing as asking for the money. Of course it's not for himself, it's for his constituents, but he's still asking for it.

Tigger2 Thu, Aug 16, 2012 3:15:39pm

re: #45 Changing Colors, Spinning Yarns

Oh, for fuck's sake. Willard just said that he paid "about 13% in taxes." And then this: "And when you add in CHARITY, it's above 20%." Yes, he just equated charity with income taxes. You dumbfuck.

As much as he lies why should anyone take his word on anything.

Charles Johnson Thu, Aug 16, 2012 3:17:44pm

re: #47 Bubblehead II

My point is, that he did not ask for the money himself. The companies that submitted the paperwork for the grants did.

Very flimsy excuse. Of course, Ryan didn't ask for the money himself - that's not how stimulus grants worked. He asked for the money on behalf of the state of Wisconsin, after the agencies filed their requests.

That's what ALL state officials did, who urged the DOE and other federal agencies to send them stimulus funds. When Ryan is asked if he wrote letters seeking stimulus money, it's simply a lie to say "no." He wrote letters, seeking stimulus money for his constituents, and denied it.

engineer cat Thu, Aug 16, 2012 3:18:35pm

And when you add in CHARITY, it's above 20%." Yes, he just equated charity with income taxes

he has a private road construction crew that builds all the roads he drives on, and his private fire department follows him around on them

Killgore Trout Thu, Aug 16, 2012 3:21:05pm

Jack White put on an unannounced concert in a local laundrymat yesterday
Jack White at City Laundry

Youtube Video

That's pretty cool

SanFranciscoZionist Thu, Aug 16, 2012 3:21:11pm

re: #3 dragonfire1981

Having reviewed the audio and read the letters, I do not even see where he could be splitting hairs. It's clear he requested the money he is now saying he didn't.

My only guess is that he's counting on voters to have short memories.

The voters he's courting truly seems to believe a politician is justified by faith alone, and that works are irrelevent.

ramex Thu, Aug 16, 2012 3:21:14pm

Mr. Ryan hates doing the right thing so much that he lies when he does it!

Only The Lurker Knows Thu, Aug 16, 2012 3:22:29pm

re: #51 wrenchwench

re: #53 Charles Johnson

Very well. I will concede the point.

andres Thu, Aug 16, 2012 3:22:42pm

re: #45 Changing Colors, Spinning Yarns

Oh, for fuck's sake. Willard just said that he paid "about 13% in taxes." And then this: "And when you add in CHARITY, it's above 20%." Yes, he just equated charity with income taxes. You dumbfuck.

Looking at this more closely, I think Harry Reid just got what he wanted: make Romney say something foolish, and repeatable. How long before an ad pounds on Romney's "I paid 13% on taxes" quote?

SanFranciscoZionist Thu, Aug 16, 2012 3:28:23pm

re: #24 Gus

OT...

SPLC Responds To Blame For Shooting: ‘Perkins’ Accusation Is Outrageous’

Two things:

1. The FRC is a hate group, therefore describing them as such is hardly incendiary. The SPLC's report on them, which I read last night, does not use the language of incitement. It describes the organization's history, agenda, and past actions.

2. The FRC goes around saying that gay men prey sexually on little boys. They are not in a position to bitch.

I'm deeply sorry and appalled that someone was evil and unstable enough to attempt a mass shooting at their offices, but the SPLC did not tell this man to do so, and they did not lie about the FRC.

compound_Idaho Thu, Aug 16, 2012 3:30:38pm

re: #53 Charles Johnson

Very flimsy excuse. Of course, Ryan didn't ask for the money himself - that's not how stimulus grants worked. He asked for the money on behalf of the state of Wisconsin, after the agencies filed their requests.

That's what ALL state officials did, who urged the DOE and other federal agencies to send them stimulus funds. When Ryan is asked if he wrote letters seeking stimulus money, it's simply a lie to say "no." He wrote letters, seeking stimulus money for his constituents, and denied it.

To be precise, Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation in not a state agency. It is a private company.

God of Binders with Women Thu, Aug 16, 2012 3:32:38pm

OT: I made my first monthly donation to the Wounded Warrior Project. I felt it was the least I could do, as these brave men and women have their limbs blown off at the cost of arrogant politicians that think they can change the world. If any of you can donate, it is a wonderful charity.

sagehen Thu, Aug 16, 2012 3:33:03pm

re: #3 dragonfire1981

My only guess is that he's counting on his voters to ~~have short memories~~ only listen to Fox, where this story will not be mentioned.

ftfy

SanFranciscoZionist Thu, Aug 16, 2012 3:34:43pm

From the FRC's website:

Mae West once said: "Marriage is a great institution, but I'm just not ready for an institution." It's too bad Mae West is not sitting on the Democratic Platform Committee.

She had a keener understanding of true marriage than many of today's evolved politicians.

Do they just not understand the joke, or what?

sagehen Thu, Aug 16, 2012 3:36:31pm

re: #28 moderatelyradicalliberal

OT-Good news in OH.

[Link: wonkette.com...]

Extended voting times have been issued to all counties in OH and not just the GOP counties.

no... extended voting times have been equally reduced for all counties. Now it's 9-5 for everybody, no nights and weekends anywhere.

darthstar Thu, Aug 16, 2012 3:36:51pm

@jimacostacnn @mnoble5 Romney's message control is unequaled. Ha!#p2
— Sean McCabe (@darthstar99) August 16, 2012

General Nimrod Bodfish Thu, Aug 16, 2012 3:46:37pm

Former assistant AG for Michigan ordered to pay $4.5M for defaming a gay U-M student president:

Shirvell ordered to pay $4.5M in damages for slamming gay U-M student body president

One more win for civilization.

William Barnett-Lewis Thu, Aug 16, 2012 3:51:09pm

re: #56 SanFranciscoZionist

Man, NO ONE else here got that one? What a beautiful line that just faded into thin air... :(

HappyWarrior Thu, Aug 16, 2012 4:10:05pm

Seems like Ryan has as big problem with consistency as Mitt does. No wonder Mitt chose him, he wanted someone who is equally dishonest as he is.

Mattand Thu, Aug 16, 2012 4:12:13pm

re: #64 SanFranciscoZionist

From the FRC's website:

Mae West once said: "Marriage is a great institution, but I'm just not ready for an institution." It's too bad Mae West is not sitting on the Democratic Platform Committee.

She had a keener understanding of true marriage than many of today's evolved politicians.

Do they just not understand the joke, or what?

Christ, the next time some conservative whines when I say they're incapable of humor, I'm pointing this out.

darthstar Thu, Aug 16, 2012 4:30:20pm

Now Ryan's blaming his staff...saying they had authority to sign his name to requests without his knowledge.WTF? #p2
— Sean McCabe (@darthstar99) August 16, 2012

andres Thu, Aug 16, 2012 4:34:18pm

re: #71 darthstar

[Embedded content]

That's an even worst an excuse. If he gave permission to others to use his name without his knowledge, he is still responsible for what it is said under his name. (Remember Uncle Paul last year with the newsletters?)

compound_Idaho Thu, Aug 16, 2012 5:14:33pm

The best response would have been "WOW, those grants were a terrible use of tax payer money. I wish I had sent those letters."

Charles Johnson Thu, Aug 16, 2012 5:34:03pm

re: #58 Bubblehead II

re: #53 Charles Johnson

Very well. I will concede the point.

I think you just broke the Internet. Don't you know that nobody ever concedes a point in cyberspace?

wheat-dogg Thu, Aug 16, 2012 5:45:44pm

Color me surprised. I haven't done a careful tally, but nearly every Repub who said he or she would refuse stimulus money in fact either accepted it or actively courted it. It's old-school political sleight-of-hand: loudly deny doing something while quietly making it happen.

Patricia Kayden Thu, Aug 16, 2012 7:27:18pm

What a perfect set of Republican candidates. Two liars working together in perfect harmony. Hopefully the media will call out Ryan and Romney for their lies. Or at least the Obama campaign will make ads highlighting the "lie and lie some more" R&R team.

Bulworth Fri, Aug 17, 2012 6:44:55am

He was against it before he was for it. /

Ming Fri, Aug 17, 2012 7:28:34am

It occurs to me that Paul Ryan may indeed be a world-class liar. I say this because of Ryan's "conversion", or switch or flip-flop or whatever you want to call it, from Ayn Rand to religion. Now that's a world-class change! And Ryanmade that change as his political star was rising. Anyone have any doubts that Paul Ryan will say whatever it takes to win the election in November?

In regard to their propensity to lie, Romney and Ryan may have a heckuva lot in common. Ryan may have been the perfect pick for Romney.

Sophia77 Fri, Aug 17, 2012 10:24:41am

I am shocked. Ryan, lied?

Areopagitica Fri, Aug 17, 2012 8:21:13pm

Between Ryan eating crow and Mitt's campaign saying they will not be telling anyone specific details about anything they want to do, I don't think I'd even buy a used car from either of these jokers.

Ryan: The odometer is fine

Customer: But I just saw you messing with it when I walked into the showroom

Mitt: He was merely polishing the bezel on the dials. We aren't going to discuss the number of miles that may or may not register on the odometer. But if its been tampered with, its Obama's doing

Customer: I think I'm just going to go with a bicycle.

Mitt: Not using a fossil fuel burning vehicle is un-american.

Spy Mode Auto

This article has been archived.
Comments are closed.

Jump to top

Paul Ryan Lied About Requesting Stimulus Money

► LGF Headlines

► Top 10 Comments

► Bottom Comments

► Recent Comments

► Tools/Info

► Tag Cloud