House Freedom Caucus Chairman Jim Jordan stumps for Griffith in Roanoke
On Wednesday, House Freedom Caucus Chairman Jim Jordan of Ohio traveled to Roanoke to campaign for 9th District Congressman Morgan Griffith. 6th District Congressman Bob Goodlatte also attended the event to campaign for Mr. Griffith. The event was well attended, with many attendees traveling from across the 9th (and into the 6th) to come to the event.
Congressman Goodlatte began the event by praising Congressman Griffith for the work they had done together since Griffrith’s arrival in Congress. Griffith and Goodlatte have been friends for a long time, and when they speak about each other, it definitely shows. Goodlatte also praised the work of the Rules task force committee that both were appointed to by Speaker Ryan. These two have fought battles together for years and it is encouraging to see two members work so closely together.
Congressman Griffith made the point that 9th District turnout is very important, especially in 2016. Griffith made it a point to mention that there are multiple out of state media markets that Republicans have to be on in order to increase turnout. Specifically the Bluefield Virginia/West Virginia areas and the Bristol Tennessee/Virginia areas that broadcast into the deeper parts of coal country.
Chairman Jordan’s rhetoric is just a fiery on the campaign trail as it is in Congress. Jordan is very focused on keeping not only Democrats but Republicans on their toes about fiscal issues. He reiterated the need to keep Griffith in Congress, while laying harsh criticism on the Obama Administration. Griffith was also praised for his work in the Freedom Caucus.
There was one recurring theme of everyone’s speeches. Every single speaker, including Mr. Jordan, praised Speaker Paul Ryan for the work he has done. There have been more bills that have been sent to the President’s desk and vetoed in the first 3 months of Ryan’s Speakership than 4 years of when John Boehner. All three Congressmen stressed that Ryan is a great communicator for the Republican Party. Congresssman Jordan surprisingly heaped on praise about Speaker Ryan, something that the media seems to ignore.
It appears this praise is designed to soothe constituents and donors after the insanity that ensnared the House of Representatives last year. While barely finishing their spending bills and showing Speaker Boehner the door, it looked like Congress had turned into a madhouse. However, all three Congressmen stressed that “regular order” to the House is being restored and that there are changes being made.
It will be interesting to see if Mr. Jordan campaigns for all of his fellow Freedom Caucus members.
