The DCCC added Ken Calvert's name to its list of "House Republicans Hypocrisy Hall of Fame" for "celebrating the benefits of President Obama's economic recovery bill in their districts" even though Mr. Calvert voted against it.
"It's no surprise that House Republicans are betting on failure, while President Obama and Democrats are investing in success. But for House Republicans to unanimously vote against the economic recovery bill in Washington and then take credit for it at home is the height of hypocrisy," said Jennifer Crider, Communications Director for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.
Calvert made the Hypocrisy Hall of Fame when in early February, in response to a series of radio ads launched by the DCCC Working Families First criticizing his vote against the Stimulus bill, Calvert told the Press Enterprise, "It's a boondoggle...The more people that know I voted against that bill, the better."
Mr. Calvert is running around the 44th Congressional District this week for the Congressional District Work Period, and he is now taking credit for critical stimulus spending that will be allocated to the 44th CD as a result of the passage of Economic Recovery Bill, saying "All of us in the Inland Empire will do what we can to direct as much money as we can." [The Press Enterprise; 2/13/09]
In parts of the 44th CD unemployment has already risen into the double-digits. The Stimulus Bill is estimated to bring 9000+ jobs to the 44th CD, and in Riverside - the district's largest city - the City Council estimates it could decrease the unemployment rate 5-6%. Mr. Calvert is once again demonstrating he is out-of-touch with the needs of his constituents.