Republicans Infight Over Sandy Relief

The bad news just keeps getting worse for the Grand Ol’ Party.  After taking a public relations hit on the fiscal cliff debacle, Republicans are now taking public hits from members of their own party.

Following Tuesday’s late night vote to save the U.S. from the fiscal cliff, the House of Representatives was scheduled to vote on a multi-billion dollar bill to finally provide financial relief to New York and New Jersey after Superstorm Sandy ravaged the region.  However, House Speaker John Boehner inexplicably decided at the 11th hour to pull the bill from the floor and deny the vote to proceed.  That’s when the fun began.

First up was Rep. Peter King of New York, who went on television and provided his own party with a remarkably rare verbal thrashing.  “I would say the Republican Party has said it is the party of family values,” King said. “Last night it turned its back on the most essential value of all, and that is to provide food, shelter, clothing and relief for people who have been hit by a natural disaster. And I would say that the Republican Party has turned its back on those people.” King wrapped up his remarks with a zinger by saying: “Anyone from New York or New Jersey who would contribute one penny to the Republican congressional campaign committee should have their head examined.”  Ouch!

But it was New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie who went absolutely ballistic on his party and Speaker John Boehner in particular, who refused to take Christie’s calls after abruptly halting the vote for the much needed relief funds.

“Last night, the House majority failed the most basic test of leadership and they did so with callous disregard to the people of my state. … It was disappointing and disgusting to watch,” Christie said.  “There’s only one group to blame … the House majority, and their Speaker, John Boehner.”

Christie added: “It’s why the American people hate Congress!”