Football and Ohio 15

FOOTBALL
When the Republicans in the House of Representatives don't have enough to do, they make up problems. Instead of working on solutions to real concerns in this country, Republicans look for topics to bring themselves publicity. Case in point-----Republican Rep. Joe Barton (TX-6th). The Huffington Post has the ABC News story. Here is an excerpt:

A House Energy and Commerce subcommittee, charged with regulating America's sports industry, announced Friday it will conduct a hearing on the BCS next week, after this season's bowl matchups are determined.

"College football is not just an exhilarating sport, but a billion-dollar business that Congress cannot ignore," said committee Chairman Joe Barton, a Texas Republican. Barton's panel is separate from the House Government Reform panel that tackled steroids in baseball.

The committee announcement called the hearing, scheduled for next Wednesday, a "comprehensive review" of the BCS and postseason college football.

"Too often college football ends in sniping and controversy, rather than winners and losers," Barton said. "The current system of determining who's No. 1 appears deeply flawed."

Barton, a Republican and a graduate of Texas A&M, must have a grudge against the BCS. The Aggies Football team (won 5, lost 6) did not do so well this year, and probably will not be invited to one of the big bowl games. Here in Columbus, Ohio, the home of The Ohio State Buckeyes (won 9, lost 2), we understand how the BCS works. If Mr. Barton needs some schooling, I'd suggest he interview a typical Buckeye fan, because he/she will be able to explain it.

The New York Times: Democrats Sense Chances in Ohio for 2006 Vote

There is a terrific article in the New York Times that covers the political climate here in Ohio. It describes how the electorate is unhappy with Republican Rep. Pryce because of her support of Bush's war. Here is an excerpt about Mary Jo Kilroy, Democratic candidate for Ohio's 15th District:

Now, with a Web site and an e-mail list of 1,500 and a new name, UA Progressive Action, the group is throwing itself behind Ms. Pryce's competitor, Mary Jo Kilroy, the president of the Franklin County Board of Commissioners. Ms. Kilroy entered the race in October after an intense courtship by Washington Democrats. Representative Steny H. Hoyer, the Democratic whip from Maryland, flew to Ohio to see her, and every Democrat in the Ohio delegation left encouraging messages on her cellphone.

Kilroy is definitely gaining a lot of support here in central Ohio! Way to go, Mary Jo!