[OldDeckHand]

While it may be a "shakedown", politically it might be best just to keep your mouth shut about it. BP's popularity is somewhere beneath cancer right now. It's politically stupid to be seen defending them. It would be a WHOLE lot harder to make a principled stand for BP after the 2010 elections. There's no reason to give the Democrats fodder for campaign commercials.

[Las Vegas Ron]

BP's popularity is somewhere beneath cancer right now.

Hmmm, ya think it might have been deliberately set up that way?

[McGruff]

This is an example of why republicans aren't in power right now. Most of them don't have a spine. Oh noes, don't make waves. Go with the flow or we're gonna lose. How's that workin out for ya. Luckily Rep. Barton isn't one of those. As far as BPs popularity. Obama’s isn't much higher right now. The local Governors look to be showing more leadership in this crisis than The Messiah.

[My Favorite Headache]

Correct. GOP once again with foot in mouth.

[counterpunch]

I agree with you.
Republicans aren’t the “stupid party” for nothing.
Instead Barton should have asked Hayward why he waived BP’s Due Process rights, if there was any coercion or pressure put on them by the 0bama regime, and what they are doing to protect shareholders’ investments.