Posted on 09/28/2002 9:26:33 AM PDT by GeneD
Filed at 12:01 p.m. ET
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Sen. Robert Torricelli of New Jersey said Saturday that lawmakers who are focused on the war on terrorism must also be vigilant about the nation's mounting economic problems.
Torricelli, considered the most vulnerable Democratic senator facing re-election this year because of continuing questions about his ethics and honesty, made his remarks in his party's weekly radio address.
He said that while politicians in Washington debate how best to fight terrorism, they need to keep in mind that the nation's security extends beyond physical safety.
``As families across the nation sit down at their kitchen tables today, conversation is just as likely to turn to the mounting threats to our economic security,'' he said.
Among the challenges he cited were job losses, weak economic growth, the falling stock market, increased health care costs and a return to deficit spending.
``For the first time in eight years, the number of Americans living in poverty is growing, while the middle class is shrinking,'' he said.
Torricelli is accused of accepting expensive gifts from businessman David Chang in exchange for political favors. Chang has admitted making illegal campaign contributions to Torricelli and was sentenced to 18 months in jail.
Prosecutors never charged Torricelli but he was reprimanded by the Senate ethics committee. The issue has been central in his re-election campaign against Republican Douglas Forrester, who before the scandal was thought to have little chance of beating Torricelli.
Torricelli acknowledges he accepted gifts from Chang, including a television set and some earrings, and then violated Senate rules by failing to report them.
Translated, this means - "How in the hell are we going to continue to extort money from business and Hollywood in a bad economy?"
The choice of Torricelli as the spokesman suggests strongly that ALL Democrats are by association either assistant whores, or the piano players in the cat house, or at least the towel-holders for those that are.
Congressman Billybob
Click for "Til Death Do Us Part."
Y'know, maybe the Torch is right. Just last night at the kitchen table, my 10-year old said, "Hey, irgbar-Pop, there really are mounting threats to our economic security."
"Yes, there are son," I intoned dolefully.
Then my 5-year old piped up and said, "It's too bad you're not in a position of power where people can give you bribes of cash and watches and stuff -- like Senator Toricelli."
Clever kid. ;D
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