Posted on 11/16/2011 9:20:40 PM PST by 2ndDivisionVet
Rick Perry has challenged House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi to debate him next week about his plan for a part-time Congress.
In a letter to Pelosi (D-Calif.) obtained by The Hill, the Texas governor wrote: "I am in Washington Monday and would love to engage you in a public debate about my Overhaul Washington plan versus the congressional status quo.
"I think it would be a tremendous service to the American people to see a public airing of these differences," he continued. "Let the people decide. If Monday doesn't work, perhaps we could find a time in Iowa over the course of the next month to discuss these issues in front of the people of America's heartland."
Perry is running as a Washington outsider, and in a speech on Tuesday he called for "a part-time Congress where their pay is cut in half, their office budgets are cut in half, and their time in Washington is cut in half."
Still, the decision to challenge Pelosi to a debate may raise some eyebrows.
It's unusual for a presidential candidate to challenge a congressional leader to a debate, and Perry has been criticized for his lack-luster debate performances. He stumbled in last week's debate in Michigan, when he forgot the name of the third government department he would close, only to remember it later.
That performance led some observers to argue his campaign for the White House was finished. A survey in Iowa this week found Perry in single digits and trailing not only Mitt Romney, but Newt Gingrich, Herman Cain and Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas).
In the letter, Perry pointedly invited Pelosi to Iowa, the early caucus state where he's trying to gain traction after falling in the polls.
Pelosi's office did not answer The Hill's question about whether she would meet with the Texas governor.
"Should you choose not to respond or engage in such a healthy discussion, I will take it to mean you will continue your obstructionist ways in the face of much needed Washington reform," Perry wrote.
In the 2010 election, Pelosi was a successful boogeyman for the Republican Party. The GOP made her leadership an issue in several congressional races and ultimately won control of the House.
Perry will be in Washington next week for Tuesday's GOP presidential debate on foreign policy issues.
In his letter, the governor also asked Pelosi if she agrees with Minority Whip Steny Hoyer's (D-Md.) criticism of his plan for the part-time Congress.
Hoyer on Tuesday asked if Perry was making a "serious proposal" and accused him of "pandering to the Tea Party."
"I wonder if his obstructionism reflects your own opposition and that of the Democratic Caucus to urgent reform the American public vehemently demand," Perry wrote in his letter.
I like that idea as well.
But in my mind I see Nancy with her nose held high asking “What is that fly buzzing around me?”
Although I would LOVE to see Nan taken down a notch or two...has a presidential nominee ever debated a minority leader?
What would it accomplish?
Oh, maybe I answered my own question. She would have to say..”Are you crazy? Half salary/half time?” Good move on Gov. Perry’s part perhaps.
Wonder why he doesn’t ask Boehner to discuss the issue with him. Bet there wouldn’t be any takers there either!
This is one debate issue he will do well on. Texas has a part-time Congress. A lot of the members do work at a real job when they are not in session.
G'Night! ;-)
Ok maybe not a watermelon, but he could beat the Prune :)
Perhaps they could have a little chat about insider trading as well...
That would be one debate I would not miss for any reason!!!
Are you Syrias?
Juxtaposition Rick Perry’s letter to Nancy about debating his proposal for a part-time Congress with Newt Gingrich on the couch with Nancy asking Americans to buy into global warming.
Brilliant.
Thanks for the ping, 2nd. I have had bronchitis and haven’t even been getting on FR recently, but I’m glad I popped in to see your thread.
I had not heard about this and find it a fascinating! I would certainly love to see this debate.
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