Yes. But the Congressman is under no obligation to meet with him, and deserves no condemnation for declining to meet with him.
He's a U.S. citizen, and he's the head of an organization that represents constinuents living in TN.
Actually, he's a talking head on CNN that represents an organization that is so nonexistent, I couldn't even find a web page for it.
I checked with a buddy in DC: the GOP is not bothering to meet with groups that didn't significantly contribute to victory through GOTV or other real "sweat equity."
In short, if all your group does is put out press releases and appears on CNN, and it doesn't actually do any real work come election time, you're not going to get a meeting. Organizations whose main gig is appearing on GOP-hostile media are doubly suspect. Mahoney's group fits this description to a tee.
This came about because, in days of yore, the GOP discovered that certain groups have a habit of not doing anything during the election, but after the election they would show up saying "We got you elected, you owe us (fill in the blank)."
Mahoney needs to discover the virtue of hard work. And he needs to get over himself.
You and your pal in DC are cluless as to who elected Dubya, aren't you?
Frist and Specter will be watched very closely from here on out. One, just one, hint of a sellout and the Christian Right stays home in '06 and possibly '08.
Then, over beers, you and your pal can practice mumbling, "President Hillary Rodham-Clinton".