Rep. Ellison calls the cops to snuff Tancredo’s cigar

The Hill ^ | 02/14/2007 | Betsy Rothstein

[NapkinUser]

Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) believes it is his right as a Muslim to be sworn into Congress with the Quran. But apparently, the freshman lawmaker doesn’t believe it’s Rep. Tom Tancredo’s (R-Colo.) right to smoke a cigar in his congressional office.

Ellison’s office called the Capitol Hill Police on Tancredo last Wednesday night as Tancredo was in his office smoking a cigar. The lawmakers have neighboring offices on the first floor of the Longworth House Office Building.

Tancredo was still stunned a day later. “It’s very bizarre,” said Tancredo, who has never met Ellison. “Seemed to me not a good way to say hello.”

And let’s face it. Calling the cops on a colleague takes the cake for the nerviest behavior so far among members of this year’s freshman class of Congress.

This is how it all went down. On Wednesday evening, around 6 p.m., Tancredo was preparing for his trip to Mississippi. And as he so often does, he was unwinding with a cigar.

Soon enough, however, a police officer walked in to check on the smoke. The officer told Tancredo that the officer came because he was required to do so and not because the officer wanted to. The officer had already told Ellison that Tancredo was permitted to smoke in his office. The visit was more a formality.

Tancredo said he would not stop smoking in his office. “Heck, no!” he said. “If he [Ellison] would have [had] the courtesy to say something I’m sure I would have been more accommodating to his wishes.”

To help keep his office free of impurities, Tancredo has three air purifiers. And he has no plans to meet Ellison anytime soon. “I’m sure we will, but I’m not going to make a point [of it],” the presidential hopeful said, adding that he supported Ellison’s right to be sworn in with the Quran.

Ellison’s press secretary, Rick Jauert, made the call to the Superintendent’s office when he noticed the smoke. “I called because the smoke was coming through the walls,” Jauert said, adding that the Superintendent’s office referred him to the Capitol Police.

Jauert said he then informed his boss what he had done. He said “fine,” Jauert said. “He’s complained of the smoke before.”

[ozzymandus]

What the hell are you talking about??? Tancredo wasn't the one who called the cops.

[La Enchiladita]

Why should I help you? Besides, I don't read your posts... remember?

[paulat]

Calling the cops is a bad way to begin.

I agree...but how does this speak to somebody who wants to be a national player. Not well.

Were I Tancredo, I would have made a big deal about "coming to an agreement" with my neighbor.

I would have made him look irrational.

I would have given myself the upper hand.

Tancredo doesn't have what it takes for the big time.

[La Enchiladita]

You, me and countless others.

[TigersEye]

If you don't put a reference in your reply...no one knows what you mean.

Errrr. There's a 'to' link at the bottom of every post that takes you right back to the post that's being replied to. It's not hard.

[paulat]

If you charge spelling errors, you should be able to quote them?? What is the problem??

[paulat]

Errrr. There's a 'to' link at the bottom of every post that takes you right back to the post that's being replied to. It's not hard.

I agree. Most folks, however, like to read a thread without having to go back and forth.

That's why most of us post the comment we are responding to.

[paulat]

That's fine, there are other way to silence you.

Hooookay....

[pandoraou812]

I thought so.....but I should have been more clear ..I guess it did look like I meant Paulat when I meant Diane Sawyer.....with all the needless, foolish fighting going on .....But what do I know anyway after you know I am one of those "bad girls". I am so glad we are friends Tiger...You are Lela's & my favorite person on FR. You always give me the best advice and make so much sense. Thanks ~~Pandora~~

[TigersEye]

That's why most of us post the comment we are responding to.

No we don't. You're just lazy.

[paulat]

No we don't. You're just lazy.

Smooch!!

[keilimon]

Where does the "right" not to be offended end? If I find your odor offensive, may I insist you stay at a suitable distance? If I find your voice grating, , may I insist you (and Charlie Rangel) refrain from public speech? If I find you less than easy on the eyes, may I insist you stay away from any place that may be within my direct line of sight?

I personally (seriously) am offended by most cheap perfumes, including those put in cleaners and fabric softeners. Should legislation be enacted that forces stores to remove the offending items?

Your preference is that a smoker's vice should not impose on your "space", but you can only achieve that by restricting the preferences of others....

[Prost1]

I have this little problem....

I pass gas a lot. What is worse, passing gas or smoking a cigar.

I would like to be near this guy and as my great grandmother said..."Whereever you may be, let you Wind blow free!"

Then this twerp would learn to smell the difference between perfume and smoke.

(humor alert)

[Junior_G]

I don't care if people smoke...but the minute it crosses MY life...it's outta here.

In other words, the moment you find yourself "offended" by "hurtful, insensitive smoke smell"?

Gotta love you nanny-staters.

[paulat]

Your preference is that a smoker's vice should not impose on your "space", but you can only achieve that by restricting the preferences of others....

Yep...pretty much...

[antiunion person]

One last post to a certain POS posting here tonight (paulet). If you've noticed, but you probably haven't, the majority of the posters on this story are against Ellison and fanatic muslims. The way this country should be run is by the majority, not the minority. This is like Spock said in a Star Trek episode, the welfare of many is more important than the welfare of one. It's not the correct wording he used, but close enough. BTW, paulet, Gore is wanting to talk to you in the left wing chat room about inventing something new, like he did the internet.

[TigersEye]

Disgusting!

[paulat]

One last post to a certain POS posting here tonight (paulet). If you've noticed, but you probably haven't, the majority of the posters on this story are against Ellison and fanatic muslims. The way this country should be run is by the majority, not the minority. This is like Spock said in a Star Trek episode, the welfare of many is more important than the welfare of one. It's not the correct wording he used, but close enough. BTW, paulet, Gore is wanting to talk to you in the left wing chat room about inventing something new, like he did the internet.

I rest my case.