It’s Hard Work
by poputonian … for Mr. Subpoena, Congress’s finest:

U.S. Rep. Dan Burton (R-IN) this morning apologized for missing 19 votes to play in a golf tournament in January.

Burton, who has not responded to requests for comment, made his apology during an appearance on a conservative radio talk show in Indianapolis.

Burton told talk show host Greg Garrison that he made reservations to play in the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic when Republicans were still in control of the House.

When Democrats took control, he did not expect them to schedule votes so early in the month. “I probably made a mistake,” he said.

He said, however, he hasn’t yet met the perfect person who hasn’t made any mistakes.

Burton missed votes to reduce college costs and cut oil industry tax breaks so he could play in the Palm Springs, Calif. golf tournament in January.

Burton also missed hearings on Iraq and North Korea to play in the event, which pairs top golfers with politicians and celebrities such as actor and director Clint Eastwood.

A review of House votes for the past decade shows the Indianapolis Republican has been absent every year votes coincided with the tournament: 2007, 2005, 2004, 2003 and 2001. This year in January, he missed a total of 20 out of 73 votes.

From digby in November, quoting an article:

Subpoenas would be used only as a last result, Waxman said, taking a jab at a previous committee chairman, GOP Rep. Dan Burton of Indiana, who led the committee during part of the Clinton administration.

“He issued a subpoena like most people write a letter,” Waxman said.

Scumbag.