| While the Republican Party is currently home to some of the nuttiest policies of recent decades, it has also been home to some of the nuttiest people. Cranks, loons, shifty-eyed ramblers, hard luck gamblers, and certifiable basketcases alike have all found a welcome home as elected officials in the GOP.
As an example, you may remember Rep. Fred Heineman (NC-04), a one-term wonder from 1995-97, who professed that his congressional salary of $180,000 made him "lower middle class":
Heineman made news in 1996 with his assertion that his $180,000 income made him lower-middle class. "When I see a first-class individual who makes $80,000 a year, he's lower middle class," Heineman said. "When I see someone who is making anywhere from $300,000 to $750,000 a year, that's middle class. When I see anyone above that, that's upper middle class." (Raleigh News & Observer, 10/21/95)
Clearly a man with a firm grip on reality.
Of course, another favorite Republican nutjob is Rep. Barbara Cubin (WY-AL), whose record is one of utter batshittery and embarrassment, including one notable evening where she barked to a startled audience of GOP donors: "I know what Victoria's Secret is. She's a slut." And who could forget her penchant for sharing penis-shaped cookies with her colleagues in the Wyoming legislature, or her infamous threat to slap her wheelchair-bound independent opponent after a debate last fall.
Who are some of your favorite Republican nutters? To be clear, I'm not asking for necessarily the most conservative, or the most mean-spirited policy-wise. I'm talking about loony quotes and behavior that reflect a serious personality flaw or detachment from everyday reality. Citations of direct quotes or descriptions of activities, with links if possible, are preferred. Post 'em in the comments.
The dumber the better, people. |
