CONGRESSMAN DEFENDS HIS RIGHT TO A CIGAR...

[Jimmy2]

By Christina Bellantoni

THE WASHINGTON TIMES

February 15, 2007

Smoking has become the hot topic on Capitol Hill.

Who is, who isn't, and where the lawmakers puff -- closeted or not -- are among the whispers in the hallways and on the presidential campaign trail.

There have been at least 35 news reports about Sen. Barack Obama's long battle with a cigarette habit, and how the Illinois Democrat has been chewing Nicorette to kick that habit as he runs for president.

And in the latest installment, staffers for Rep. Keith Ellison tattled to Capitol Police that Rep. Tom Tancredo was smoking a cigar inside his congressional office.

"We already have the biggest air-purifying unit you can get, and I would be happy to try to make sure that it's even less odiferous around here, but I'm not going to stop because we still have the right to do so," Mr. Tancredo, Colorado Republican, told The Washington Times.

An officer investigating the report informed Mr. Ellison, Minnesota Democrat, that smoking is allowed in the private offices, the Hill newspaper first reported yesterday.

Calling his office in the Longworth building "our own little castle," Mr. Tancredo said he would have preferred a personal visit from his next-door neighbor.

Mr. Tancredo, seeking the 2008 Republican nomination for president, added, "He can get an air-purifying system for his office."

Mr. Ellison's office did not respond to calls for comment yesterday, but spokesman Rick Jauert told the Hill that he first called the Capitol superintendent when he noticed smoke "coming through the walls." That office referred Mr. Jauert to the police, and he informed his boss that he had made the report.

Mr. Tancredo said he has never met Mr. Ellison, who has gotten his fair share of headlines.

In November, Mr. Ellison became the first Muslim in recent times to be elected to Congress. Then, Rep. Virgil H. Goode Jr., Virginia Republican, protested Mr. Ellison's use of the Koran for his swearing-in. In a letter to constituents, Mr. Goode complained that if strict immigration laws are not enacted, "more Muslims" will be elected and will demand "the use of the Koran."

The dust-up created national headlines and highlighted philosophical differences on immigration policy

[Tampa1257]

I think that Mr. Tancredo deserves another cigar!

[broozer]

» I think that Mr. Tancredo deserves another cigar!

i agree. hell, i'd vote for the man now if he did run for president. more smokers need to stand up to the non smoking idiots that are taking over this, once free, country.

bruce

[Cam]

cigars

are

amazing

and

aid

in

a

healthy

lifestyle

so im full of ****, about the lifestyle part, but they do improve peoples social experience and mostly are a sign of success and personal choice and the freedom of choice we as people living in a democracy posess.

good on the congressman,

i support this article

keep them coming as you find them jim

[Jimmy2]

I working hard to bring you cigar news.:-D

[anacostiakat]

» » I think that Mr. Tancredo deserves another cigar!

»

» i agree. hell, i'd vote for the man now if he did run for president.

» more smokers need to stand up to the non smoking idiots that are taking

» over this, once free, country.

»

» bruce

Rudy is an avid cigar smoker!!! I have been in my local B&M when he was in town and buying up all the damn smokes.

[RLinNH]

» » » I think that Mr. Tancredo deserves another cigar!

» »

» » i agree. hell, i'd vote for the man now if he did run for president.

» » more smokers need to stand up to the non smoking idiots that are taking

» » over this, once free, country.

» »

» » bruce

»

» Rudy is an avid cigar smoker!!! I have been in my local B&M when he was

» in town and buying up all the damn smokes.

Nice to see someone standing up for Smoking Rights.

[Andyman]

On behalf of all Minnesotans

I'm Sorry!!!

[Moglman]

I don't like politicians on any side of the wobbly fence, but I do appreciate the Rep. from my state standing up for his rights under public scrutiny and pressure. It is as it should be, and I am proud of his conviction and the law. I hope he stands firm!