Georgia Congressman Jack Kingston (R) was among the few Republicans in attendance during President Obama’s visit to Savannah on Tuesday to talk about jobs and energy. The other prominent Republican was Gov. Sonny Perdue who isn’t running for re-election. Some would question the wisdom of Rep. Kingston’s decision to be seen side by side with the president, especially in a speech about employment:
So in this climate, acceptance of a White House invitation to a 15-minute speech — followed by a lift back to work — can be characterized as something close to courageous. Or reckless, depending on your point of view.
Kingston wasn’t the only prominent Republican in Obama’s presence on Tuesday. Gov. Sonny Perdue, in pursuit of a $400 million federal education prize, was there to greet the president when he landed.
But the governor is not up for re-election this year. Kingston is. Which made the nine-term congressman particular when deciding which Obama event in Savannah to attend.
Did the Congressman have his heart totally committed to the administration’s jobs policies? Rep. Kingston’s spokesperson had this to offer:
Rep. Jack Kingston, a Republican from Savannah and stimulus opponent, attended Obama’s speech. A spokesman for the congressman said “it came down to respect for the office of the president.”
That’s the best answer for a congressman in search of a re-election victory. For now.
