How do I meet FACE TO FACE with my Representative of the House?

[MrMickeysMom]

Seriously,

I've been trying to more than a year to arrange when he is back in the District, but Tim Murphy (R, 18th CD, PA) is beating that path that gets him face time on television, or charging up the re-election campaign, which at this point, would take a hell of a lot of money, as he agrees with everything Bush says.

I've already gone through the Chief of Staff and others who I"m directed to from the local offices. I've already met "Field Representatives" at the local offices, who are in the 20's and clueless as they come.

I'm taking all suggestions!

[hatrack]

1. Write a check - preferably a big one.

That seems to work pretty well these days.

[TechBear_Seattle]

3. That is the ONLY way nowadays n/t

[BuyingThyme]

2. Any good public restrooms in the area?

[Enrique]

4. rofl

:evilgrin:

[PA Democrat]

5. Tim Murphy is a whore.

Unless you have big money to buy his vote, he won't have time to meet with you. He's my rep as well, and I PRAY we can defeat his Bush-kissing ass next November.

[MrMickeysMom]

7. Are you nearer to the Mt. Lebo or the Monroeville end of the District?

You know why I'm asking.... Apparently, they think I'm the ONLY one who has a bone to pick.

[PA Democrat]

16. Closer to Monroeville. We were redistricted.

Nice how they slice and dice THREE counties to give Republicans the edge. isn't it?

[MrMickeysMom]

17. Indeed, PA Democrat. In fact, I'm in Monroeville... we should stay in touch

I'm gonna add you to my buddy list, if you don't mind.

Don't get me started on re-districting... :rant:

[SteelPenguin]

6. I've met him

If you can't get a direct meeting, the best way is to join an organization which he appears with regularly.

SMC Business Councils (http://www.smc.org/) is a small business association in PA. They have regular functions and networking events, but almost always at some point in the fall or winter have a 'meet your representatives' function where many of the local congressmen turn out. Since the association is primarily made up of republicans people like Tim Murphy usually attend (I met both him and Melissa Hart at one function, as well as Mike Doyle -- Mike Doyle was great, Melissa Hart was a total bitch, and Tim Murphy seemed like a nice guy (which means he's a politician) even though I disagreed with him on most things)

Unless you get him in a meet and greet type environment like that you're not going to get the time of day. Try and find out his schedule and where he'll be appearing if you can in those capacities and go there.
Keep your eyes on the SMC events on their website for a meet your representatives event and then join the group and go to it. It's usually right after the holidays. Dont' crash the event though, you'll need to sign up for it.

[BridgeTheGap]

8. Does he do town meetings?

Find out an issue he gives a shit about and tell him you want to meet with him on that issue. If you get in, talk to him about whatever you really want to talk about. Of course it might end up being your only meeting with him.

[MrMickeysMom]

14. He used to have meetings... they've come to an abrupt halt...

... and yes, I tried to meet with him on an issue, but his schedule was not compatible.

That is such utter bullshit.

[MrMickeysMom]

11. Thanks, SteelPenguin...

Good advice is appreciated. Hey.. Too bad the Penns lost last night.

:hi:

[SteelPenguin]

19. Feury is overrated

They need some freaking D...

[MrMickeysMom]

22. They sure do...

You can't have guys crashing into the goalie constantly, now can you?

[blondeatlast]

9. Call your local newspaper and tell them he refuses to meet you.

The local TV news might be interested, too--a big ol' hi-def camera should make inroads...

[MrMickeysMom]

12. I actually write in every 3 months to the Post Gazette...

... and I try not to over-do it, but I call Lynn Cullen, the only local liberal you'll hear on WPTT (which also airs Thom Hartmann).

Thanks.

[antigop]

18. Write your representative a letter... tell him you have an open calendar and he can pick the date

Give him plenty of time in advance. Tell him he can pick the day -- ANY DAY -- and you will be there.

Give his office x number of days to respond back to you with a date.

After x number of days, politely tell him time is up.

Copy the local press on all correspondence.

[MrMickeysMom]

20. I like it...

Thanks! :hi:

[antigop]

21. Oh, and be sure to follow up each letter with a phone call to his office.....

so you can inquire whether they received the correspondence or not.

That way they can't say,"Well we never saw any letter."

[KansDem]

10. Isn't it enough they represent you that you would want them to have to meet you too?

:sarcasm:

[MrMickeysMom]

13. As Harvey Korman said to Mel Brooks in Blazing Saddles...

..."They're such CHILDREN..."

[justgamma]

15. I have no suggestions, but

I have a fantastic Congressman in Bruce Braley. He had, what he called "Congress on the Corner". He came to a lot of small towns to talk to people. Privately, in a room with just him and an aide.

He's on the oversite committee. I told him that he HAD to work to uphold the Contitution. That these people needed to be held accountable. I got to ask him if they would consider inherent contempt. He said "Absolutely!" We'll see.

That, in my opinion, is a rep.

[MrMickeysMom]

23. I'm so jealous!

:(

But, all the more hopeful to change the District, so GOOD for you! :-)