Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) appears to be getting just a little too wacky for some of her Republican colleagues — particularly on her new crusade to get people to refuse to completely fill out their census forms.
Bachmann has said she won’t provide any more information than the number of people in her home, stating that this is all the Constitution requires and she won’t let her personal information fall into the hands of ACORN. (Note: ACORN will not be collecting census data. Also, the law clearly says that the action Bachmann advocates is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000.)
Now three very conservative Congressman — Reps. Patrick McHenry (R-NC), Lynn Westmoreland (R-GA), and John Mica (R-FL) — have put out a statement: “Every elected representative in this country should feel a responsibility to encourage full participation in the census. To do otherwise is to advocate for a smaller share of federal funding for our constituents. Boycotting the constitutionally-mandated census is illogical, illegal and not in the best interest of our country.”
“Furthermore, a boycott opens the door for partisans to statistically adjust census results,” the statement warns.
Fun fact: Many observers think Minnesota could lose a seat in the House after the 2010 Census. And of Minnesota’s eight current House members, which one do you think might be in the most danger of being turned out of office when the lines are redrawn?
