After the blowback Tim Walberg received for saying the Flint crisis shows “that government can’t protect us against everything. It comes down to people watching out for themselves” and that “Michigan has done very well in the process of regulating water and protecting citizens,” you’d think he would try to prove to his constituents that he could hold those responsible accountable for their actions. But you’d be wrong.
Here’s a rundown of Walberg’s terrible week:
- Walberg was called out for lobbing ‘softball questions’ at Governor Snyder during the Flint hearing, while rudely interrupting and shouting over EPA officials.
- One outlet declared Walberg “did not press his home-state governor during questioning,” pointing out his conciliatory opening statement:
“We appreciate you voluntarily releasing all of your emails so they could be part of the record,” Walberg told Snyder. “We appreciate the fact that you’re willing to answer tough questions that this committee will offer today and outline the steps you’re taking to solve the crisis and help Flint recover.”
- A popular website berated Walberg for lying about meeting with one of the EPA’s staffers – and for repeating misinformation during the Flint hearing.
- Walberg ended his terrible week by coming home to dozens of upset seniors protesting outside his office for a vote Walberg took that cut their pensions. Oof.
* Except if you’re another government official from Michigan, testifying before your fellow Michigan Republican whose campaign was bankrolled by the same people who bankrolled your own campaign, and who sits on the House Committee on Oversight, and you’re facing consequences for your actions in poisoning thousands of Michigan children and families, but at the same time refusing to take responsibility for the part you played and are instead perhaps covering up what you knew and when you knew it, despite mounting evidence and testimony from the EPA and your staff to the contrary.