Job Description

Roll Call has dubbed Mike Rogers as the NRCC's "Top Cop," in view of his untiring efforts as Incumbent Retention Chairman for the GOP.

Here in the Neighborhood, we've heard about Mr. Rogers' work as Incumbent Retention Chair -- and we know that this is NOT the kind of job creation program needed in Michigan's 8th Congressional District. A member of the United States House of Representatives is supposed to, well, represent the voters of his or her district.

Rogers began his mission in February, when he started one-on-one meetings with more than 70 of his most vulnerable colleagues to set up individualized campaign goals. [skip]

According to a senior NRCC official, Rogers meets weekly with Boehner, Sessions and Cantor to discuss incumbent retention. [skip]

Rogers meets with NRCC Incumbent Retention Director Bob Honold several times a week. He keeps tabs on every Member’s progress, including political matters such as their call time, volunteer recruitment and local press

Hmmm. I don't recall Mr. Rogers taking the time to meet with more than 70 of the most vulnerable auto industry workers in our district, or sitting down regularly with local business owners.

Let's step back and look at the bigger picture for the first few months of this year:

January 2009:

• The annual salary of House members increased to $174,000, not including COLA, health insurance or pension benefits.
• Michigan lost another 69,000 jobs and led the nation in unemployment (11.6%, the worst since May 1984).

February 2009:

• Mr. Rogers took time out from fighting against the stimulus package to host a meet & greet for freshman GOP members and 150 PACs.
• Michigan unemployment increased to 12.0%

March 2009:

• Mike Rogers hosted a $1,000-a-plate fundraiser for Joseph Cao (R-LA).
• Michigan unemployment rose to 12.6%

April 2009:

• Mr. Rogers decided that the tobacco industry was doing a great job and didn't need to be regulated; he also turned up his nose at national service programs.
• Michigan's unemployment? Up again, to 12.9%

May 2009:

• Chrysler entered bankruptcy.
• The NRCC picked their ten "Patriot" candidates - vulnerable incumbents who need help with fundraising. Mr. Rogers called the fundraising competition "natural and healthy."
• Michigan's unemployment rate rose to 14.1%.

June 2009:

• GM filed for bankruptcy.
• Mike Rogers spent his time in D.C. proposing dead-end amendments to the climate change bill and boldly supporting crucial legislation like establishing National Corvette Day and National Pet Week.
• Rogers also co-hosted the first "Patriot Day" fundraiser on June 24th, where the ten House member "Patriots" raised $90,000 - $100,000 each.

It will be interesting to see Mr. Rogers' priorities during the next 15 months -- will he focus on fundraising for his Patriots, or jobs and healthcare for his constituents?