Boehner Didn't Snub Tucson Memorial
Talking Points Memo reports:
House Speaker John Boehner is catching a lot of flak for missing last night's memorial service in Tucson, reportedly declining an Air Force One invitation from President Obama in order to slap backs and clink glasses at an RNC event.
But a look at the timeline of events paints Boehner in a better light.
Yesterday, House members attended a vigil for victims of the Arizona shooting spree in an auditorium underneath the Capitol Visitor's Center. As they trickled in, a House aide provided reporters, including me, a glimpse of the program of events and list of speakers. There was one small revision to the schedule, though: Minority Whip Steny Hoyer would be reading Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi's portion of scripture, because she was on her way to Tucson with the President.
If Boehner had accepted the invitation, then the leaders of both parties would have missed the Wednesday vigil.
Presented with this recollection of events, Boehner's spokesman Michael Steel confirmed, and defended his boss. "Boehner would not have been able to attend the bipartisan prayer service if he'd gone to Tucson," he said. "Yesterday, Rep. Giffords' colleagues on both sides of the aisle honored her and mourned those who were lost. The Speaker felt his place was here in the House, with them."
