Everybody Loves Raymond

Our own Ray LaHood (R-1313 Mockingbird Lane), someone I’ve long considered a LOR (Least Objectionable Republican), was among the group of GOP lawmakers who went to the White House to give President Bush a talking to on Iraq:

This morning on CNN, Rep. Ray LaHood (R-IL) — one of 11 Republican members to have recently visited the White House and plead with President Bush to change course in Iraq — described the meeting as “unvarnished, about as frank and honest as I have ever been to at the White House.”
…
LaHood further added that Bush was taken aback by the concerns expressed by the
congressional delegation. “He listened very carefully. I think he was a little — I don’t know if surprised is the right word, probably maybe sobered,” LaHood said. “The fact is that, I don’t know if he’s gotten that kind of opinion before in such a frank and no holds barred way but he was very sober about it and he listened very intently.”

LaHood said the congressional delegation expressed concern about the political impact that Iraq is having on their congressional districts. “People are very war weary and that’s going to be reflected in peoples’ opinions, much stronger in the fall, I believe.”

LaHood can’t be worried about his reelection chances. He’s in one of the safest districts anywhere, never having to run against a serious opponent. But what if he is worried? That would mean most of the rest of the GOP delegation must be crapping their pants.