Mitch did a little exploring to find out how to get tickets.  He found out that tickets are only available from three Congressional offices – Frank LoBiondo (NJ-2), Jim Saxton (NJ-3) and Chris Smith (NJ-4) -- that represent Burlington County, but not from the fourth – Rob Andrews (NJ-1).  Weird.  I wonder why Andrews doesn't get to give tickets to his constituents?

1) Could it be population?  No, because Andrews represents 29,698 Burlington residents (7 percent) and LoBiondo only represents 637 (14 percent).

2) Could it be the number of towns? No, because Andrews represents three towns (Maple Shade, Palmyra and Riverton) and LoBiondo only represents one (Washington).

3) Could it be political party?  Well, Andrews is a Democrat, and LoBiondo, Saxton and Smith are all Republicans.  And Cheney is a Republican.  And Bush is a Republican!  We have a match!

But, but, but … that means that these "public" events funded with tax money are really just partisan political rallies.  That is shocking!

You can call the White House at 202-456-1111 to ask them why Democratic representatives don't get tickets but Republicans do when the event is paid for with public money.

Or you can call:
Rep. Lobiondo (609-625-5008)
Rep. Saxton (609-261-5800)
Rep. Smith (609-585-7878)

and ask them to give back the tickets if they are not being distributed in a nonpartisan manner.

Or you can call:
101.5 (800-283-1015)
Air America (866-303-2270)
WNYC-NPR (212-669-3333)
WNJR-NPR (800-792-8645)
WHYY-NPR (215-923-WHYY)

or write letters-to-the-editor and tell them what you think about public tax dollars being spent for partisan events.