The Tweet Beat: The Best Congressional Tweets of the Week

News came out this week that congressional Republicans are five times more active with social media than Democrats. But are they five times as interesting? Anyone who’s a follower of John Boehner, Roy Blunt or Eric Cantor might be forgiven for saying no; that the endless torrent of unemployment statistics and deficit doom and gloom is only slightly more entertaining than a root canal. Luckily the GOP have Chuck Grassley (whose use of caps regularly comes across as certifiable), John McCain (who is forever in exotic places) and Aaron Schock (hottie) to spice things up from time to time.

This week: Pete Hoekstra is out running, John Shimkus is speaking to small businessmen (who shall remain nameless), Claire McCaskill is outraged by somebody (clue: his name starts with “Rush” and ends with “imbaugh”), Neil Abercrombie is drinking coffee, Mark Warner is too, Harry Reid is defensive and Dana Rohrabacher is riding that animal carbon footprint joke until the wheels fall off. Our congratulations to Leonard Boswell on his birthday, and our condolences to Ileana Ros-Lehtinen on the sad loss of her dog.

RoyBlunt: While Washington Democrats focused on a govt takeover of health care, another 85,000 Americans lost their jobs. Unemployment remains at 10%.
Rep. Roy Blunt, MO.

GOPWhip: These ideological pursuits have created such great uncertainty that hiring is simply not a reality for businesses & entrepreneurs
Rep. Eric Cantor, VA.

Robert_Aderholt: Congratulations to the University of Alabama and its football team for winning the National Championship and… http://bit.ly/5XP1Fs
Rep. Robert Aderholt, AL.

RepGoodlatte: Fox int about my leg to eliminate the visa lottery was bumped by the WH news conf about sliding job #s and terrorism. I will now be on Mon.
Rep. Bob Goodlatte, VA.

repaaronschock: Glad tmz is reporting on a car accident that doesn’t involve fire hydrants or golf clubs and I’m glad no one was hurt http://bit.ly/6u7I43
Rep. Aaron Schock, IL.

ChuckGrassley: Belated CONGRATS to coach Paul RHODES and IaState footbal team defeatin Minn in INSIGHTbowl. Me thinks cyclone footbal droughth over
Sen. Chuck Grassley, IA.

ChuckGrassley: thanks to Coach Ferentz for wining Orange Bowl. Team thanks to for good play. Enjoyd Defense makin Tech PUNT for a Change.Umake Ia lookGOOD
Sen. Chuck Grassley, IA.

petehoekstra: Running Disney 1/2 marathon sat morning.Running w Veldinks for AT research.Cold.26 low in the morning.
Rep. Pete Hoekstra, MI.

PatrickMcHenry: Happy 75th, Elvis!
Rep. Patrick McHenry, NC.

DanaRohrabacher: Now that a study shows dogs have a larger carbon footprint than SUVs, we can expect a Cap & Spade Bill. #carbonnazis
Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, CA.

SenJohnMcCain: went to the mountains above Beirut yesterday to meet with Walid Jumblatt – the leader of the Druze – fascinating experience.
Sen. John McCain, AZ.

CongJoeWilson: Great opportunity to be on Fox and Friends here in New York, yesterday Times cited they were number one in profits over all other combined.
Rep. Joe Wilson, SC.

IRL: Had 2 put our dog, Bard, 2 sleep. 2 sick, old, no hope 4 recovery. So hard 2 do. He was a good ole dog. Tough guy, Dexter, my hubby, cried.
Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, FL.

neilabercrombie: http://twitpic.com/xoobj – In Kona before the sun comes up. Drinking 100% Kona coffee, which is very smooth, and having good conversations.
Rep. Neil Abercrombie, HI.

clairecmc: Mark McGuire admits steroid use and apologizes. Glad he has finally cleared the air.
Sen. Claire McCaskill, MO.

michaelcburgess: Apparently we will see the first veto from President Obama- certainly not the last if we pick up significant seats on “R” side.
Rep. Michael Burgess, TX.

MarkWarner: Just stopped into Shockoe Expresso in downtown Richmond, my favorite coffee shop, three blocks from Capitol Square.
Sen. Mark Warner, VA.

GOPWhip: From Obama’s 1st day, GOP stood ready to work w/ him on solutions to restore ec prosperity & get folks working again. We were rebuffed.
Rep. Eric Cantor, VA.

LeonardBoswell: A BIG thank you for all the Birthday good wishes! As they say… getting older beats the alternative!
Rep. Leonard Boswell, IA.

ChuckGrassley: 125 in Wmburg town meet. Were warned to xpect demonstrators. No one demonstrated. Lots issues beside health
Sen. Chuck Grassley, IA.

HarryReid: Las Vegas Sun Op Ed: Reid has stood by African-Americans http://bit.ly/5tvm1Z
Sen. Harry Reid, NV.

IRL: State Dept fone #: 888 407 4747. Haitian-Americans concerned abt family mbrs should call. Pray.
Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, FL.

RepMik
eRoss: Number to call for info about missing persons in Haiti: 1-888-407-4747. Visit www.state.gov to find out how to donate to relief efforts.
Rep. Mike Ross, AR.

kevinomccarthy: When I was growing up, my mom couldn’t imagine I would make this list – http://j.mp/7vkMo3
Rep. Kevin McCarthy, CA.

MaryFallin: Very cool idea guys! via @lamarokc: follow us & we may post your tweet on a digital billboard in the OKC area.
Rep. Mary Fallin, OK.

clairecmc: Really? Helping suffering people is about politics? Our assistance to others defines us as a nation. Shame on him. http://bit.ly/4Qhd2R
Sen. Claire McCaskill, MO.

DarrellIssa: RT @GOPLeader: NY Times: House GOP five times more active on Twitter than their Democratic colleagues: http://bit.ly/8laL5q
Rep. Darrell Issa, CA.

RepShimkus: Galatians 2:16. Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ
Rep. John Shimkus, IL.

RepShimkus: Spoke with small businessman. His response to the healthcare bill will be to give no raises so he doesn’t go over the prescribed payroll
Rep. John Shimkus, IL.

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