Rep. Katherine Harris is angling for appointment to the House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security, according to the Jan. 10 Herald-Tribune.

This is the same Katherine Harris who, last fall, raised the specter of phantom terrorists trying to blow up the power grid in Carmel, Ind. Myriad authorities -- from the Federal Bureau of Investigation to the governor of the state and virtually every local official -- disclaimed any such threat. Either Harris was engaging in blatant campaign fear-mongering in reckless disregard for facts, or she revealed top- secret information for partisan purposes. Whichever, her behavior casts serious doubts on her judgment and qualifications for this committee assignment.

Harris also recently exhibited an embarrassing lack of interest in the matter of homeland security during a nationally televised congressional debate on the 9/11 commission reform bill. In plain view of C-Span cameras, she laughed and chatted on the House floor throughout the session. The tape is available from C-Span, and an abbreviated version can be seen at www.thecanoodle.com.

Posted by: Jonathan Singer / 9:41 AM | Basie! Home