Tim Walberg lies about voting on VAWA, then covers up the lie

My former U.S. Representative, and that only because I was one of those who voted him out the first time and then moved out of his district before he could return to office the second time, has made the news again, and not in a good way.  Progress Michigan has preserved it from going down the memory hole on YouTube.

Rep. Tim Walberg, in an interview with WTVB-FM, lies about his vote on the Violence Against Women Act. In fact, according to Walberg's own House website, there was no Republican version of VAWA - just an amendment. Although Rep. Walberg voted yes on a Republican amendment to VAWA, he voted against reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act.

His spokeswoman Sarah Kuziomka later told MIRS that "Congressman Walberg has not been a guest on (WTVB-FM) in over three weeks." The above interview was aired on WTVB-FB on Friday, March 1, following Rep. Walberg's no vote on the reauthorization of VAWA.

Let's go through the offenses.  First, he voted against VAWA.  While it's something I disapprove of, it's not anything that surprises me, given what I know about the man, and it's not anything that his supporters would hold against him.  Then he went on WTVB and lied about his vote.  When he was called about it on Michigan Liberal and Eclectablog, the station pulled down its news story about his appearance.  Walberg's spokesperson then lied about being on WTVB.  And to think that Walberg used to be a minister; he should know better than to commit an offense against the Ninth Commandment.

That's not the first time Walberg's been caught lying about a vote.  Progress for Michigan recalls what he did in 2007.

In Walberg’s first term, he sent a press release bragging about new buses for the Jackson Transportation Authority and a new runway for W.K. Kellogg Airport, which had been included in a bill he voted against. In an editorial, the Battle Creek Enquirer said “it is the height of cynicism for politicians to think they can voice public support for issues and then turn around and vote in opposition.”

Finally, Progress for Michigan called on him to apologize for the lie.

“Rep. Walberg’s tall tales should be saved for bedtime stories to his daughters and granddaughters who he claims to want to protect,” said Jessica Tramontana, Communications Director for Progress Michigan. “Walberg and his staff obviously believe they’re above reproach and can simply lie their way out of any situation. Walberg owes an apology to all Michiganders. We all deserve an honest and straightforward answer from our elected leaders, and shouldn’t have to search so hard for the truth.”

I predict he won't, adding a fourth issue to the list he's already given his next opponent, whoever he or she may be.

Crossposted to Daily Kos as Tim Walberg lies about voting against VAWA, then covers up the lie.