The Hill News

Among the Tea Party Republican freshmen from Illinois, 8th district Rep. Joe Walsh, of suburban Chicago, is among the most self-righteous and cantankerous. Bookers for cable shout-shows love him.

He’ll be in particular demand today, because he’s poised to vote against yesterday’s debt-ceiling dealing. "This isn't even as strong as the Boehner plan," he complained.

It’s useful to remember this morning how Joe Walsh has managed his own finances.

A couple of weeks ago, in a videotaped tirade against President Obama and wasteful government spending, he said, among other things: “Quit lying to the American people ... Show some leadership for a change ... You don’t like ultimatums? Tough ... You’re either in over your head … or are hell-bent in turning us into some European, big-government wasteland. ... I won’t place one more dollar of debt upon the backs of my kids and grandkids unless we structurally reform the way this town spends money.”

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