Rep. Barton says some may have "misconstrued" his accusation of a White House "shakedown" and "national tragedy."
by Khan
Rep. Barton (TX) just took a moment to clear up his "shakedown" comment. Saying he thought BP should be held fully responsible, and should be forced to "make good" on its liabilities, Barton hopes no one "misconstru[ed]" his earlier comment about a White House
"shakedown" of BP to get them to commit to a $20 billion escrow account, the result of which was a "national tragedy."
Barton is no doubt trying to stop the spread of criticism coming even from fellow Republicans, including a call for him to resign his committee leadership by Rep. Miller of FL, who represents the Pensacola area. Does anyone think that will make the issue go away? Especially since Barton had so much company in similar remarks by Reps. Bachmann and Price, and Mississippi Gov. Barbour? And since he’s taken $1.4 million in campaign contributions from the oil and gas industry?