Sunday, February 6, 2011

Faleomavaega Takes On New Cause: Rapa Nui

Stripped of his floor vote, stripped of his committee chairmanship and reduced in personal office budget, Faleomavaega has to be more clever than ever this year to keep up his frenetic pace of travel and he already may have found a way.  Congress always has set aside funds for Members to return home during recesses to connect with their constituencies.  Faleomavaega rarely has gone home during these recesses over the years, preferring instead to use the time to travel abroad on a series of adventures.

But last week, to the surprise of many, he showed up in Pago Pago.  The local leaders must have been stunned.  And he also signaled what may be his next big cause: Rapa Nui landowners.   To give him some cover, he had Hawaii Senator Daniel Akaka (D), himself a native Polynesian, cosign a letter to the President of Chile expressing concern over current unrest of Rapa Nui natives over land issues.

So, while we are unsure how he will find the funding, as a minority party non-voting delegate to the House, to go to Rapa Nui, we do expect any day to read about him being on the island locking his arms in solidarity with the native people.

Bet on it.  Take it to the bank.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

The author doesn't get it. Eni was in the territory because he faces a formidable challenge from Governor Togiola in the next election cycle.
If the author were tuned in to local politics instead of a holy jihad against Eni, this blog might have more than 5 followers in 3 years.

AARC

Unknown said...

"expect any day to read about him being on the island locking his arms in solidarity with the native people"

Wish he can do this someday! Very nice review. Added to my favorites

Mirella
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