Congressional Bucket Brigade Swells (Video)
At the rate things are going, every single congressional lawmaker may very will get roped into the #IceBucketChallenge before the end of the summer.
The symbolic dunk, meant to show solidarity with those stricken by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (aka Lou Gehrig’s disease), has taken the online community by storm. Sitting, aspiring and even retired pols have drenched themselves en masse , and new supporters are pouring in daily.
Rep. Martha Roby, R-Ala., joined the ranks of the sopping wet not 48 hours ago.
She nominated GOP Reps. Duncan Hunter of California, Adam Kinzinger of Illinois and Renee Ellmers of North Carolina as the next in line for a cold shower. Kinzinger responded in kind by making a mess of himself while on the road.
He tapped fellow Illinois Republican Rodney Davis, Nebraska Republican Lee Terry and Hawaii Democrat Tulsi Gabbard (that’s two for you, congresswoman!) to get going on the ice baths.
Davis opted to knock it out bright and early this morning.
He nominated Reps. Cheri Bustos, D-Ill., David Joyce, R-Ohio, and David Valadao, R-Calif., to join in the fun.
For whatever reason, Rep. John Barrow, R-Ga., did the frigid deed — but then barred anyone from viewing the corresponding video.
I accepted the #ALS #IceBucketChallenge. I nominate @dekecopenhaver @hardiedavis @kyrstensinema & @PatrickMurphyFL: https://t.co/XNZSGbXO4B
— John Barrow (@Barrow4GA) August 13, 2014
Doesn’t count if we can’t see the shivering aftermath, sir.
Good enough or not, Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., pounced at the chance to get into the game.
@Barrow4GA @dekecopenhaver @hardiedavis @PatrickMurphyFL I accept your challenge! #ALSIceBucketChallenge
— Kyrsten Sinema (@kyrstensinema) August 13, 2014
No word if Rep. Patrick Murphy, D-Fla., plans to give Barrow a similar pass, or will demand to see the drippy clip before signing on for the next round.
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., let Roll Call editor-in-chief Christina Bellantoni know that though she’s currently indisposed (family vacation), she plans to take the plunge early next week.
Finishing a quick trip with my family before school starts, but my Florida team has a bucket ready to go for Monday, @cbellantoni!
— D Wasserman Schultz (@DWStweets) August 12, 2014
Could a challenge to congressional women’s softball smack-talker Abby Livingston be far behind?
Across the Capitol, Sen. Kelly Ayotte let her kids administer the H2-blow.
Oddly enough, the New Hampshire Republican appears to be content to have the circle of self-abuse end with her: she neglected to nominate anyone else.
Aides to Sen. Jack Reed said he was planning to make good Wednesday on the challenge issued a day earlier by fellow Rhode Island Democrat David Cicilline. Per Team Reed, the boss was looking into getting wet with members of the Rhode Island chapter of the ALS Association.
A spokesman for Rep. Markwayne Mullin — who was put on the clock by Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy III, D-Mass., late last week — told HOH the Oklahoma Republican is mulling how best to complete the task without running afoul of the Ethics Committee. Turns out, House administrators informed him it’s verboten to trumpet the publicity stunt on official congressional channels.
Related stories:
Roll Caller Throws #IceBucketChallenge to Wasserman Schultz
Politicians Increasingly Game for Ice Bucket Challenge (Video)
Election Map: Race Ratings for Every Seat
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