Inside the Beltway

TEA REPORTERS

Town halls are about to erupt in hallowed halls, particularly outside the doors of select Democrats. Prepare for a new wave of “tea party” citizen journalists: The Nationwide Tea Party Coalition - a broad federation of 30 local “tea parties” - has launched a proactive strike against the 50 or so House Democrats who have yet to reveal how they’ll vote on health care reform legislation. The group is urging its activists to play reporter and find out what truly lurks in the hearts of undecided lawmakers.

“We’re finding that responsible, respectable constituents want to personally ask their representatives questions, videotape the answers and provide feedback to folks back at home. This is real citizen journalism, from citizens seeking transparency,” spokesman Mark Skoda tells Inside the Beltway. “We want to know what these lawmakers know about the legislation, and if they don’t get it, well, we want to know that, too.”

Mr. Skoda adds, “Our objective is to bring thousands of constituents to D.C. to meet with their representatives, capture their comments and produce a review. We’ll find the lawmakers in the morning and challenge them at night.”

The effort, which begins in earnest Wednesday, will be staged from impromptu “war rooms” in Virginia and Maryland, complete with morning briefings and online videos. Check here for updates at www.takethetownhallstowashington.com.

RAHM-A-RAMA

Alas, poor White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel. Life and headlines can be cruel:

“Rahm Emanuel is tired and everyone hates him.” (Gawker.com)

“The Limits of Rahmism.” (The New York Times)

“Rahm Emanuel’s Obama drama.” (Chicago Sun-Times)

“Rahmverload.” (The Atlantic).

“The knives are out for Rahmbo.” (NBC Chicago)

JUST SO YOU KNOW

The White House official souvenir egg for the 2010 Easter Egg Roll comes in purple, pink, green, yellow - and mostly green.

“In a continued effort to make the Easter Egg Roll more environmentally friendly, all eggs have again been crafted in the United States from Forest Stewardship Council-certified hardwood,” the White House notes. “The packaging has also been designed to minimize waste and environmental impact. Made from Sustainability Forest Initiative (SFI)-certified paperboard. SFI paperboard uses no wood fibers from endangered forests. The printed carton is easily recyclable when collected and processed in a municipal or community Paperboard Recycling Program. Features vegetable oil-based inks and a water-based coating.”

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