Tea Party Congressman Joe Walsh (R-Illinois) is a “True Blue” family man, according to the conservative Family Research Council. Apparently, being a deadbeat dad didn’t disqualify Walsh from being so honored.

 

The Family Research Council, which is known for its vehement opposition to homosexuality and abortion, gave Walsh a 100% rating because of his “unwavering support of the family.”

 

“We thank Cong. Walsh who has voted consistently to defend faith, family and freedom,” said Tony Perkins, the organization’s president. “Cong. Walsh and other ‘True Blue Members’ have voted to repeal Obamacare, de-fund Planned Parenthood, end government funding for abortion within the health care law, uphold the Defense of Marriage Act, and continue support for school choice. I applaud their commitment to uphold the institutions of marriage and family.”

 

In September, Walsh was admonished in absentia by a judge after he failed to show up to a child-support hearing. The freshman representative reportedly owes $117,437 in unpaid child support to his ex-wife, who has fought with Walsh since 2005 over his non-payment.

 

Walsh also made the news this week after he screamed at a constituent who questioned the congressman about the lobbying power of banks in Washington. He yelled “don’t blame the banks” at Melissa Rakestraw, who works for the deeply-indebt U.S. Postal Service. When she asked about how the representative could help save jobs like hers, Walsh told her: “I don’t care about the loss of public sector jobs.”

 

Walsh, who received $150,000 in campaign contributions from financial institutions and their employees, later blamed his erratic behavior on the fact that he was “working on an empty stomach and had a quicker fuse than normal.”

-Noel Brinkerhoff

 

Deadbeat Rep. Joe Walsh, Who Owes $100k in Child Support, Receives ‘Pro-Family’ Award from Family Research Council (by Lee Fang, Think Progress)

Judge Rebukes Deadbeat Dad Joe Walsh for Missing Child Support Hearing: ‘He’s No Different Than Anyone Else’ (by Marie Diamond, Think Progress)

UPDATE: Rep. Joe Walsh Apologizes For Screaming At Post Office Worker, Telling Her That Her Job Isn’t Necessary (by Lee Fang, Think Progress)