I may just quit blogging and go into web designing for Democratic candidates for the House. I am so sick and depressed by the amateurish job that so many candidates do in creating their web presence. The latest offender is Tim Prince, who is running for California’s seat in the 41st District. Why was I looking at his web site tonight? Well, first…I’m some kind of geek. But, second, we had really fantabulous news today. Rep. Jerry Lewis (R-CA-41) announced that he is running for re-election. This is truly a gift from the gods. George W. Bush carried the 41st District with 62% of the vote. Lewis carried it in 2006 with 67% of the vote. This is a very red district and we have no business contending for this seat.

But Jerry Lewis is as corrupt as his Golden State cohorts: Duke Cunningham, Richard Pombo, John Doolittle, and Ken Calvert.

Lewis, who has generally avoided controversy over a House career of nearly three decades, has had to deflect some ethics questions over the past year. Reports that first emerged during his 2006 re-election campaign said a federal grand jury was investigating Lewis’ professional relationship with retired California Republican Rep. Bill Lowery, a lobbyist and close friend who hired several Lewis aides and their relatives while seeking favors in spending bills. Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, a watchdog that mainly targets Republicans, called on Lewis to resign his position as ranking Republican on Appropriations, citing this situation.

Lewis has repeatedly denied wrongdoing, maintains he has no knowledge of an investigation and says he has not been personally contacted by the Justice Department. Still, nationally syndicated columnist Robert Novak, citing Republican insiders, reported in June that the ethics questions would prompt Lewis to retire — something the congressman’s office immediately refuted.

Lewis was able to weather the storm in 2006 for two reasons. First, back then he was the chairman of the Appropriations Committee and, thus, quite valuable to his constituents. Second, his opponent raised so little money that he didn’t even have to file an FEC report (less than $5,000).

Now Lewis is merely the ranking member on Appropriations (still a powerful position) and now he has a real challenger in Tim Prince. But you’d never know Tim Prince was a real challenger from looking at his web site. First he subjects us to what is essentially a Salon-like pop-up ad to even gain entry to the site. Then, take a look at the font! Egads, is that awful. Any 9th-grader could make a more attractive site. Then go navigate around his site. His bio page (and others) is unlinkable because it somehow shares the same url as his home page. The line breaks are uneven and his grammar and punctuation suck. His photos are grainy. Why even have an endorsements page if you only have four people on it and they have no identifying information so that we might know them from Adam?

His issues pages are so short that we learn nothing. Based on this resume, I wouldn’t hire this guy to remove my garbage. It’s a disgrace.

But I don’t want to just pick on Tim Prince. I have seen this same phenomenon over and over again. Look at William Conner’s pathetic web site for OH-07 or David Bruderly’s site in FL-06. And Marshall Adame’s site for NC-03 isn’t much better. Neither is Tom Wyka’s site for NJ-11.

Now, these are all long-shot campaigns. But how can you ask someone to work for you or raise money for you…to vouch for you…if you are not taking yourself seriously enough to put together a professional looking website?

Jesus goddamn Christ. You wanna see something really embarrassing? Look at this. Sam Rasoul is running for Congress in VA-06. Here’s his bio.

Get To Know Sam.

Sam was raised and educated in Southwest Virginia. Growing up in a working class family, Sam attended Roanoke City, Roanoke County and Botetourt County Schools. After graduating from Lord Botetourt High School, he continued to obtain a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from Roanoke College in Salem, VA.

After the atrocities of September 11, 2001, Sam believed that the best way to improve the world around him was through economic development, because with quality jobs and adequate wages comes an improved quality of life, reduced violence, and a better future for our district. At 22, the Roanoke Valley native completed a Masters Degree in International Business Administration from Hawaii Pacific University. 

As a small business entrepreneur, Sam started several small businesses in women’s fitness, tanning, movie rentals, and real estate. With his business background, Sam was recruited to begin a new medical sales and distribution firm in the Roanoke Valley. The Roanoke Valley native continued to wait for the day when he can fight for working families.

Joining Valley Character, Sam began working to improve character development in our youth around the region. Working with The Hope Fund, the congressional candidate has helped to develop an avenue to provide a college education for poor refugees. Participating with organizations such as the Williamson Road Business Association and youth sports, he has stayed active in our community.

Sam and his wife, Layaly, now live in the foothills of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, just outside of Roanoke in Botetourt County.

Getting Personal.

Let me tell you a little about myself.  I am not a  politician.  In fact like many others, I am disgusted sometimes with the way our leaders carry themselves in Washington and for that reason I never really wanted to go into politics.  I guess that is why I am here, to change business as usual in Washington politics.  I do not want to spend all of my time debating issues that are not relevant to the majority of people.  Healthcare, education, and small business development are three issues we can all agree upon in the Sixth District of Virginia.

I am blessed to be married to a lovely, supporting wife, who agrees with the same personal family values that I do.  I believe in rewarding those who have worked hard, and helping those that need my help.

I am currently involved in the Williamson Road Business Association , Coaching, the Interfaith Committee of Valley Character, and the Hope Scholarship Fund at Roanoke College.

‘Continued to obtain’??? Can we can an English teacher in the house? And don’t tell me about your tanning, women’s fitness, and movie rental businesses. You’re an entrepreneur!

Don’t tell me that you don’t really want to be a politician. This is a goddamn job interview, for chrissakes. You don’t want the job? Why the hell did you go around and get all those signatures so that you could be on the ballot? Why are you calling people asking for money? What the hell?

I swear, some of these candidates are worthy candidates and they have the shittiest web presence. Something must be done. Volunteers?