Hodes to Attend Liberal Blogger Bash in Lieu of Town Hall Meetings

Democratic Rep. Paul Hodes (NH-02) has no publicly scheduled town hall meetings with constituents planned for the August recess but he will appear in Concord as the “featured guest” at the Blue Hampshire Bash, a party for liberal bloggers on August 24th, NowHampshire.com has learned.

Controversial San Francisco-based blogger Markos Moulitsas Zúniga will also be a featured guest at the event.

Paul Hodes is the only Democrat seeking the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Judd Gregg. Hodes’ office did not immediately respond to our inquiries.

Blue Hampshire calls itself the “progressive online community for the Granite State.” Markos Moulitsas runs the powerful and influential liberal blog Daily Kos.

News of Hodes’ participation in the Blue Hampshire Bash is causing some to question his priorities. In addition to holding no town hall events, which are vital opportunities for constituents to discuss issues with their members of congress, Hodes was criticized by a constituent in the media on Wednesday for refusing him an appointment.

Bill Anderson told the Laconia Citizen that he needed to attend President Barack Obama’s town hall in Portsmouth this week because he cannot earn an audience with Hodes, who is his congressman. “I get e-mails back saying there are no appointments available,” Anderson said.

Hodes received criticism last week for telling one newspaper that “it’s not realistic to expect members of Congress to read every bill word-for-word.” Conservative talk radio host Sean Hannity called Hodes’ comments “idiotic.”

New Hampshire’s congressional delegation appears to be shunning town hall meetings during the August recess. Across the country town hall meetings have erupted into shouting matches, and occasional fist fights, over President Barack Obama’s health care reform proposal.

State Democratic Chair Ray Buckley has referred to the so-called Tea Party Coalition in New Hampshire as an “unhinged mob.” He has also threatened, on Blue Hampshire no less, to “muster” Organizing for America in order to “push back on those thugs.”

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen claimed tea party protesters who attended a recent staff office hours trampled on the rights of constituents, though her accusations are disputed by a local police chief.

No disruptions occurred during President Obama’s town hall meeting in Portsmouth this week.