John Shimkus attacks mine safety regulation

My Republican Congressman, John Shimkus, usually sounds more reasonable in his district than he does in Washington. Despite toning down the ideological rhetoric, his underlying message still came through in a recent constituent newsletter.

His latest newsletter claims that the Mine Safety and Health Administration can "make it difficult to operate a mine."



Well, yes, I'm sure they make it more difficult to cut corners on safety and operate a dangerous mine. That's why the agency exists. George W. Bush tried the anti-government approach to mine safety and that resulted in more coal mine accidents.

I'm used to Shimkus attacking environmental regulation on behalf of the coal industry. This sort of rhetoric suggests he will represent industry lobbyists on questions of mine safety as well.

It's an important question since new coal mines are opening in Shimkus' district. Will he do his best to protect his constituents who work underground? Or will he represent his industry campaign donors who want to make it less "difficult" to operate a mine?