McCarthy a hero? Repugs think so!

But it's also worth noting that congressional Republicans seem to be taking these inconsequential votes more and more seriously. About two months ago, Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) wanted to name a post office in Berkeley after a 94-year-old former city councilwoman. Rep. Steve King of Iowa accused the woman, Maudelle Shirek, of having communist ties and he led a fight to defeat Lee's measure. Accused of engaging in blatant McCarthyism, King said, "If [Lee] studied her history, she'd recognize Joe McCarthy was a great American hero."

If anyone's looking for hints as to why the political atmosphere on Capitol Hill has become so toxic, votes like these might offer some insight.

(Washington Monthly)