Rep. Gosar Weighs In From Arizona On Issa/Cummings House Oversight Conflict, Urges Issa "To File Contempt Charges (Against Lerner) As Soon As Possible"

Although Arizona Rep. Paul Gosar (R-CD4) was not able to be at the House Oversight hearing that erupted into fireworks between Committee Chair Darrell Issa (R-CA) and the Ranking Member Elijah Cummings (D-MD) on Wednesday, he urged Issa "to file contempt charges as soon as possible."

Gosar is working from his district this week after having hip replacement surgery, so he missed the hearing at which former IRS official Lois Lerner refused to testify (pleading the 5th Amendment right to not be compelled to testify against oneself in a criminal matter). Issa - who had made his own opening statement - then closed the hearing and cut off Cummings' microphone while he was speaking. Cummings raised his voice and continued to protest Issa's actions.

After noting that Rep. Gosar was not present, Arizona's Politics contacted his office and asked for his reaction to the uproar. Gosar did not mince words - about either his colleague or about Lerner:

"Rep. Cummings is losing credibility with the American people, who are begging for justice. He's become a lap dog of the Administration, towing the line by protecting the IRS. Ms. Lerner acted with reckless disregard for the rights of citizens and must be held accountable. I hope Chairman Issa will file contempt charges as soon as possible."

Gosar's comments were made at about the same time that it became known that Issa had called Cummings to apologize late Thursday (and, the apology had been accepted).

Gosar spokesman Garrett Hawkins also noted that Rep. Gosar's hip replacement "surgery went well and his recovery is moving along faster than expected. Unfortunately, he hasn't made it back to DC because his doctors haven't cleared him to fly yet."

(Note: In response to a confused and concerned emailer, this article has been slightly modified to reinforce that Rep. Gosar is urging contempt charges against Lerner and not against Cummings.  Thanks to H.M. for taking the role of editor.)


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