69 Comments

Hey Folks - Somehow, people who commented on this post are being phished by someone impersonating me. I would never ask you to call me. I've notified the Substack folks and hopefully they'll put a stop to it. Sorry for the inconvenience. - Jeff

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I was just about to forward the email to your office to advise. Glad your team is on it! Thanks for this affirming comment!

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Yes, I got 2 email notifications of responses to 2 of my comments. The English was a bit wonky and there was a phone number to call. I'm glad your team is on top of this. Looking forward to your next missive.

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Thanks for the heads up. Got a message from you to text. Didn't think it was real.

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I'm glad you are giving this play by play and I hope you are able to continue, in some way, as you move through your first term. I've often been very curious about the congressional orientation/initiation process.

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Me too! Very helpful!

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Rep. Jackson,

Until some of your colleagues die or go to prison (16 members didn’t finish the last term) and the GOP loses its House majority, you and other Democratic members need to find 5 GOP moderates to vote against the crazies and pending House Rules.

For example, there is no way that the seditionist and very active participant in Trump’s coup attempt, Rep. Jim Jordan should be chairing the “Insurrection Protection” subcommittee. Jordan should not continue to be a member of member of Congress under the 14th Amendment, Section 3. Where he should be is in prison, along with Trump, Rudy Guliani, John Eastman, Jeff Clark, and Reps. Perry and Biggs (and probably several more).

Thank you.

Robert Lehrer

Retired Attorney at Law

Albemarle, NC

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Agreed. How do you propose we do.this?

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I appreciate how you refrain from labeling the party. We need more of this. More focus on the person & policy, not their party.

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AMEN!!!

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The rules are backwards. I won't vote for adults who trash each other, lie and act like middle schoolers on tv but behave on the floor because there are repercussions. What happened to dignity, honesty, and respect? I do like your news letters. They are well written and informative. And you never mentioned the party which is awesome!

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If there were no rules who decided to take down the metal detectors?

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It is very interesting to me to follow your progress as I began my life in the Congress as a 22 year old legislative aide to a first termer from Oregon in 1962 (I think). You refrain from a party label which is refreshing. I don't think we have too many democrats in Congress here in the mountains. Nonetheless, you sound like a pretty good guy whatever you are. And, oh heavens, after Mark Meadows and Madison Cawthorne, we need a quality representative. It has been heartbreaking to me to see what has happened in our democracy. In the 1960s, dems and repubs had open door offices and and were friends with members of opposing parties. We would agree, disagree, work together and then go have a beer or wine together. I told myself that I was paid by my fellow citizens to serve them, and I was determined to do the best job I could. I remember so well the early days of learning the ropes and pouring over the Congressional Record to follow the path of legislative efforts. Don't let them change who you are......it is too easy to fall into "compromise traps". Listen and observe vigilently until you get your footing. Good luck. I look forward to your updates.

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Well said. Hear hear!

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Rep. Jackson, you need to delete the title: Rep-elect from your profile. Congratulations and thank you for the updates.

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Good catch - thanks!

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Keep 'em coming, what a refreshing look at the workings of congress through the eyes of a newcomer. No rules, indeed.

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Jeff, I'm so happy you are there in congress but I had so hoped you'd be our new senator. I'm sure you would have made it. 4 years another try? Good luck with the crazies!!!

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I love your honesty!

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I’m so happy to have your voice in those halls; halls filled with unserious characters who aren’t there to govern but to grift & pretend to be a celeb. Thank you for sharing.

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Thank you so much for these updates! I look forward to seeing your emails in my inbox!

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I am not sure how I am getting your updates, but I enjoy them. You sound honest, and vulnerable with a sincere desire to serve your constituents whether they voted for you or not. Don’t let Washington change that. I am a curious person and your updates are very informative. I especially like the idea of getting insight from a newbie! As many have noted, you don’t make a point of party loyalty. I had to do a google search to learn your party affiliation. Keep it up and do what is good, just, and fair.

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AMEN!!!

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Your description of the processes involved are educational!

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This is a great insight into the inner-workings of our government. Great commentary.

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