Ferguson focuses on Obama-Palin comparison

U.S. Rep. Mike Ferguson: Politicker file photo 

MINNEAPOLIS - In a charge-the-barricade speech at his last convention as congressman, U.S. Rep. Mike Ferguson’s (R-New Providence) worked hard at the podium to draw a contrast between Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) And Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, who’s scheduled to address the Republican National Convention tonight.

"Some of those glory days are ahead of us as long as we stand for what we believe in," said Ferguson, who promised to work behind the scenes in the coming months. "I’m looking forward to being part of those efforts in the future."

He savaged the media’s depiction - vociferously reinforced by Democrats, he said - of Palin.

"This amazing double standard we’re seeing," Ferguson complained. "This amazing double standard. They’re going crazy that Sen. McCain has put this remarkable woman on the ticket. Her oldest son just enlisted in the military last year. He’s being deployed to Iraq.

"She’s the governor of a state!" Ferguson cried. "To see her record of accomplishment and see the disdain, elitism, and frankly sexism from folks who see themselves as champions, has been extraordinary for many of us who know what an extraordinary vice-president she’s going to be."

He slammed Obama as a neophyte senator whose state legislative career includes voting "present" 130 times rather than taking a stand, versus Palin’s record, in Ferguson’s words, of "taking on corruption, taking on the lobbyists, oil companies and good ol’ boy network. That’s the kind of experience I want."