The Daily 202: As alcoholism fells another congressman, a reminder that no one is immune to addiction
As alcoholism fells another congressman, a reminder that no one is immune to addiction Watch Rep. Garrett's full speech announcing he will not seek re-election BY JAMES HOHMANN with Breanne Deppisch and Joanie Greve THE BIG IDEA: In the first federal election of 1789, two future presidents squared off in a brutal campaign to represent Virginia’s Fifth District in the new House of Representatives. James Madison, the brains behind the Constitution, vigorously debated James Monroe, who opposed ratifying the document because he thought it gave too much power to the central government. If Madison had lost – and he prevailed by just 336 votes – it is very possible that America today would not have a Bill of Rights and all the protections it provides. The freshman congressman who now holds this seat, Thomas Garrett, announced Monday that he is an alcoholic and ended his reelection campaign so that he can seek treatment...