Congressman Harry Mitchell, Democrat from Arizona’s 5th CD, met with constituents on Saturday morning at one of his regularly scheduled “Congress on the Corner” gatherings. PDA members from the Phoenix Valley were there in force to ask the tough questions and to hold Congressman Mitchell’s feet to the fire for his “no” vote on McGovern’s HR 2237 — a bill that would have begun withdrawal of combat troops from Iraq within three months with final withdrawal within six months.

Accustomed to only a few supporters who usually show up to throw him softball questions at his “Congress on the Corner” gatherings, the Congressman’s staff had to scramble to handle the surprisingly large crowd that was there to throw some hard balls.

Thom Bohlen, PDA member from Fountain Hills, held a sign that read: “171 Dems voted to end the war in Iraq. Where was your “yes” vote, Harry?” Many who had gathered to simply meet-and-greet their Congressman were surprised to hear about Mitchell’s vote on the bill.

Reflecting on the theme of the gathering — “Congress on the Corner” — Lisbeth Applefield, PDA member from Scottsdale, spoke for many when she asked the Congressman “Are you IN our corner… or just ON our corner?”

Dialogue with the congressman will continue. PDA Deputy Director Sherry Bohlen got a confirmation from the congressman that he will arrange a meeting directly with PDA leadership from the Phoenix Valley to discuss issues relevant to the progressive community. Phoenix Valley PDA members are committed to staying with the congressman to hold him accountable to the people’s message from the November ’06 election.