My friend Aaron at The Liquid List noted today that Rep. John Hostettler (R-Ind.), one of Congress’ most right-wing members, has taken on a new cause. You’ll never guess what has him so worked up.
John Hostettler, the Congressman representing the 8th district of Indiana, has been convinced by local religious groups to introduce legislation in the House that would change the name of an Interstate 69 extension to a more moral sounding number.
There are plans to extend the interstate from Indianapolis through southwestern Indiana all the way through Texas into Mexico in the coming years. While most believe this highway will be good for the state’s economy, religious conservatives believe “I-69” sounds too risqué and want to change the interstate’s number.
Hostettler, a proponent of the interstate extension, agrees. “Every time I have been out in the public with an ‘I-69’ button on my lapel, teenagers point and snicker at it. I have had many ask me if they can have my button. I believe it is time to change the name of the highway. It is the moral thing to do.”
Hostettler has, up until now, been best known for getting arrested for bringing a gun to a Kentucky airport earlier this year. When he’s not facing criminal charges and changing highway names, Hostettler likes to rant on the need for government-sponsored prayer in schools and on behalf of Alabama theocrat Roy Moore.
Gotta love those House Republicans. They’re so … entertaining.
Update: OK, never mind this post. The Hoosier Gazette is a satirical magazine. Hostettler is a nut, but in this case, he hasn’t actually pursued changing the name of the highway. I, like several of my fellow bloggers, fell for a gag. My apologies.