Dorgan, Conrad And Pomeroy Take Credit For Census Jobs

Those of us from North Dakota are so used to our opportunistic politicians trying to take credit for every good thing that happens that it hardly registers with us any more, but I’ve got to admit that this press release broke through even my cynical filters.

Washington – Senators Byron Dorgan and Kent Conrad and Congressman Earl Pomeroy announced today that the U.S. Census Bureau is looking for North Dakotans to help gather data in North Dakota for the 2010 Census.
“We encourage North Dakotans interested in helping gather this important information to consider applying for a job with the 2010 Census,” said the delegation in a joint statement. “These are good-paying jobs that are very flexible. And these temporary Census employees will be helping both our nation and North Dakota carry out a very important task.”
The Census Bureau plans on creating 3,700 temporary jobs in North Dakota . More information about Census 2010 jobs can be found online by visiting http://www.census.gov/2010censusjobs or over the phone by calling 1-866-861-2010.

First, North Dakota’s three stooges are hardly responsible for the Census. A census every ten years has been mandated by the Constitution since its ratification, and it would have happened whether these three clowns were in office or not.
Second, the idea that census counting is a “good job” is a little absurd. It only exists once every decade for a temporary amount of time, and it hardly translates into a career-building opportunity. A good way for college kids, retired folks or stay-at-home parents to make a few bucks? Sure. “Good job?” Not really.