Politician sleeps in his office to prove he's economical
A US Congressman who sleeps on his Washington office sofa every night has appeared in his pyjamas to advertise his credentials as a budget-conscious politician.
Pete Hoekstra, a Republican from Michigan, has decided to highlight the fact that for 18 years he has saved his constituents money by not renting a flat in the capital.
"I didn't go to Washington to get comfortable," he says in the internet advertisement, sitting on a sofa in tartan-coloured nightwear.
Pennies
"In DC, I am watching your pennies and mine, that's why Newt Gingrich (the former House Speaker) said 'Pete, you could make a penny squeal'."
Former marketing executive Mr Hoekstra (56) is known for his innovative campaigning.
He is currently on a tour of his state, in the US midwest, in which he will briefly perform 100 different jobs in a bid to understand ordinary workers' concerns.
In some countries, MPs have been banned from bedding down on their office couches, for health and safety reasons. (© Daily Telegraph, London)
- Alex Spillius in Washington
Irish Independent
