(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY ALYSSA CARTEE
 

ANCHOR CHRISTINA HARTMAN

Occupiers shift their focus from Wall Street to Capitol Hill.  The movement hopes for its biggest showing ever today, demonstrating on the opening day of the new Congressional Session.

The protests come as the Congressional Approval rating has hit a record low.  
Analysts for CNN think the demonstration isn’t going to help.

“They’ve made appointments with their representatives and I think that’s going to send the Congressional approval rating down lower.”

But is this a strategic shift for the group known for taking over parks and public squares?  MSNBC notes, it appears to be shifting the bar.

“The event has raised questions about whether Occupy is becoming politicized, especially with an event focused on politicians. But some of those helping put together the day dismiss that idea. … ‘the answer is ‘absolutely no.’ We’re not supporting any candidate at all.”

When asked about the event, Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi seemed to think the time has come for a demonstration like Occupy Congress.

“But I do think that it’s important to note what they have said and that is the status quo is not acceptable.  If I were they, I would have vetted this directly to the role of money in politics.”

A blogger for Examiner.com says the protest could help to focus Congress more on making progress, rather than squabbling and bickering.

“What better way to welcome them back than to have a huge demonstration that will drive the conversation on the ground and in the media. It’s time we start holding their feet to the fire to get something done for the people.”

But a blogger for The Washington Post disagrees, saying the Occupiers are known for literally making messes of public parkways, and not cleaning them up.

“Right about now, Newt Gingrich’s advice to the inchoate occupiers to go home, take a bath and go find a job is looking pretty mature and wise.”

The Occupy Congress event also comes at a time when pressure to evict Occupy DC protesters is mounting.  The Wall Street Journal reports the political implications of their eviction.

“The White House has deferred to local authorities in New York and elsewhere as they have evicted ‘Occupy’ camps. But unlike other cities, the federal government is managing the demonstrations because the park service oversees many D.C. park lands, leaving the decision in the hands of President Barack Obama's administration.”

Lawmakers have several controversial issues to tangle with this session including the payroll tax issue sidelined in December and the Keystone pipeline.  It’s sure to be a busy day on the Hill.