Kicking up a lot of smoke

Heidi Pryzblya said this one on MSNBC’s Alex Wagner show last night. She was talking about the new majority House Republicans and that they are “kicking up a lot of smoke”. Given the context, I believe this is a mashup of “kicking up some dust” (making a big disturbance or great show of anger, especially by complaining, arguing, fighting), and “blowing smoke” (to deceive or grossly exaggerate). Dust and smoke might be mixed in the speaker’s mind. Also, “kicking up a fuss/row/storm” (causing a disturbance by complaining or arguing) might be involved. Is it possible to complain and lie at the same time? Seems common these days. A tip of the toque to Jim Kozlowski for hearing this one and sending it in!