Kaine release 'all-of-the-above' energy policy

U.S. Senate candidate and former Gov. Tim Kaine unveiled his comprehensive energy policy Tuesday which includes support for alternative energy sources like wind and solar to "clean coal" technology and drilling for natural gas and oil off Virginia's coast.

Kaine, who is running against Republican candidate and former U.S. Sen. and Gov. George Allen to replace retiring Sen. Jim Webb, said in his policy statement that he has "long advocated a true all-of-the-above energy approach that utilizes all native sources while transitioning to the clean energy alternatives that are already powering the future, like wind and solar."

“In order to compete in the emerging $2.3 trillion clean energy market, we need to be on the cutting edge of new technologies like wind, solar, and nuclear power while continuing to utilize our wealth of traditional domestic energy resources like Virginia’s plentiful coal reserves and natural gas,” Kaine said in the press release touting his "Strengthening Our Economy Through Energy Innovation" policy plan.. “By implementing an all-of-the-above strategy, we can guarantee sustainable, affordable, and reliable sources of energy in Virginia that will increase our independence and security, and grow our economy.”

In the plan Kaine said he will work to expand programs that promote energy efficiency through consumer education as well as support modernization of "homes, schools and municipal buildings" to make them more energy efficient.

He also said he would support developing both off-shore and land-based wind farms in Virginia and support "efforts to increase the competitiveness of American companies and innovators in solar energy."

While he would like to end subsidies for what he calls "inefficient corn-based fuels," Kaine would like to promote the use of biofuels and biomass industries to supplement fossil fuels.

Kaine said within Virginia he would like to support "clean coal technology that is both environmentally and business friendly."

The former governor said he disagrees with the federal plan that keeps the state from developing off-shore oil and natural gas development on the continental shelf and supports legislation sponsored by U.S. Sens. Mark Warner and Webb that allows for off-shore drilling. But he said he also wants to "implement commonsense reforms" that will prevent oil spills like the 2010 BP spill in the Gulf of Mexico that had devastating effects on the Gulf Coast.

The Republican Party of Virginia responded to Kaine's energy policy by calling it a new found conversion. State GOP lawmakers say that Kaine's support for "Cap and Trade"  energy tax and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations that would "decimate the Virginia Coal Energy, " and also criticized Kaine for agreeing with President Barack Obama's decision earlier this year to reject the Keystone Pipeline project.

"Tim Kaine has had a curious election year conversion," said Del. Chris Stolle, R-Virginia Beach. "Yet even with this new found support he has yet to ask the one person who has directly denied us the opportunity to produce energy off our coasts and create thousands of Virginia jobs: President Obama. As an 'unabashed supporter' and 'good friend' you would think Tim Kaine would ask President Obama to put Virginia jobs and families above their Washington political agendas."

Longo says Pelosi comment "smacks of anti-Semitism"

Republican candidate in Virginia's 3rd Congressional District Dean Longo is asking U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-California, to apologize for comments she made Friday that Jewish Republicans were being "exploited" by the party.

Former Speaker of the House Pelosi said in an interview with Bloomberg News that Jewish Republican voters were being "exploited" by the GOP, which is using Israel as an excuse for "tax cuts for the wealthy."

Challenging U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott, Longo, who is a Newport News businessman, Republican and Jewish, said in a press release Tuesday that Pelosi's comments were "racist and anti-Semitic."

"The Democratic establishment, led by the former speaker, has made it clear that it sees the American people as multi-colored poker chips instead of people with their own decision-making abilities," Longo said. "They have illustrated it in our district every two years for the past two decades, and they are doing it again with their assumption that if a Jew votes Republican, they must be being manipulated and exploited. I call on Rep. Pelosi to rescind and apologize for her racist and anti-Semitic comments and challenge Rep. Scott to speak out against the blatant racism coming from the former speaker’s office."

Following is Longo's full press release statement:

"Rep. Nancy Pelosi’s comments during an interview with “Political Capital with Al Hunt” are astonishing, misinformed, and further proof that the Democratic Party establishment sees race and heritage in purely political terms, with no regard for the ability of the individual to make his or her own decision.  As a Jew, I align myself with the Republican Party for a number of reasons, many of which being deeply rooted in my Jewish upbringing, especially my beliefs and values.  Comments like those from Pelosi attacking my intelligence and motivations reveal her true character and attitude toward Jews.

"First, as a Jew, and an American Jew, I understand the importance of Israel to the United States.   Israel is the lone true democracy in a very unstable region, and Israel has been the only continual ally of the United States in the Middle East.  Therefore, I believe we must strongly and unequivocally stand by Israel and its right to defend herself.  We bring peace to the Middle East by eliminating any motivation for terrorist and countries to attack Israel.  Every history lesson learned reveals we do that through strength, not appeasement and weakness. From a practical standpoint, Israel is our measuring tape.  If we can’t stand behind such a strong ally, what message does that send to our other allies? No matter what Rep. Pelosi may think, the Republican policy of supporting Israel is not a political move, but the morally and strategically correct one.
           

"Nancy Pelosi’s assertion that I as a Jew am simply being exploited, so Republicans can gain tax cuts for the rich, smacks of anti-Semitism.  I am glad she felt the need to reassure the public she believes we are smart.  However, we are just not smart enough to avoid being exploited.  In the end, Pelosi’s remarks are those of ignorance and political power-playing that reinforces my belief that she is not truly concerned with Jews, or Israel, but more interested in manipulating the American People by way of race and heritage in an attempt to increase her and her party’s power.
           

"I am a Republican because I believe the basic Republican philosophies line up with my faith and experiences.  Republicans believe as a country we need to look to God as our moral compass; we need to maintain a strong national defense, we need to ensure equal opportunity for all, and we need to enable people to be self-reliant.  Those of Jewish heritage and religion have been taught to learn the lessons of history.   Jews understand what happens when the government fails to protect the civil rights of the people.  Jews understand that you need to rely on God, your own abilities, your family, and your community to succeed.  Finally, Jews understand the impact of violence on the community, families, and people. I believe we must ensure everyone has equal opportunities and I believe we must empower people to succeed based on their own abilities.
           

"The Democratic establishment, led by the former speaker, has made it clear that it sees the American people as multi-colored poker chips instead of people with their own decision-making abilities. They have illustrated it in our district every two years for the past two decades, and they are doing it again with their assumption that if a Jew votes Republican, they must be being manipulated and exploited. I call on Rep. Pelosi to rescind and apologize for her racist and anti-Semitic comments and challenge Rep. Scott to speak out against the blatant racism coming from the former speaker’s office."

 

DCCC unleashes anti-Rigell online attack ad

 

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is premiering an independent, online attack ad Monday against Congressman Scott Rigell, R-Virginia Beach, that accuses him of wanting to give a tax cut to "millionaires" at the expense of the middle class.

The DCCC ad is based on what it says is information from the Tax Policy Center, a joint enterprise between the Urban Institute and Brookings Institution focused on federal tax policy, that Congress will take up a measure next week to give individuals making over one million annually an additional $130,000 dollar tax break.

The 30-second ad begins with a photo of a man working in a super market with the voice over, "Good news! Republicans want to cut your taxes.

"Not you," the narrator says over the photo of the supermarket employee.

The ad then jumps to a photo of a man sitting in a smoking jacket and slippers in front of a mansion as the narrator says "You!"

Pictures of a luxury yacht and a private jet are added as the narrator continues:

"And you deserve a tax break—after all, these things are expensive. So Republicans want to give you, the millionaire, another tax break—all while charging seniors $6,000 more for Medicare!"

Other images show another supermarket employee and a woman shopping with the voice over saying:

"This guy? Her? They don’t need it. They’ll just buy groceries and pay the mortgage."

The ad then shows a man boarding a private jet with the narrator warning, "But you’re going places and Congressman Scott Rigell will knock down anyone in your way. "

The ad includes a disclaimer that the DCCC and not the campaign of Rigell's opponent in the state's 2nd Congressional District - which picks up portions of Newport News and increases precincts in Hampton due to redistricting -  Virginia Beach businessman Paul Hirschbiel.

Hirschbiel is a part of the DCCC's top-tier "Red to Blue" campaign effort to gain 25 net seats in the U.S. House of Representatives to win the chamber back to Democratic control. the DCCC plans to make a number of independent efforts for Hirschbiel ahead of the Nov. 6 general election.

Rigell is part of a similar program by the National Republican Congressional Committee. As part of the NRCC's top-tier "Patriot" program to protect incumbents, RIgell gets similar assistance from the House's GOP campaign organ as Hirschbiel does from the DCCC.

Rigell campaign spokesman Jason Miyares said the independent attack ad distorts Rigell's record, "and frankly isn't being honest at all."

"Congressman Rigell has the same position President Obama had two years ago," Miyares said. "Which is we shouldn't raise taxes on anyone during a recession.

"The bottom line is Scott Rigell has fought for middle-class tax relief repeatedly. So that's not being honest with the voters of the district.  

 

Watson, Norment honor DMV employee 1 year after her death

Del. Mike Watson, R-Williamsburg, and Sen. Thomas K. "Tommy" Norment, R-James CIty County, presented a General Assembly resolution to the family of Department of Motor Vehicles employee Shirley Ann Martin one year after her death.

Martin was killed in a car accident while administering a DMV road test on July 15, 2011. The resolution passed by the General Assembly honored Martin's life and work for the state of Virginia.

Martin was "an exceptional woman and respected Virginia citizen" the resolution read.

Watson and Norment joined DMV employees and Martin's family at the Williamsburg Customer Service Center where Martin had worked to present the resolution the two lawmakers had sponsored.

“Although Shirley’s life and seven years of service to the Commonwealth ended all too soon, this resolution will help make sure the agency and Virginians will always remember her,” Watson said in a press release.

 

 

McDonnell sets special election to replace Sen. Yvonne Miller

Gov. Bob McDonnell announced Wednesday that a special election will be held Sept. 4 in the state's 5th Senate District to replace the late Sen. Yvonne Miller, D-Norfolk, who died July 3.

The second special election will be held that day in the 4th House of Delegates District in Northern Virginia to replace Del. David Englin, D-Arlington, who is retiring from the House as of Aug. 31.

“Senator Yvonne Miller was a tremendous public servant and fearless advocate for the interests of her constituents and all Virginians," McDonnell said.  "She will be missed.  Delegate Englin has served his district ably since 2006.  It is critically important for all citizens of Virginia to have full representation in the Virginia General Assembly. To ensure that is the case, I believe we must hold these special elections as quickly as is possible under Virginia law.  Having these special elections on September 4th will allow for the citizens of these districts to have full representation and give the new Senator and Delegate time to fully prepare for the 2013 legislative session.  Additionally, having the special election in September will allow for a subsequent special election should it be necessary after the Senate election.”

Del. Kenneth Alexander, D-Norfolk, has said he will run to replace Miller. Should he win the special election another election would need to be held to fill the 89th House of Delegates District seat he currently holds.

Parties will have until Aug. 3 to nominate candidates for the Sept. 4 special election.

Scott named one of the "50 Most Beautiful People" on Capitol Hill

U.S. Rep. Robert C. "Bobby" Scott, D-Newport News, recently was named to The Hill magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People" list.  The list purports to rank the most attractive people on Capitol Hill. Scott was listed as number 41 on the list, behind others like U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann who ranked 10th on the list.

Scott issued the following statement from his office in reaction to the news Wednesday:

"While being named one of the Hill's 'most beautiful' is certainly an honor, I'm probably more proud to have been named one of the 'hardest working members of Congress' back in 2010.  This annual list by The Hill is always a fun diversion, but I've been more focused on the pressing issues facing our country, such as the need to address the automatic across-the-board spending cuts scheduled to take effect at the end of the year."

McDonnell lauds U.S. House of Reps. passage of plan to expand off-shore drilling

Gov. Bob McDonnell lauded bipartisan passage Wednesday of a U.S. House of Representatives plan to expand off-shore oil and natural gas drilling include Virginia's coast.

The House rejected a plan put forward by President Barack Obama that forbid drilling off the coast of Virginia and replaced it with a five-year plan, on a vote of 253-170, that allows for lease sales in "Virginia's waters."

The Obama plan had a 5-year moratorium, which would be in effect until 2017, on drilling off Virginia's shores.

“America is in need of a comprehensive, all-of-the-above energy strategy that will secure our energy future and grow domestic energy production," McDonnell said in a press release. "I applaud the United States House of Representatives for supporting, in a bipartisan manner, legislation which will open up Virginia’s waters to offshore drilling."

The governor also commended Democratic Sens. Mark Warner and Jim Webb for sponsoring a similar measure in the Senate and urged Congress's upper chamber to follow the House's lead.

"I also applaud the United States Senate on introducing, with bipartisan support, the Offshore Petroleum Expansion Now Act of 2012 (OPEN Act)," McDonnell said. "For too long, President Obama has said no to expanding offshore drilling, a vital energy source that will create jobs and help drive energy costs down nationwide.

"That is why I am pleased that the House of Representatives today passed H.R. 6082, which replaces the proposed five-year plan with one that includes a sale off Virginia’s outer continental shelf. I encourage the Senate to pass the OPEN Act, which provides a common-sense alternative to the president’s proposed 2012-2017 offshore plan and includes Virginia’s proposed sale. Additionally, I thank Senators Mark Warner and Jim Webb for their leadership on this issue. These actions show that Congress is united in a bipartisan manner to reject and replace the President’s plan with one that creates thousands of new jobs and makes America more energy secure, and includes lease sale 220 off the coast of Virginia.”

Webb and Warner have frequently urged the Obama administration to allow for off-shore drilling in Virginia and issued a press release on the OPEN Act.

“I have long advocated opening up more of the nation’s outer continental shelf resources to responsible natural gas and oil exploration,” Webb said. “Energy exploration and subsequent production within the Virginia Outer Continental Shelf — if coupled with environmental protections and an equitable formula for sharing revenues between the state and federal governments — would boost domestic energy supplies, while benefiting the Commonwealth’s economy.”

“Our economy and national security will be strengthened by an ‘all-of-the-above’ approach to energy, including the expanded production of our own domestic energy resources," Warner added. “I believe that Virginians should benefit from any energy resources that are developed off of our coast, and this legislation requires the federal government to make reasonable royalty payments to the Commonwealth.”  

 

Bolling campaign adds new communications director

Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling'sgubenatorial campaign announced Tuesday that it has hired Gov. Bob McDonnell's deputy communications director Taylor Thornley to head its press shop in Bolling's bid for governor in 2013.

Thornley, who starts with the campaign on Aug. 2, has worked in the governor's office for the past three years, prior to that she worked on McDonnell's 2009 campaign as deputy press secretary.

“I am very pleased to have Taylor join our campaign team," Bolling said in a press release. "She is smart, hard-working and very talented, and she has the experience we need to take our campaign to the next level.  I have enjoyed working with her during her time in the governor’s office, and I know that her her political experience and communication skills will be a tremendous asset to our campaign as we prepare to compete and win in next year’s Republican convention.”

McDonnell said Thornley has been a "valuable" member of his team, and will serve Bolling well.

"Over the past three years she has served as an effective and articulate advocate for our positions and policies" McDonnell said in the press release. "While we will miss her in our office, I am confident she will be a tremendous asset to the Bolling campaign, and I know she is looking forward to hitting the campaign trail again. We all wish Taylor the best of luck in this new endeavor.”

 

Bolling is seeking the GOP nomination for governor in 2013 against Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli. McDonnell long has been a vocal advocate for Bolling's bid for governor.

Forbes slams Pentagon for letting troops wear uniforms to gay pride parade

U.S. Rep. Randy Forbes, R-Chesapeake, criticized a Pentagon decision allowing uniformed members of the Armed Services to participate in a gay pride march in San Diego last week.

In a story published by The Hill Magazine, Forbes said he was "calling on the DOD to halt these dangerous exceptions to policy for political purposes." Forbes added,"This decision was an outrageous and blatantly political determination issued solely to advance this administration’s social agenda."

The military bans service members from participating in rallies and other political events while in uniform. The troops even participating in the rally would have been impermissible several years ago, when the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy was still in effect, barring openly gay service members. President Obama signed legislation repealing the policy and has also expressed support for allowing same-sex couples to marry.

Rigell, Hirschbiel have fund-raising dead heat in second quarter

U.S. Rep Scott Rigell, R-Virginia Beach, barely edged out his opponent in the second fund-raising quarter of 2012, which ended June 30, raising roughly $4,000 more than his Democratic challenger, Virginia Beach businessman Paul Hirschbiel.

Rigell raised nearly $310,000 compared to Hirschbiel's nearly $306,000, according to campaign finance filings submitted to the Federal Elections Commission.

The totals do not include a $25,000 donation Rigell made to his own campaign.

Hirshbiel was able to top Rigell in money coming in from individual donors, with nearly $285,000 compared to Rigell's nearly $207,000.

“I am truly thankful to all the people who have stepped up to support my campaign," said Hirschbiel in an email from his campaign. "From the beginning, I wanted to build a grassroots campaign that would spread across Hampton Roads to help end the partisanship and bring common-sense solutions back to Washington, and that is exactly what we have done.  Almost 97% of our contributions this quarter were from individuals and nearly 70% of our donors were first time donors."

At the close of the reporting period Rigell had a roughly $270,000 cash-on-hand advantage, coming in at just over $1.07 million compared to Hirschbiel's nearly $800,000 in what is seen as one the most competitive House races both in Virginia and nationally.