Tag: Bobby Scott

It's not often that I feel a need to thank the Richmond Times-Dispatch for providing information helpful to progressive politics, but here goes: Thanks, Times-Dispatch, for sending Virginia's members of Congress a questionnaire about their views on global climate change. The answers the newspaper got and published allow me (Hey, I am a retired teacher!) to grade our state's congressional delegation's views on global warming and how to mitigate it.

Let's get the F's out of the way first.

D-/F: The entire Republican delegation. At least you can say this about Virginia Republicans: they don't appear to be outright climate change deniers. Other than that, though, they have basically nothing to offer on this issue, voting against the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES) and everything else that might actually allow the United States to address the problem. They also have no credible program themselves.

The only Democrat who merits a D, albeit a D+, is Glenn Nye (D-2nd). Nye does acknowledge that global warming "is a real and serious problem, and we must work to correct our current energy practice." Then, Nye turns around and opposes any serious measures to solve the problem, first and foremost setting some sort of price on carbon. Nye voted against ACES, which really is inexcusable, given that his coastal district is so vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

There were four congressional members who merit an A+: Bobby Scott (D-3rd), Tom Perriello (D-5th), Jim Moran (D-8th) and Gerry Connolly (D-11th).  

The following is a statement just issued by the Republican Third Congressional District Committee. it will be fun watching Rep. Bobby Scott (D) defeat Chuck Smith by 70,000 votes or so this November. Actually, if this is any indication, it could be even a worse drubbing than that. Given that Rep. Bobby Scott is one of the best people in Congress, that's something to look forward to!

Sean Devlin, Chair of the Third District GOP Candidate Committee, today announced that Chuck Smith has accepted a call to run as the Republican candidate for the House of Representatives. This announcement concludes a lengthy effort by grassroots Republican leaders from throughout the Third District to draft Smith and persuade him to take on this important challenge.

"The incumbent may call the Third District home, but he represents only Washington special interests," said Mike Wade, Chairman of the Third District Republican Committee. "There were many fine individuals who considered running this year. I want to thank them for their decision to help draft Chuck Smith. Their decision to bring a united front to our effort means we have a chance to elect a Congressman who will actually represent us, the people of the Third District

Yesterday, Democrats took a historic vote that was  certainly the right thing to do, but which was difficult politically for many of them.  Now, it's time for us to tell them - as Adam B writes on Daily Kos - that "when Democrats act courageously in the interests of our country, progressives will have their backs and support them."  So, please give generously to the members on this list, particularly to Virginia's own Tom Perriello. In addition, please call Tom and say "thank you!" at (202) 225-4711. To thank Gerry Connolly, call (202) 225-1492; to thank Bobby Scott, call (202) 225-8351, and to thank Jim Moran, call (202) 225-4376.