Frank Wolf's Worst Votes of 2007 (Part 4)

Here's part 4 of a four-part series on Frank Wolf's worst votes of 2007. This entry covers the fourth quarter (October-December) of the year.

Bad Vote #1: On October 3, Frank Wolf voted against H.R. 702, "Providing for Consideration of H.R. 2740, to Require Accountability for Contractors and Contract Personnel Under Federal Contracts." Yes, accountability for federal contracts is definitely a bad idea. In Frank Wolf's world, that is.

Bad Vote #2: Also on October 3, Frank Wolf voted against H.R. 976, the "Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act." Priorities, priorities.

Bad Vote #4: On October 4, Frank Wolf voted against H.R. 703, "Providing for the Consideration of H.R. 3648, Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act." Later that day, Wolf voted for H.R. 3648, meaning that he voted against mortgage debt relief before he voted for it.

Bad Vote #5: On October 16, Frank Wolf voted against H.R. 741, "expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the withholding of information relating to corruption in Iraq." Why does Wolf like Halliburton and Blackwater so much?

Bad Vote #6: On October 17, Frank Wolf voted against H.R. 746, "Providing for Consideration of H.R. 3773, Responsible Electronic Surveillance That is Overseen, Reviewed, and Effective Act of 2007 or 'Restore Act of 2007'." Hey, why would anyone want responsible electronic surveillance, anyway? Ha.

Bad Vote #7: On October 23, Frank Wolf voted against H.R. 763, "to Designate Additional National Forest System Lands in the State of Virginia As Wilderness or a Wilderness Study Area, to Designate the Kimberling Creek Potential Wilderness Area for Eventual Incorporation in the Kimberling Creek Wilderness." Another day, another anti-environment vote for Frank Wolf.

Bad Vote #8: On October 25, Frank Wolf voted several more times against extending SCHIP. What does Frank Wolf have against children and families?

Bad Vote #9: On October 31, Frank Wolf voted against H.R. 781, "Providing for Consideration of H.R. 3920, Trade and Globalization Assistance Act of 2007." Sure, just let "free trade" and globalization proceed on their merry ways, even if it means a "race to the bottom" for American workers.

Bad Vote #10: On November 7, Frank Wolf voted against H.R. 3685, the "Employment Non-Discrimination Act (Enda)." He also voted against H.R. 793, "Providing for Consideration of H.R. 3685, to Prohibit Employment Discrimination on the Basis of Sexual Orientation." Does Frank Wolf approve of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation? If not, why is he voting against bills like these?

Bad Vote #11: On November 15, Frank Wolf voted against H.R. 825, "Providing for Consideration of H.R. 3915, Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act." The mortgage crisis is threatening to seriously harm the U.S. economy -- in fact, it already is doing so -- and Frank Wolf does what about it exactly? (sound of crickets chirping)

Bad Vote #12: On December 6, Frank Wolf voted against H.R. 846, "Providing for the Consideration of the Senate Amendments to the Bill (H.R. 6), Creating Long-Term Energy Alternatives for the Nation Act." Again, what does Frank Wolf have against the environment and energy security?

Bad Vote #13: On December 12, Frank Wolf voted against H.R. 4351, the "Amt Relief Act." Why does Frank Wolf not want to "provide individuals temporary relief from the alternative minimum tax?"

I doubt that 10th district residents agree with most of these votes by Frank Wolf. They're certainly not helping people in the district. So why re-elect Frank Wolf for yet ANOTHER term in Congress? Isn't it time for a change in the 10th CD? That's why Judy Feder's running, so that 10th CD residents can have someone in Congress who votes for THEM, not for their political party and the special interests. In 2008, it's time to elect Judy Feder to Congress. Go Judy!

Frank Wolf's Worst Votes of 2007 (Part 3)

Here's part 3 of a four-part series on Frank Wolf's worst votes of 2007. This entry covers the third quarter (July-September) of the year.

Bad Vote #1: On July 12, Frank Wolf voted for the umpteenth time against a measure to begin reducing U.S. combat forces in Iraq. Essentially, Wolf acted as a rubber stamp for George W. Bush on the Iraq war during 2007.

Bad Vote #2: On July 17, Frank Wolf voted against H.R. 980, the "Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act." The bill, which would "provide collective bargaining rights for public safety officers employed by States or their political subdivisions," passed 314-97, with majority support from Republicans (including Wolf's fellow "moderate" Tom Davis) and near-unanimous support from Democrats.

Bad Vote #3: On August 1, Frank Wolf voted against H.R. 3162, the "Children’s Health and Medicare Protection Act of 2007." What more can you say?

Bad Vote #4: On August 3, Frank Wolf voted against H.R. 3356, "Improving Foreign Intelligence Surveillance to Defend the Nation and the Constitution Act of 2007." The bill would have amended the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 to establish a procedure for authorizing certain electronic surveillance.

Bad Vote #5: On August 4, Frank Wolf voted against H.R. 615, "to Provide Tax Incentives for the Production of Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation." Why does Frank Wolf hate the environment and U.S. energy security?

Bad Vote #6: On September 6, Frank Wolf voted against H.R.; 633, "to Reauthorize the Programs for Housing Assistance for Native Americans." What does Frank Wolf have against Native Americans, anyway?

Bad Vote #7: On September 18, Frank Wolf voted against H.R. 650, "Expanding American Homeownership Act of 2007." What does Frank Wolf against expanding homeownership?

Bad Vote #8: On September 26, Frank Wolf voted against H.R. 678, "to Direct the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to Issue a Standard Regulating Worker Exposure to Diacetyl." What does Frank Wolf have against workers' safety?

This is just a select sample of Frank Wolf's worst votes in the third quarter of 2007. There are plenty more where these came from; see here for all of them.

Feder Raises $55,829 Online Since 12/6

From Judy Feder...

Three weeks ago I challenged you to help us reach our fundraising goal before the end of the year. We thought we were being ambitious when we set a goal of raising $35,000 online in less than 4 weeks.

Even we were amazed when you blew past the goal, raising $55,829 online since December 6th. That's over $15,000 more than our original goal!

It's not just about dollars. Your early support means everything. It allows us to plan and run the grassroots campaign we'll need to win in November and change our country in 2008.

Can you help us reach one last goal in 2007?

We've set a new goal of $60,000 by the end of the year! That means we need to raise another $4,171 online in the next 5 days.

Click here to help us reach our final goal of 2007.

The money we raise in 2007 ensures that we'll be in position to win in 2008. You have the ability to help us get there.

Click here to contribute today.

I am so grateful for your support over the past year. Thanks to you we've never been stronger.

Sincerely,

Judy Feder

P.S. Stop by JudyFeder.com to see some of the highlights from 2007.

Frank Wolf's Worst Votes of 2007 (Part 2)

Here's part 2 of a four-part series on Frank Wolf's worst votes of 2007. This entry covers the second quarter (April-June) of the year.

Bad Vote #1: On April 24, Frank Wolf voted against H.R. 327, "Providing for Consideration of the Bill (H.R. 362) to Authorize Science Scholarships for Educating Mathematics and Science Teachers." Good one, Congressman. I mean, why would you want to encourage math and science teachers anyway? Ha.

Bad Vote #2: On April 24, Frank Wolf voted against H.R. 318, "Providing for Consideration of the Bill (H.R. 363) to Authorize Appropriations for Basic Research and Research Infrastructure in Science and Engineering, and for Support of Graduate Fellowships." Same comments as above, just substitute the words "science research" for "math and science" and you pretty much get the idea.

Bad Vote #3: On May 2, Frank Wolf voted against H.R. 348, "Providing for Consideration of the Bill (H.R. 1429) to Reauthorize the Head Start Act, to Improve Program Quality, to Expand Access." Yeah, who needs a Head Start anyway?

Bad Vote #4: On May 3, Frank Wolf voted against H.R. 1592, "To Provide Federal Assistance to States, Local Jurisdictions, and Indian Tribes to Prosecute Hate Crimes." On this bill, 25 Republicans and 212 Democrats voted yes, but not Frank Wolf. What does Wolf know about hate crimes that those other 237 Representatives don't know?

Bad Vote #5: On May 8, Frank Wolf voted against H.R. 377, "Providing for the Consideration of H.R. 1294, Thomasina E. Jordan Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act." On this one, Virginia Republicans Tom Davis and Jo Ann Davis voted yes, but not Frank Wolf. The bill passed 228-186, no thanks to Rep. Wolf.

Bad Vote #6: On May 24, Frank Wolf voted against H.R. 437, "Providing for the Consideration of H.R. 2317, Lobbying Transparency Act; and Providing for the Consideration of H.R. 2316, Honest Leadership and Open Government Act." Yeah, who'd want lobbying transparency, honest leadership and open government, anyway? :)

Bad Vote #7: On June 7, Frank Wolf voted against S. 5, the "Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act". Wolf's fellow "moderate" Republican, Tom Davis, voted yes on this one, as did 36 other Republicans and 210 Democrats.

To be continued...lots more bad votes by Frank Wolf to come.

Sad News in the 10th CD

According to Ben Tribbett at NLS, there's sad news in the 10th CD:

10th Congressional District Chairwoman Eve Wilson passed away on Christmas Eve. The only information I can find online is here on the official 10th CD Democratic website. No arrangements have been announced.

Eve was a really great lady. When I ran Chap Petersen's first campaign, Eve used to check in weekly to make sure that everything was going well even though it wasn't her district- she had lived in the Fairfax Mews decades ago and had known Chap since he was born and so she always made sure to keep an eye out for him. She was a source of great advice and was a very strong Chair for the 10th District for a long period of time...

I didn't know Eve Wilson, but she sounds like a wonderful person and I'm very sorry to hear that she has passed away. My condolences to her family and friends.

UPDATE: Eve Wilson's service will be held at St. John's Episcopal Church on Old Georgetown Pike at 10 a.m. Monday, December 31st.

Frank Wolf's Worst Votes of 2007 (Part 1)

It's that time of year again, the time to make silly fascinating "best" and "worst" lists about the year that was. My contribution to this ever-fascinating genre is "Frank Wolf's Worst Votes of 2007." I'd say "enjoy," except there's nothing enjoyable about Frank Wolf's votes. By the way, Wolf cast so many bad votes in 2007, I'm going to break this up into four posts -- one per quarter. This post covers January-March 2007.

Bad Vote #1: On January 4, Frank Wolf voted in lockstep with all the other Republicans for John Boehner as Speaker of the House. Yes, the same John Boehner who "distributed campaign contributions from tobacco industry lobbyists on the House floor as House members were weighing how to vote on tobacco subsidies." The same John Boehner who "knew of 'contact' between [disgraced former Congressman Mark] Foley and Congressional pages in the spring, but was unaware of their nature or content." Yes, THAT John Boehner.

Bad Vote #2: On January 9, Frank Wolf voted against H.R. 1, a bill to "implement many of the remaining recommendations proposed by the 9/11 Commission in 2004." That's right, Frank Wolf voted against "faster and more efficient funding to first responders." And yes, that's right, Frank Wolf voted against "boost[ing] federal aid to regions at greatest risk of a terrorist attack." Regions like...uh, ours perhaps? Nice.

Bad Vote #3: On January 11, Frank Wolf voted against H.R. 3, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act. So much for moving quickly to cure diabetes, Alzheimers, Parkinson's, etc.

Bad Vote #4: On January 18, Frank Wolf voted against H.R. 6, the "Creating Long-Term Energy Alternatives for the Nation Act." So much for caring about our energy security and environment.

Bad Vote #5: On February 13, Frank Wolf voted against H. Con. Res. 63, a nonbinding resolution expressing "the House's disagreement with President Bush's planned troop buildup in Iraq." This continues a pattern of Wolf voting in lockstep with Bush on Iraq. Interestingly, Wolf's fellow "moderate" Republican, Tom Davis, vote FOR the resolution.

Bad Vote #6: On March 1, Frank Wolf voted against H.R. 203, the "Employee Free Choice Act". The bill's goal was to "establish an efficient system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices during organizing efforts." Does Frank Wolf support "unfair labor practices?" Ask him next time (if there IS a next time) he shows his face in public.

Bad Vote #7: On March 9, Frank Wolf voted against H.R. 229, to "authorize appropriations for state water pollution control revolving funds." Another vote against the environment.

Bad Vote #8: On March 20, Frank Wolf voted against H.R. 254, "to Assist in the Provision of Affordable Housing to Low Income Families Affected by Hurricane Katrina." I believe that's known as "compassionate conservatism." Heh.

Bad Vote #9: On March 27, Frank Wolf voted against considering H.R. 270, the "Rail and Public Transportation Security Act of 2007." I guess Frank Wolf must drive, pretty much.

A "Frank" Contradiction?

Yesterday, I received Rep. Wolf's newsletter and saw Wolf bragging that "On Tuesday Congress cleared an energy bill, with my support..." Can someone please help me resolve the apparent contradiction between that statement and this (Wolf voting against an amendment "to move the United States toward greater energy independence and security, to increase the production of clean renewable fuels, to protect consumers, to increase the efficiency of products, buildings, and vehicles, to promote research on and deploy greenhouse gas capture and storage options, and to improve the energy performance of the Federal Government") and this (Wolf's anti-environment history)?

Is this a "Frank" contradiction or what? I'm confused.

Washington Post: Wolf Faces Potentially "Tough Reelection Battle"

From today's Washington Post:

In the 10th District, which stretches from Fairfax County to the upper Shenandoah Valley, Rep. Frank R. . Wolf (R) is girding for a potentially tough reelection battle.

[...]

Feder is a heavy favorite to win the nomination. Unlike Byrne, who struggled to raise money during her run for lieutenant governor, Feder is a prolific fundraiser. In her unsuccessful race last year, she raised $1.6.million. The former Clinton administration official has out-raised Wolf so far this year.

"I know, from what I experienced last year, what it takes to win this race," Feder said. "I don't think anyone can top my background, my experience for commitment for change."

[...]

Either way, Byrne and Feder have reasons to be optimistic about their chances if they are the nominees.

Byrne racked up a 16,000-vote margin in the 11th District in her losing bid for lieutenant governor in 2005. Feder is known as a tireless campaigner who impressed Democrats in Washington last year.

By the way, Wolf is also being challenged from the right by Vern McKinley. who says, "In recent years, Congressman Wolf has gone off the deep end." Should be an interesting primary campaign -- on the Republican side, anyway!

Wolf Votes Against Renewable Energy and Efficiency

Yesterday, Frank Wolf demonstrated yet AGAIN that he is no friend of the environment, of energy consumers, or of weaning the United States off its "oil addiction." Once again, Wolf voted against a measure that would have "move[d] the United States toward greater energy independence and security...increase[d] the production of clean renewable fuels...protect[ed] consumers...increase[d] the efficiency of products, buildings, and vehicles...promote[d] research on and deploy[ed] greenhouse gas capture and storage options, and...improve[d] the energy performance of the Federal Government." The resolution passed 215-190, but no thanks to Frank Wolf. Apparently, Wolf's idea of a Christmas present to planet Earth is a lump of coal in the stocking.

Judy Feder is "Almost There!"

We're almost there! Recently, I challenged you to help us raise $35,000 online before the end of the year. Less than two weeks later, online supporters have now contributed an amazing $30,224.

Help us raise the last $4,776 by contributing today!

Talking to the residents of Virginia's 10th District I continue to hear about how Frank Wolf has chosen to stand with President Bush and not with them.

As a Member of Congress I'll stand with you, and fight every day for the ideals we share; affordable health care for every American, ending the war in Iraq, and enacting sensible energy and environmental policies to ensure that our children and grandchildren enjoy the same quality of life that we do.

Together we can change the direction of our country, and we've never been in a better position to do so. But I need your help to finish the job.

Make a contribution today to help me change the country.

I can't tell you how much I appreciate your support. Together we can bring real change to Washington in 2008.

Sincerely,

Judy Feder

Go Judy!

Judy Feder Steps Down to Step it Up!

From the Feder campaign...great news if you're not a big Frank Wolf fan and/or want a lot more change in Congress! :)

Feder Steps Up Effort to Make Real Change for Virginians

McLean, VA – Judy Feder announced today that she will step down from her position as Dean of the Georgetown Public Policy Institute to focus on her upcoming campaign for Virginia’s 10th Congressional District. She will continue to be a tenured professor at Georgetown.

“We need real health care reform. We need to bring our troops home from Iraq. We need to get Congress focused on the right priorities, our priorities. To make that change, I’m committed to doing everything it takes to finish what we started in 2006.”

In the course of Feder's nine year tenure, GPPI has doubled its faculty and more than doubled its student body; conducted research that is central to the nation's policy debates on education, health care, economic well-being, and international development; and produced graduates serving in civilian and military leadership positions in the U.S. and around the world.

"Dean Feder has done a remarkable job of moving GPPI to the top ranks of the nation's public policy schools," said President Jack DiGioia. "Georgetown University and the policy community have benefited substantially from Judy Feder's leadership and scholarship. We are lucky to have her."

"I am enormously proud of the faculty, students, and alumni community we've built at GPPI," said Dr. Feder. "For years, I've taught our students that it takes good politics to get good policy, and I've decided it's time to take my own advice."

Last year, Judy Feder mounted the strongest challenge to Frank Wolf in nearly a quarter century, waging a vigorous campaign and raising an unprecedented $1.6 million. Though Feder entered the 2006 race a mere 10 months before Election Day, she cut Wolf's margin of victory dramatically from 2004, revealing growing discontent with the longtime incumbent. As Feder begins her 2008 rematch against Wolf, she is one of only a handful of Democratic challengers nationwide to have more cash on hand than an incumbent Member of Congress.

Go Judy!

This is Amusing

This is amusing, courtesy of Swing State Project:

The GOP is continuing to pour its resources into the OH-05 special election. The latest expenditure? $17,319 on phone banks this weekend. That kind of money can buy you an awful lot of phone calls, especially of the robotic variety.

This brings the NRCC's total tab in the OH-05 race to $428,001.

Meanwhile, GOP money is flowing fast and furious into Bob Latta's campaign coffers. In his most recent 48 hour fundraising reports, Latta brought in $110,100 on December 7th, and another $45,700 yesterday (including $15K from himself). If you dig through the reports, Latta is raking in cash from the campaign committees of all sorts of congresscritters: Steve Chabot, Frank Wolf, Mario Diaz-Balart, Bill Shuster, Pat Tiberi, Chris Shays, Jon Porter, and others.

Why was Frank Wolf so interested in helping Bob Latta in Ohio's 5th CD? Something tells me Wolf wouldn't agree with this: "GOP Congressional Candidate Bob Latta: Just As Dumb As You'd Expect". Ha.

Wolf Votes Against Army Field Manual, For Waterboarding?

Another day, another bizarre vote by Frank Wolf. This time, it was on HR 2082, "To authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2008 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes." The bill passed 222-199, with 217 Democrats and 5 Republicans (none from Virginia) voting "aye."

Among those "other purposes" was a measure "to require intelligence agents to comply with the Army Field Manual, which bans torture in compliance with the Geneva Conventions on the treatment of prisoners of war." In other words, The Army Field Manual expressly prohibits waterboarding. So why did Frank Wolf (and most Republicans) vote against this bill? Are they saying they oppose the Army Field Manual? Approve of waterboarding? What ARE they saying here? Maybe someone should ask Frank Wolf, that is if he ever shows his face in public.

Wolf Votes Against AMT Relief

Earlier today, the House of Representatives passed the AMT (Alternative Minimum Tsx) Relief Act by a 226-193 margin. The bill would "amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide individuals temporary relief from the alternative minimum tax." In addition, Bloomberg reports:

Hedge fund executives won't be allowed to defer taxes on unlimited funds in offshore accounts under a bill approved by the U.S. House today that also shields millions of taxpayers from the alternative minimum tax.

The whole point here is to "give tax relief to 23 million Americans," as Speaker Pelosi says, while making up the lost revenue by closing a loophole that currently allows rich hedge fund CEOs to move their profits offshore in order to avoid paying taxes. Why would Frank Wolf oppose this? Apparently, he cares more about those hedge fund CEO's and their tax avoidance schemes than the 23 million Americans who will could be stuck paying the AMT this coming April. Thanks, Rep. Wolf, for caring so much about your constituents!

Feder Campaign News Update

Campaign News Update 12/12/2007

Fundraising Challenge Update

Wow! With your help we've raised $20,450 online since last week when we challenged our supporters to help us raise $35,000 online by the end of the year. We're only 1 week into our challenge and already more than half way to our goal!

Can you help us get the rest of the way there?

We've been amazed at the response to our challenge. Even if you feel you can't give much, remember that every dollar helps.

Together we're going to put Frank Wolf on the ropes and bring real change to Washington in 2008.

Kicking off the '08 season

With strong support from local Democrats the Feder campaign kicked off the '08 season with a reception headlined by Delegate-elect Margi Vanderhye and Supervisor John Foust. The kickoff came on the heels of an historic victory by Virginia Democrats in local and state elections on November 6, 2007. See a few pictures from the kickoff yourself on our blog Farewell Frank.

We're on a Roll

Have you heard? We're really on a roll. Six months since getting back in the race we've never been stronger. Here's just some of the latest good news.

10/15/07 Feder Out Raises Wolf 3-1 in 3rd Quarter
Judy Feder is now one of only a handful of Democratic challengers nationwide to have more Cash on Hand than a Republican Incumbent.

11/6/07 House Race Hotline - Wolf will feel the heat in '08
On the morning of Virginia's 2007 elections the National Journal's - House Race Hotline noted that if VA Democrats take back the state Senate "GOPers like Frank Wolf (R-VA 10), Tom Davis (R-VA 11) and even Thelma Drake (R-VA 02) may have more to worry about than just the redistricting implications for '12. They'll feel the heat in '08." Virginia Democrats did just that, taking back the state Senate, gaining seats in the house and reelecting every Democratic Member of the General Assembly.

11/16/07 New York Times Predicts Problems for Wolf in '08
"And Northern Virginia looks like it has made the transition from swing area to Democratic territory, portending real Republican trouble should Representative Tom Davis not seek re-election and problems for veteran Republican Congressman Frank Wolf given the given the state legislative and county board results in his district."

Wolf's Lockstep Support for Bush Threatens DoD Jobs?

According to The Hill, "The Bush administration is threatening to issue layoff notices this week to about 100,000 civilian defense department employees if Congress will not provide money for the Iraq war." Gee, I wonder why that is? Could it be that Bush and his lockstep enablers like Frank Wolf have allowed the situation to get to this point by taking a "my way or the highway" position on Iraq war funding? Could it be that Bush and his enablers like Frank Wolf have rejected any compromise that might set timelines, benchmarks, or anything short of an open-ended engagement in Iraq? Could it be that, as The Hill reports, "House Democrats passed a $50 billion measure to cover the costs of the war for four months," but Republicans rejected it because it "tied [funding] to a December 2008 withdrawal?"

The point here is that Frank Wolf has consistently voted to support George W. Bush's unwillingness to compromise in any way, shape or form on Iraq. And now, we're facing a situation where as many as 100,000 civilian DoD employees might end up furloughed.

Heckuva job, guys.

Roemmelt Endorses Feder and Byrne

Bruce Roemmelt sent out letters of thanks to supporters this past week, with the following comments:

Since the 13th District includes part of both the 10th and 11th Congressional District, I will be leading our team into the fray for both Judy Feder and Leslie Byrne. They are superstars who stepped up for us and I will step up for them.

Obviously, this is a strong endorsement (of both Judy Feder and Leslie Byrne) and much appreciated. Thanks Bruce!

Richmond Times Dispatch on Frank Wolf: "Obscene"

The Richmond Times Dispatch, whose editorial page is consistently conservative and pro-Republican, breaks form this morning and mocks Frank Wolf.

Why is Virginia Rep. Frank Wolf paying people to look at porn?

OK, it's not that bad: It's not like Wolf is paying people to do so out of his own pocket or anything. It's actually worse than that: He's paying people to do so out of your pocket.

Back in August, we wrote about "Frank Wolf and the Morality Police." We explained how Wolf had earmarked $150,000 to pay two retired cops to surf the web for porn. We also noted:

It turns out that the program is run by an outfit known as Morality in Media, "a conservative religious group that has worked since 1962 to 'rid the world of pornography' and whose headquarters is, improbably, on the Upper West Side of Manhattan." Among other things, this group works to restrict the display of magazines like Cosmopolitan because there are references to - gasp! - SEX on their covers, Believe it or not, they're also on a crusade to prove that swearing or cursing can "break up a marriage," "lead to violence," "disrupt school order," and - worst of all, no doubt - "contribut[e] to an erosion of office etiquette." (so, that was the problem with my last job!)

Utterly bizarre, but apparently this is what Frank Wolf considers to be a top priority. Now, even the Republican Richmond Times Dispatch, owned by Republican-friendly Media General, is calling out Wolf for his porn program:

...it seems even more wasteful than a lot of congressional earmarks. Why pay people to look at Internet porn when millions are so eager to do so for free?

Good question. Here's another one for Wolf: why do you believe that spending our tax dollars making sure we're all using nice language, not reading Cosmo as we wait to pay for our groceries, and not looking at porn on the internet is more important than funding embryonic stem cell research, encouraging renewable energy, or winding down the war in Iraq in a responsible way (and as your constituents overwhelmingly want)? Maybe you've been in Congress a wee bit too long and have lost touch with what your constituents really want? Just a thought...

The "Greening" of John Warner....But NOT Frank Wolf

The Washington Post reports today on what it calls "The Greening of Sen. Warner." That's green in the environmental sense, not the cash/money sense.

This is how Warner (R-Va.) is ending three decades in the Senate: with a potentially historic, but possibly fruitless, drive to pass a national law on greenhouse gases. A recent convert on the issue, he is trying to sell colleagues on a bill that would reduce emissions over 40-plus years.

The bill has enemies among both environmentalists and business interests. But so far, allies say, Warner's conservative credentials and willingness to make deals have helped give the bill momentum. On Wednesday, it passed a Senate committee, the first greenhouse-gas bill to make it that far.

That's great news from Sen. Warner. In part, "Warner...decided that the U.S. military might face new and dangerous threats if the world were disordered by the weather." He "began to think, 'This thing really does impact on national security,'" and soon thereafter decided, "you've got to get off the bench and get in the ballgame."

Sadly, other Virginia Republicans remain stuck in their old, outdated, and seriously destructive ways of thinking. Just yesterday, EVERY SINGLE REPUBLICAN MEMBER of the Virginia House delegation voted against a historic energy bill that would set "a new direction" in U.S. energy policy away from dependence on fossil fuels. In voting against this bill, here's what Virginia Republicans -- including so-called "moderate" (what a laugh!) Frank Wolf -- opposed:

*Weaning our country off of its dangerous dependency on oil from unstable countries that hate our guts.

*Reducing the need for the United States to maintain a continuous, counterproductive, costly high-level military presence in Middle Eastern oil producing countries.

*Cutting the flow of "petrodollars" to terrorist groups and state supporters of terrorism. For instance, we purchase a great deal of oil from Saudi Arabia, home to 15 of the 9/11 hijackers PLUS Osama bin Laden. Saudi Arabia takes our money and spends some of it to support a network of Islamic fundamentalist "madrasas" around the world, teaching anti-American, anti-Christian, anti-Semitic and anti-Israel hatred to millions of young Muslims around the world. In addition, money flows from wealthy Saudis, including members of the extended royal family, to Hamas and other terrorist organizations. Finally, Saudi Arabia allows thousands of "jihadis" to enter Iraq from its territory and to kill Americans. THIS is the country that Tom Davis, Frank Wolf et al. apparently want to keep funding with our oil addicted money forever. That's completely contrary to U.S. national security, and that's an absolute disgrace.

*Beginning the long path towards slashing our carbon emissions and heading off catastrophic global climate disaster. This year, the warning signals went from "loud" to "ear splitting," not just with the Nobel Peace Prize to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, but also with definitive reports indicating that the situation is now dire and requires immediate, dramatic action. Unfortunately, Virginia Republicans, including supposed "moderates" like Frank Wolf and Tom Davis, are completely AWOL.

*Paying for protecting U.S. national security and the planet from disaster by cutting absurd subsidies to Big Oil, which continues to rake in profits greater than any companies in the history of mankind.

*Doing something about $90 per barrel oil prices, which are driven largely by demand. The fact is, America has a tremendous, latent "oil power;" namely, if we cut our oil consumption, the price will fall. The more we cut our consumption, the more it will fall. If we do that, we not only save OURSELVES money, we also deprive Vladimir Putin, Mahmoud Ahmedinejad and other unsavory state AND non-state actors with fund to spread anti-Western ideologies and movements.

In sum, Virginia Republicans yesterday voted to do NOTHING about three of the greatest threats facing us: 1) terrorism; 2) global climate catastrophe; and 3) wars fueled, at least in part, by our "addiction" (as Bush himself said) to oil. Unfortunately, although John Warner gets it, the rest of the Virginia Republican delegation remains in lockstep with "The Decider." Needless to say, that's a really bad decision to make.

Frank Wolf Votes Against the Environment, Energy Security

You really can't get much worse than today's vote by Frank Wolf against the CLEAN (Creating Long-Term Energy Alternatives for the Nation) Act. The bill, accurately described as "'a new direction' in U.S. energy policy away from dependence on fossil fuels." passed the House 212-167. In voting against this bill, Frank Wolf managed to oppose the environment, renewable energy, and U.S. energy security in one fell swoop. Wolf the "moderate" also opposed this:

The bill would roll back $13.5 billion in tax breaks enjoyed by the five largest U.S. oil companies with the money to be used for tax incentives for development of renewable energy, including cellulosic ethanol from grasses and wood chips and biodiesel, and to spur energy efficiency programs and conservation.

Just remember this come election day next November: Frank Wolf is on the side of Big Oil but against energy efficiency, renewable energy, and weaning the United States off of dependence on Middle Eastern oil. Priorities, priorities...

Judy Feder Live Blog on NLS

Judy Feder will be live blogging on Not Larry Sabato today at 3 PM. Check it out.

Help Turn the 10th Blue!

From Judy Feder...

It's hard to believe, but we're less than 1 month from the New Year. Heading into 2008 the news for our campaign couldn't be better. Virginia is turning blue and we've got Frank Wolf on the run! But don't take my word for it -- see for yourself. On the morning of the 2007 Virginia elections, National Journal's House Race Hotline put Frank Wolf on notice that a Democratic pickup of the Virginia Senate would not be good news for his political future (11/6/07).

"GOPers like Frank Wolf (R-VA 10)…may have more to worry about than just the redistricting implications for '12. They'll feel the heat in '08."

Well, Virginia Democrats did take back the state Senate and now Frank Wolf is starting to feel the heat. The New York Times noted that going into 2008, Northern Virginia is Democratic territory and sees trouble brewing for Wolf. (11/16/07).

The Times predicted "problems for veteran Republican Congressman Frank Wolf given the state legislative and county board results in his district."

The good news doesn't stop there. Thanks to the help of supporters from across the commonwealth and around the country we're off to an incredible start. We now have more money in the bank than Frank Wolf and are one of only a handful of Democratic challengers in the country to have a financial advantage over an incumbent Member of Congress.

I'm writing because I want to let you know about our progress, but also because I need your help to keep it going. December 31st is a critical fundraising deadline and our last chance to make a statement before the 2008 campaign season gets underway.

We're challenging our supporters to help us raise $35,000 online before the end of the year. Will you help us get there?

Last quarter we out-raised Frank Wolf by nearly 3-1! Can you help me beat him again? By making a contribution today, you can ensure that we continue to build momentum in this critical phase of the campaign.

Every dollar you contribute gets us closer to beating Frank Wolf this quarter and increasing our cash advantage. Please consider making a contribution today!

I can't begin to tell you how much I appreciate your support. Thanks to your help we're heading into 2008 stronger than we could have ever imagined. Together we're going to finish what we started last year and bring real change to Washington in 2008.

Thanks loads!

Judy Feder

The Type of Attitude We Don't Need

This is exactly the type of attitude that got us into the mess in Iraq. It's also the type of overblown, over-the-top rhetoric (e.g., Bush talking about "World War III") that has nearly gotten us into a war with Iran. Frank Wolf and George W. Bush both seem to like using hysteria and hyperbole to scare the American people. Yet another reason why we need to ditch both of them.

How Will Wolf Vote on Energy and the Environment?

There are important votes coming up in Congress regarding energy and global warming. It will be very interesting to see how Frank Wolf votes, particularly given this record:

*Frank Wolf has demonstrated that he is out of touch with his constituents by repeatedly voting with the Bush administration and their friends with Big Oil.

*Wolf's taken over $70,000 from oil and gas companies while voting five times against legislation to crack down on gas price gouging.

*Wolf supported the Bush energy plan, which provides huge subsidies to the oil and gas industry.

*In 2005, Wolf voted against an alternative energy plan that would bring immediate relief to consumers at the pump, increase the nation’s investment into renewable fuels and energy efficiency and crack down on price gouging. The plan would have extend for five years the tax credit that provides incentives for investments in solar, wind, geothermal and biomass technologies and provide several tax incentives for energy efficiency.

In other words, stay tuned for whether Wolf votes against the environment and clean energy alternatives once again.

Frank Wolf and War Against Iran

On June 20, 2006, Frank Wolf voted against an amendment to H.R. 5631. This amendment would have barred any expenditure of funds to initiate military operations against Iran unless the expenditures were in accordance with Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution. As we all know, that Article delegates to Congress, and only to Congress, the power to declare war.

I bring this issue up today because the Washington Post is now reporting that:

Iran halted its nuclear weapons program in 2003 in response to international pressure, and while it continues to develop an enriched uranium program, it apparently has not resumed moving toward a nuclear capability, according to a consensus judgment of the U.S. intelligence community released today by Director of National Intelligence John M. McConnell.

It's bad enough that the trigger happy Frank Wolf opposed preventing the Bush Administration from launching a military strike against Iran without congressional approval. Now, it appears that Iran isn't even actively pursuing a nuclear weapons program. I wonder what Wolf has to say for himself now...

Feder Campaign Tells Wolf to "Let the Sun Shine In" to His Own House

Today's NV Daily reports on a controversy over naming a new building at Shenandoah University for Frank Rudolph Wolf. Apparently, Rep. Wolf claims he doesn't want "credit" for this earmark, but the Feder campaign sees it differently:

...a spokesman for Wolf's opponent in the 2006 congressional elections, Judy Feder, disagreed, saying the 14-term Republican, who has a reputation for ensuring pet projects in his district get federal funding, wants it both ways.

"I think our criticism of last year is still valid," Luke McFarland said. "He continues to flip-flop on the issue of earmark transparency and reform and refusing to disclose his own records. ... If he truly believes in letting the sun shine in, he should probably should start with his own house."

The problem is, as Judy Feder said the other night, Frank Wolf's so entrenched in the usual ways of doing business in Washington after nearly 3 decades in Congress, it's highly unlike he's going to change. And the bottom line is this: if you're happy with the direction of the country right now, with how Congress is operating, then by all means you should support Frank Wolf for reelection. If not, if you want change and "sunshine" in Washington, then you should strongly support Judy Feder.

Judy Feder Event December 7th

Although this reception will be on Pearl Harbor Day, I can guarantee that it will NOT be an event that "shall live in infamy." Ha. :)

Please Join

Judy Waxman and Jim Weill
Jeff Crowley
Tim Westmoreland and Nick Olcott
Jennifer Klein and Todd Stern
Cindy Mann and Steve Savner

At a reception honoring

Judy Feder

Democratic Candidate for the United States Congress
10th District of Virginia

Friday, December 7th from 7-9 pm

At the home of Judy Waxman and Jim Weill
2913 Cathedral, NW, Washington, DC
(202) 483-5645

To RSVP or for more information call Luke McFarland at 703-286-9208
or email luke@judyfeder.com

Judy Feder Fundraiser

As you probably all know by now, I'm working for Judy Feder this cycle, running the blog Farewell Frank, and doing whatever I can to make sure that Judy beats Frank Wolf next year. Tonight, I attended a fundraiser for Judy in McLean, attended by around 40 people including Del. Brian Moran, Supervisor-elect John Foust, former U.S. Senate candidate Harris Miller, FCDC chairwoman Ginny Peters, and numerous others.

I'll have a lot better photos later, thanks to my good friend CW Dean, but for now, here's an account of the event.

First, Brian Moran noted that Delegate-elect Margi Vanderhye wanted to be at the Feder event, but she was in Richmond for freshman orientation (or whatever it's formally called). Moran praised Judy as "intelligent," "independent," "articulate," and someone with the "courage of her convictions." He also noted that Judy, unlike Frank Wolf, would not be a rubber stamp for whoever's in the White House.

Next, John Foust talked about how excited he was about Judy's candidacy, how she was "by far the better candidate," and how the Dranesville district of Fairfax is "turning blue." He predicted that "Judy's gonna be great." He noted that he's a "big tunnel guy," and that Frank Wolf has been "a major impediment" in this area. Finally, Foust mentioned the importance of health care, and how it was so important to elect Judy Feder next year.

Finally, Judy Feder spoke about the need to bring change to Washington, DC. She described meeting a 10th district resident who was desperately hoping for cures from embryonic stem cell research; a freelance writer who was scared because she couldn't find health insurance due to a pre-existing condition; and a couple in Manassas whose son is on his second tour of duty in Iraq (they told Judy that their son's wife and kids needed him home now).

Judy promised to fight for affordable health care, to "bring our troops home," and to once again "make the United States symbol of hope not fear around the world." We can only do that, Judy said, if we bring change to Washington. And, she asked rhetorically, does anyone think that after 27 years in Congress, Frank Wolf's going to bring that change? (hint: no!)

Judy talked about her new sense of urgency, having become the grandmother of "beautiful twin girls" on August 28. She said she had promised her granddaughters that she would do whatever needs to be done to make their world a better place. She looked forward to a Democrat in the White House, Mark Warner in the U.S. Senate, and Judy Feder in Congress.

With regard to Frank Wolf, Judy said that he's "feeling the heat," already sending out "panicky letters mentioning Judy Feder by name." Wolf has good reason to feel panicky. In the last quarter, the Feder campaign outraised Wolf 3:1, and now has more cash on hand than Wolf (something the Feder campaign was never quite able to accomplish last time around). In 2008, Judy said she will build on what she accomplished last time around, including the name recognition she gained. She noted that Wolf is demoralized being in the minority, hated the fact that he had to run a serious race last time around, and declared, "if he didn't like that race, he's really gonna hate this one!"

On the Tysons tunnel issue, Judy said that Wolf "got away with murder" last time around, and that she hopes to work much more closely with the Tysons Tunnel people this time. On climate change, she said she agreed with Al Gore that this is one of the most critical questions facing the world.

P.S. Someone in the audience got a big laugh by relating how he received a letter from Wolf that in one paragraph bragged about all the earmarks Wolf supposedly had gotten for his district, and in another paragraph talked about all of Wolf's efforts to get rid of earmarks! Ha. :)

Feder Called for Hastert Resignation; Wolf Did Nothing

This Monday, former House Speaker Dennis Hastert submitted his resignation letter, ending his long and...well, long career in Congress. The question is not why Hastert resigned now, but why he didn't do so a long time ago. Maybe if people like Frank Wolf had listened to Judy Feder, instead of blindly supporting their party -- right or wrong -- Hastert and his ilk (Tom DeLay, Mark Foley, etc.) would not have caused the damage that they did. Thanks for being just a great "enabler," Congressman, that's just what people in the 10th district want from you. Not.

P.S. For a reminder of all of Hastert's, ahem, "controversies," see here. My personal "favorites" include Hastert's call for New Orleans to be "bulldozed" after Katrina, Hastert's close connections with Jack Abramoff, and the former Speaker's involvement in protecting sexual predator Mark Foley.

Tysons Corner Craziness

Read this editorial and see if your blood pressure rises or not. While you're reading, keep in mind that this if Frank Wolf's baby more than anyone's, and that Wolf has been a major obstacle to opening this up to competition and a tunnel in Tysons.

In an act of astonishing presumption, utility relocation has already begun on the Dulles Rail project...even though the project has not yet gotten final approval from the Federal Transit Administration.  The fact that the FTA is still scrutinizing the price tag of this misbegotten project doesn't seem to faze the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, which is now managing it.

[...]

There are also early warning signs that this too-expensive Metrorail project will do more harm than good in Northern Virginia, literally killing Virginia's golden goose.

Instead of early birds flocking to Tysons Corner to take advantage of Dulles Rail's many supposed benefits, businesses have actually begun bailing out. More corporate tenants have left Tysons than leased office space there this year. This unexpected exodus is most likely being driven by the anticipation of five years or more of major construction chaos and tolls of up to $5 per trip to pay for it...

Nice, huh?  Where do we begin?  How about with the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) managing the Metro to Dulles project?  If that's putting the proverbial foxes in charge of the proverbial chicken coop, I don't know what is.  Why is this the case?  Because MWAA has the strongest economic self-interest of anyone to have this project move forward, at everyone else's expense of course. 

To be blunt, MWAA could give a rat's you-know-what whether Metro to Dulles Airport results in chaos in Tysons Corner, or whether it prevents Tysons from ever developing into a transit-oriented model "edge city."  MWAA certainly doesn't care about whether the taxpayer gets completely fleeced by this no-bid contract to "Big Dig" Bechtel. Finally, MWAA totally doesn't care whether or not Metro gets through Tysons using the idiotic, abysmal "aerial option."  As long as Metro gets to Dulles Airport, that's all that matters to MWAA.  That's understandable from MWAA's selfish perspective, but it makes absolutely no sense for anyone who lives or works in Northern Virginia. 

Where are our "leaders" on this issue?  Either AWOL, or caving in to the brain-dead "If we don't do it now, we'll lose all our money waaaaaaahwaaaaaaah" argument.  And yes, I'm including members of both parties here.

The simple, takeaway messages here: 1) stop proceeding with this project before it is even approved (duh!!!); 2) don't approve the project at all unless the whole thing is opened up to competitive bidding; 3) don't build this 100+ year rail line at all unless it's done right (do it right or don't do it at all); and 4) stop scaring and misleading people with lies about how Congress can't do whatever the heck it wants here, so we just HAVE to take the money now or lose it forever.  Is that too much to ask from people who supposedly represent OUR interests in Richmond, Washington DC, etc? People like Frank Wolf?

Flashback: Wolf Bullies District in 1986

I was looking back through the archives and found this gem about Frank Wolf from the Washington Post, 5/9/86 (yeah, Wolf's been in Congress forEVER!).

PEOPLE WHO WEREN'T around here in the days before the District of Columbia won a measure of home rule from its federal overseers are often amused by tales of all the restrictions that once governed local behavior. But many residents who remember those times less than fondly get understandably jumpy when a congressman starts threatening the local franchise. And if there's one member of Congress who ought to know this, it's the representative from just across the river, Frank Wolf.

Yet during a House Appropriations subcommittee hearing on the city's fiscal 1987 budget Mr. Wolf issued a threat worthy of those bad old days: he threatened to seek cuts in the federal payment to the District if Mayor Barry and D.C. Council Chairman David A. Clarke do not work to raise the legal drinking age in the District from 18 to 21.

Quite aside from how these two elected local leaders and their constituents may feel about the drinking age, the implications of Mr. Wolf's threat go beyond anybody's eligibility for a six-pack. Who else on the Hill has a pet project for the mayor and council chairman to get after? Will some hard-drinking colleague threaten to rip apart the city's budget if the mayor doesn't keep the taverns open all night? What if some senator says he wants all the taxis in town painted purple before he'll support a penny more for the Public Service Commission?

There's nothing wrong with a little consultation between Mr. Wolf and leaders of the local government about any matter of interest to the city's neighbors. But how would he like it if the mayor and council of the District had the power to savage the budget of Arlington unless the county board agreed to offer 18 percent of its government jobs to D.C. residents?

Stretches of the imagination? Or shades of the days when Congress decided everything from the maximum length of dog leashes to the layout of cab zones? Home rule may be relatively young here-going on 11 1/2-but last time we checked, that was a legal age for local decision-making.

Nice guy, huh? And yes, back in 1986, Frank Wolf really did represent Arlington County, before redistricting gave him an incumbent protection seat for many years. Now, the times they are a changin', and the 10th district is rapidly turning more Democratic. Will 2008 be Wolf's last in Congress? Judy Feder intends to make sure that's the case.

Kind of Quiet Right Now...

It's kind of quiet right now, with Congress out of session, so here's a great Judy Feder ad from 2006. As one commenter on YouTube wrote back in late September 2006:

Good, positive, substantive ad from a smart, experienced candidate. Feder should definitely be in public office. I hope she gives Frank Wolf a run for his money, but more importantly I hope she doesn't stop running for elected office if she falls short her first time out.

Well, Judy's going to be back in 2008 to give Frank Wolf the run of his life. Remember, it took Wolf himself three times to get elected. This will be the second try for Judy, and we've got a lot of material to work with against the incumbent. This should be a great race.

Frank Wolf for Retroactive Telecom Immunity

In case you missed it, on November 15 the House of Representatives passed H RES 824, the "RESTORE" Act, "Providing for Further Consideration of H.R. 3773, to Amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978." The vote was 224-192, with Frank Wolf voting "nay."

The RESTORE Act would extend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) without retroactive immunity for telecommunications companies that had previously cooperated with secret government wiretapping programs. President Bush, not surprisingly, wants the telecom's to have immunity and has threatened to veto this bill. Also not surprisingly, Frank Wolf has ONCE AGAIN voted in lockstep with Bush and his fellow Republicans, "moderate" though he claims to be. What else is new?

Foust and Vanderhye Help Feder Kick Off for Congress

Help us celebrate the victories of 2007 and kick off the 2008 election season

Delegate-Elect Margi Vanderhye
And Supervisor-Elect John Foust

Cordially Invite You to Join the Host Committee

LuAnn Bennett
Terry and Nancy Bracy
Wes Callender
John Cherry
David and Rose Donovan
Al and Claire Dwoskin
Jim and Jane Edmondson
Sara Franko
Morton Funger
Loren and Birgit Hershey
Margaret Jenny
Leslie Kerman and Jeff Bialos
Mark Lowham and Joe Ruzzo
Wally and Lisa Maher
Eileen O'Grady
Steve Ricchetti
Ed Rice
Jon and Mary Lou Spear
LaVerne and Archer Taylor
Lisa and Roger Trangsrud
John and Susan Ulfelder
Dick and Jane Vodra

At a reception honoring

Judy Feder
Democratic Candidate for the United States Congress
10th District of Virginia

Wednesday, November 28th, 2007
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

The Home of Kristin Cabral and John Beaulieu
1869 Rhode Island Avenue
McLean, VA 22101

Make your secure on-line contribution at www.judyfeder.com

$2,300 Benefactor $1,000 Host $500 Sponsor
$250 Patron $100 Friend

To RSVP or for more information call Luke McFarland at 703-286-9208
or email luke@judyfeder.com

10th District Bluer Than Previously Thought

From the New York Times, here's something for Frank Wolf to worry about.

...Northern Virginia looks like it has made the transition from swing area to Democratic territory, portending real Republican trouble should Representative Tom Davis not seek re-election and problems for veteran Republican Congressman Frank Wolf given the given the state legislative and county board results in his district.

"Frank Wolf’s district is more Democratic than previously thought," said the party memo on the results.

By the way the "state legislative and county board results" referred to above are:

1) Republican Jill Holtzman Vogel defeated Democrat Karen Schultz for State Senate by just 659 votes out of 51,521 cast. The 27th Senate district includes all or parts of Clarke County, Fauquier County, Frederick County, Loudoun County, and Winchester City. The district went 63%-37% for George W. Bush in 2004, and 51%-43% for Jerry Kilgore in 2005. In other words, Democrat Karen Schultz nearly defeated Republican Jill Holtzman Vogel in the most Republican parts of the 10th Congressional district. The times they are a changin'!

2) The Loudoun County board elections saw four Democratic challengers defeat four Republican incumbent. Whoops!

And we haven't even talked about Fairfax County, which has turned sharply "blue" in recent years. In sum, the 10th Congressional District is moving in the Democrats' direction -- that is, in Judy Feder's direction -- very quickly. And, this time around, Judy is determined to let everyone know what kind of a Republican Frank Wolf really is. Hint: it's not the "moderate" he claims to be. Another hint: initials GWB. :)

Why Won't Wolf Endorse Climate Action?

The National Wildlife Federation (employer of The Green Miles) put out its Final 50 report this week, detailing House of Representatives members who've said they support climate action in theory, but have yet to step it up and endorse tough global warming legisation. Two Virginia representatives made the list:

Tom Davis (R-VA, 11th District)

Rep. Davis voted for the Sense of Congress resolution calling for Congress to pass legislation that mandates reductions in global warming pollution. But, he has not supported comprehensive global warming legislation.

Frank Wolf (R-VA, 10th District)

Rep. Wolf voted for the Renewable Electricity Standard and passage of the final House energy bill. He also voted for the Sense of Congress resolution calling for Congress to pass legislation that mandates reductions in global warming pollution. He states on his website that, "While there are many factors which affect the price of a gallon of gasoline, I believe we must leave no stone unturned as we work to address this issue, including finding ways for our nation to become energy independent," But, he has not supported comprehensive global warming legislation.

If you're in the 10th or 11th, please write Davis or Wolf right now and ask him to cosponsor the Safe Climate Act or the Climate Stewardship Act, two bills that cut global warming pollution by 2% per year!

Cross-posted from RaisingKaine.com

Frank Wolf For Predatory Lending?

This morning, Frank Wolf was one of 193 Republicans voting against the Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act of 2007. The bill, which passed the House 224-195, would "amend the Truth in Lending Act to reform consumer mortgage practices and provide accountability for such practices, to establish licensing and registration requirements for residential mortgage originators, to provide certain minimum standards for consumer mortgage loans." Atrios has more:

It's one of those below the radar things, but there's a fight brewing between mortgage brokers and the rest of us over legislation. There's legislation to outlaw something called "yield spread premiums" in which brokers are given a cut if they give borrowers crappier loans than the ones they qualify for. The thing is that most people don't understand that their mortgage broker isn't their pal who simply runs their credit score and gives them the best mortgage they qualify for, but is in fact someone who benefits from screwing them as much as possible. People just don't think of their mortgage broker in the way they think about used car salesmen even though they obviously should.

There's more at Open Left as well:

...The housing crisis is hitting swing areas like Florida's central corridor viciously, so getting on this topic as the economy becomes one of the two top issues in 2008 is extremely important for Democrats going into 2008.

One of the reasons the situation is so messed up is that mortgage brokers have an incentive to lie and steal from their clients. This is couched in a complicated term called the 'yield spread premium'. What this basically means is that if you are a mortgage broker and you get a client to take a loan that costs more than it should, with higher penalties and interest rates, you get a kickback from the bank.

Ergo, lots of people got crappy loans they can't afford. It hurts minorities disproportionately, and it's bad for everyone...

So, the Democrats are trying to help fix this situation, but people like Frank Wolf (and the mortgage brokers) are trying to block it. Reason #5,982 why Frank Wolf needs to retire and get a job as...oh, I dunno, a mortgage broker perhaps? Ha.

Not the Way to Build a Railroad

This -- "Dulles Metrorail project to begin despite concern with federal funds" -- has got to be the most screwed up way to build a major infrastructure project one could ever imagine:

Work will begin on the Dulles Metrorail extension in Tysons Corner even before the fate of a crucial $900 million in federal funds has been determined, officials said Wednesday.

The move, to begin utility relocation along Route 7, commits Virginia more deeply than ever to a transit line whose funding remains uncertain.

[...]

MWAA green-lighted the utility design work because of terms of a contract with Bechtel and Washington Group that required Virginia to pay a fee of several million dollars if the project did not move forward by Aug. 1, officials said.

"There were activities that were undertaken at the request of the airports authority by [Bechtel and Washington Group], basically to keep the contractors busy so the cost penalties were not incurred," said Virginia Transportation Secretary Pierce Homer.

Fairfax County Supervisor-elect John Foust worried that commitment may be an attempt to create "an air of inevitability" for the project. Foust supports the scuttled plan to build a tunnel, not an aerial rail under Tysons, as well as putting the entire project out for competitive bidding.

Brilliant, huh? Congratulations to Frank Wolf for his role in this debacle.

Frank Wolf's Primary Opponent on "Limited Government"

Frank Wolf's Republican primary opponent, Vern McKinley, analyzes why Republicans lost the 2008 Virginia elections:

There is no doubt that the Republican Party in Virginia is in the midst of a steady slide having lost the governorship and a senate seat in recent years and seemingly in a weak position to retain Senator Warner’s seat in 2008. As the 2008 elections loom on the horizon the question is whether candidates should reverse the slide by moving more towards the Democrats on the issues of the day or stick to limited government principles.

[...]

“In national elections, the Republican Party has had some great triumphs over the past thirty years. Whether you focus on the 1980 election that brought Ronald Reagan to power or the 1994 Republican Revolution, such turning point elections were won in large part because the party was seen as upholding limited government principles,” notes Vern McKinley, who is challenging incumbent Congressman Frank Wolf for the Republican nomination in Virginia’s 10th Congressional District. “If Republicans want to turn the tide, both nationally and in Virginia, the argument in favor of returning to these limited government principles is overwhelming.”

It will be interesting to watch McKinley go after Wolf over the next 7 months or so. Already, McKinley has lambasted Wolf for having "gone native" and being "one of only 24 Republicans voting against basic earmark reforms." Essentially, McKinley is making the case that Wolf is no longer a fiscal conservative (was he 26 years ago, when he first came to Congress?).

In stark contrast to Frank Wolf, who helped George W. Bush produce the largest budget deficits in U.S. history the past 7 years, Democrats like Judy Feder believe in "pay as you go" budgetary rules. Feder also believes that "[w]e need to revive the fiscal policies of previous administrations that lessened the tax burden on the middle class, produced the longest era of prosperity in our nation's history, raised wages and created jobs, and delivered a balanced budget."

In other words, there are two fiscal conservatives in the 10th district race, and neither of them is named "Frank Wolf."

Frank Wolf's Foreclosure Failure

Foreclosure is a real problem in the 10th District. Foreclosures in Loudoun even have their own blog. Another blog, LoudounStats, puts the mortgage crisis in perspective:

Although sales per day are up approximately 1.25 per day throughout the county, that entire windfall can be attributed to more foreclosure and distressed properties being sold. In October 96 properties that were either foreclosures, short sales or pre-foreclosures compared to only 59 in September. The percentage of homes sold in October that were distressed was 33% of all sales, up from 25% in September. - LoudounStats

Every week, hundreds of our neighbors are subjected to heart-wrenching decisions and circumstances around their homes. Can they stay here? Can they afford to move? Will their children have to deal with the trauma of seeing their home auctioned off?

The mortgage crisis can be traced in large part to predatory lending by unscrupulous mortgage brokers, aided and abetted by the lending and construction industries. Now Congress is seeking to take common-sense action to mitigate the practices which lead to the troubles faced by so many of our neighbors. There is a bill in Congress, H.R. 3915, "The Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act of 2007," which recently picked up two Republican co-sponsors. Even Republicans are beginning to see the light on predatory home lending. This bill would bar mortgage brokers from getting bonuses to sign up borrowers for more costly loans and force lenders to verify whether consumers are able to repay loans.

And through it all Frank Wolf stands mute. Not that this should come as a surprise, as Congressman Wolf has taken hundreds of thousands of dollars from the Real Estate and Construction industries. Frank Wolf's silence on the local mortgage crisis should come as no surprise from a man who voted against homeowner protections.

What has Frank Wolf done for us, really, in the midst of a local housing crisis and slowing economic growth? Oh, right, he funded the morality police in states other than Virginia, while campaigning for a State Senator whose strategy for managing traffic was to buy herself a second million-dollar condo closer to work.

Frank Wolf does not represent the 10th District's voters, he represents the industries that extract money from the 10th District's voters, no matter the cost. That is not true representation. It is time for Frank Wolf to be retired. It is time for new leadership for the 10th District in Congress. Go Judy Feder!

Wolf Continues Lying About Tysons Tunnel

In the face of overwhelming public support in NOVA for Metro to Dulles WITH a tunnel in Tysons Corner, Frank Wolf continues his disinformation campaign with this gem:

"We should know certainly by the end of the year" whether FTA approves the release of the funds, said U.S. Rep. Frank Wolf (R-10). As far as any controversy on the design of the project is concerned — tunneling versus elevating the track through Tysons Corner — Wolf said the cost of underground rail would be astronomical. He is counting on the extension to help the traffic-clogged region. "It is the only bright hope for the region," said Wolf."

The cost of underground rail in Tysons would be "astronomical," huh Frank? So, you're just going to ignore the proposal by Dragados to build the Tysons Tunnel for a fixed price of $823 million, significantly lower than the escalating costs estimated for the "Big Dig" Bechtel-built "aerial option?" You're going to ignore the costs to businesses and others in Tysons Corner area of construction during building of the Big Dig above-ground track in Tysons? You're going to totally forget about the enormous long-term economic benefits to a tunnel -- to lower maintenance costs, FAR longer life span, higher ridership potential, smart growth in Tysons, etc., etc. -- of a tunnel vs. the aerial option? Do you care SO little about the taxpaying citizens of Northern Virginia that you would foist upon them a poorly managed project in a NO-BID CONTRACT with a company notorious for the Big Dig?!?

Frankly, Frank, this is unacceptable and this is exactly why you need to get a new job after decades in Congress. You have completely lost touch, if not "lost it" altogether, if you seriously think that the cost of underground rail in Tysons would be "astronomical."

Oh, by the way, what's this about rail to Dulles being the "only bright hope for the region?" There's nothing else good about Northern Virginia, is THAT what you're saying Frank? Or are you saying that it's either YOUR way or the HIGHWAY -- literally, in this case? Pathetic.

Why Does Frank Wolf Hate Homeowners?

Last night, the House of Representatives passed, by a 258-155 margin, the Homeowners’ Defense Act of 2007. The purpose of the Act is to "ensure the availability and affordability of homeowners' insurance coverage for catastrophic events." Voting "nay" was Frank Rudolph Wolf. Why? Maybe he's listening too much to right-wing think tanks like the Heritage Foundation and to President Bush, who apparently opposes this bill and believes that people should pay for their homeowners' insurance.

By the way, the following video is awesome. The Orwellian doublespeak of the Bush Administration and its rubber stamp allies like Frank Wolf is simply breathtaking. Check it out...and ask Frank Wolf about it if you get a chance.

VA Turning Blue - Wolf Feeling the Heat

From Judy Feder...

On Tuesday, Virginia voters headed to the polls. In a clear sign that Virginians are tired of failed leadership, Democrats regained control of the State Senate and made historic gains accross the commonwealth.

Tuesday's results are even garnering the attention of the national press. National Journal's Hotline noted that a Democratic pickup of the Virginia Senate would mean that "GOPers like Frank Wolf (R-VA 10), Tom Davis (R-VA 11) and even Thelma Drake (R-VA 02) may have more to worry about than just the redistricting implications for '12. They'll feel the heat in '08."

Well Virginia Democrats did take back the State Senate on Tuesday and now it's time to make Frank Wolf start feeling the heat.

Tuesday was an important day for Virginia. This historic election proved that Virginians across the state are ready for change, ready to move Virginia forward, and that the 10th Congressional District is ready to turn blue.

In 2005, Tim Kaine won the 10th Congressional District. The following year, we helped send Jim Webb to the U.S. Senate. Earlier this week my Delegate district elected a Democrat to represent us in Richmond for the first time in nearly four decades. Democrats were also swept into office at the local level across the 10th District, at the same time that every Democratic Member of the General Assembly in the 10th won reelection.

Now is the time to keep our momentum going by getting an early start on 2008.

Thanks to your help our campaign is one of the few challengers in the country to have more cash on hand than an incumbent Member of Congress. We've surged to a $65,000 cash advantage, putting us nearly half a million dollars ahead of where we were at the beginning of 2006.

We're off to a phenomenal start, but victory in 2008 means beginning today. Sign up to volunteer and keep track of all of the latest news at www.judyfeder.com

We've already taken the first steps towards change in the 10th District and in our nation. Together we can finish the job in 2008.

Thanks loads for your support!
Judy Feder

Wolf Opposes Equal Rights for Gays in the Workplace

A May 2007 Gallup poll found that 89% of Americans believe that gay men and lesbians should have equal rights in terms of job opportunities. Only 8% of Americans believe that gays should NOT be protected from job discrimination. Sadly, one of those 8% still stuck in the dark ages is the 10th district's own Rep. Frank Wolf. Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 235-184 in favor of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, or ENDA. Of the 184 "nay" votes, 159 came from the Republican side of the aisle. Frank Wolf's fellow "moderate" Republican, Tom Davis, voted "yes." But not Wolf. He apparently opposes making it illegal for an employer:

*"...to fail or refuse to hire or to discharge any individual, or otherwise discriminate against any individual with respect to the compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment of the individual, because of such individual's actual or perceived sexual orientation"

*"...to limit, segregate, or classify the employees or applicants for employment of the employer in any way that would deprive or tend to deprive any individual of employment or otherwise adversely affect the status of the individual as an employee, because of such individual's actual or perceived sexual orientation."

Even worse, Wolf's opposition to employment protection for gays and lesbians comes about despite the fact that the bill even provides an exemption for religious organizations and also for the U.S. military. What possible reason would Frank Wolf have to oppose this bill, then, you might ask? Does Frank Wolf actually FAVOR allowing employers to discriminate against gays in hiring, firing, promoting or paying an employee? Is that what "moderate" Republicans believe? If you want to ask Rep. Wolf about this, you can contact him here. If you find out anything interesting, I'd be curious to hear it. Thanks.

"Should Frank Wolf be Worried?"

From today's Hotline:

Dem control of VA Senate means they can't be shut out of the post-'10 redraw. Given the drubbing the GOP has taken in NoVa for the last two elections, it's hard to believe cong. Dems will cut the same deal they did in '02. Should Frank Wolf be worried?

Short answer: yes! Longer answer: look what's happening in Virginia generally, as the state moves from red to purple to blue. Look what happened to Wolf's soul mate Jill Holtzman Vogel, who barely held on to squeak out a victory (by 660 votes) for State Senate over Democrat Karen Schultz. Also keep in mind that the 27th Senate district includes Winchester city plus Clarke, Fauquier, Frederick, and Loudoun counties -- all of which are in the 10th Congressional district. Note that Democrat Margi Vanderhye picked up the 34th House of Delegates seat, also in the 10th CD. And, of course, recall that both Tim Kaine and Jim Webb carried the 10th CD, which continues to trend in the Democratic direction.

Combine that with Frank Wolf's record of rubber stamping George W. Bush (on Iraq, stem cells, etc.), and yeah, I'd say Frank Wolf should be worried! :)

Judy Feder's Busy Today

Today is election day in Virginia, and Judy Feder is busy helping Democratic candidates for the House of Delegates and State Senate. That's not just because Judy Feder is a committed, loyal Democrat -- which she is of course. It's because Judy Feder believes strongly that Virginia will be better off with leaders who bring people together for the common good, not tear them apart for their own self interest. Anyway, it's 3:30 PM right now, which means polls are open for another 3 1/2 hours. If you haven't voted yet, I urge you to do so. And of course I urge you to vote Democratic! :) Thanks.

Wolf Votes Against Mining Reclamation

This past Thursday, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 244-166 to approve the "Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act." Frank Wolf and 162 fellow Republicans votes "nay" as well. Here is what the bill would do:

The bill would protect U.S. lands from the damages of mining by restricting new operations or forcing mines to clean up after themselves. In addition, it would give taxpayers a better return on their property by making mining companies pay royalties on the metals they harvest.

In addition, "The bill would...establish standards to mitigate environmental damages, create a cleanup fund for abandoned mines and ban the cheap sale of public lands for mining."

Sounds pretty reasonable, huh? Pretty pro-environment? So why would the "moderate" Frank Wolf oppose this legislation? Are there major mining interests we didn't know about in McLean, Manassas, Chantilly, Sterling and Winchester? Or is Frank Rudolph Wolf simply an another anti-environment Republican in "moderate" clothing?

Wolf's Pal Jill Holtzman Vogel

Frank Wolf is a big backer of right-wing Republican Jill Holtzman Vogel, running to succeed Sen. Russ Potts in the 27th district against Democrat Karen Schultz. With the election just 4 days away, I thought I'd review a few points about Wolf's pal Jill Holtzman Vogel.

*She rails against the "homosexual lifestyle," but her husband "serves as a lobbyist for gay-friendly Viacom, which broadcasts shows condemned by conservatives such as Queer as Folk, The L Word, TransGeneration, and the cartoon Rick & Steve: The Happiest Gay Couple In All The World."

*She's caught up in a scandal involving Commonwealth's Attorney James E. Plowman (a supporter of Vogel's) and former Republican candidate Mark D. Tate (now facing politically motivated election fraud charges initiated by Plowman's office).

*She is against a woman's right to choose, opposes embryonic stem cell research, believes that life begins at conception, favors "school choice," etc.

*According to Russ Potts, quoted in the Washington Post, Vogel is "to the right of Attila the Hun and way out of the mainstream," noting that Vogel "oppose[s] abortion even in cases of rape or incest."

*She refuses to debate her opponent, sort of like Frank Wolf refuses to meet with the public.

In contrast, Holtzman Vogel's opponent, Karen Schultz, is a mainstream moderate endorsed by Mark Warner, the Greater Washington Board of Trade, the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters, the Virginia Coalition of Police and Deputy Sheriffs, the Virginia Hospital Association, and the National Association of Social Workers.

So, why does Frank Wolf, the supposed "moderate," support his pal Jill Holtman Vogel so strongly? Perhaps because, just as he rubber stamps George W. Bush on Iraq and most everything else, he's a rubber stamp for the far right wing here in Virginia as well? Yep, that's our boy, Frank Rudolph Wolf!

Judy for Jay...Again

Judy Feder has been working hard for Virginia Democrats this year. Last month, she sent out an e-mail for Jay Donahue, and this month she's done it again.

Are you ready for change in Richmond? It's the home stretch of the campaign season with only a few days remaining before this year's critical elections.

I’'m writing you with a last minute appeal for my friend, Jay Donahue, who is running in the 86th delegate district. Jay needs your help to get out his message of change in the final hours of this campaign. This is the right race and the right time. I know because last year Senator Webb and I both won here. In 2005, Governor Kaine, Leslie Byrne and Creigh Deeds all won the 86th. This district is ready to turn blue, but Jay needs your help finish the job.

Help take back Virginia! Donate Now!

By all accounts, Jay’s race is dead even and the pundits have classified the race in the 86th district a toss-up. With your help, we can turn the 86th District blue. To get that final push towards Election Day Jay needs your financial support to fund last minute Get-Out-The-Vote Projects and continue to persuade swing voters.

Help take back Virginia! Donate Now!

We are less than one week away from changing Virginia for the better and your last minute financial support will help change Virginia 's 86th District to Blue. You can contribute online at Jay’s campaign website: http://www.actblue.com/page/jay Your $100, $50 or even $25 can make a tremendous difference in these final days.

I can't tell you how much I appreciate your support in our effort to bring change to Richmond.

Sincerely,
Judy Feder

Flashback: November 2006

As this election approaches, I've been thinking about what was going on last year at this time. One event, right before the election, was a George Allen meet-and-greet at the Vienna Metro stop. Frank Wolf was there, along with his pal Tom "Devolites" Davis, and here's what it looked like:

Meanwhile, Frank Wolf stood next to Tom Davis, both looking miserable, with Frank Wolf occasionally checking his watch as if to say, "why the hell do I have to be doing this DEMOCRACY thing...ugh?" In contrast, Andy Hurst was his usual bubbly self, greeting anyone and everyone with a big smile on his face. The contrast between the unsmiling, unhappy, scared Republicans and the ebullient Democrats couldn't have been greater.

Does that pretty much sum it up about Frank Wolf or what? I mean, this guy won't meet with his constituents unless it's a friendly audience, he hates talking to voters, and he REALLY hates being challenged. Well, sorry Frank, but next year you're going to run into a hurricane of competition in Judy Feder. That should give Frank Rudolph Wolf something to smile about! :)