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! :)