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...