Saturday, September 29, 2007

Frank Wolf and Newt Gingrich: Blast from the Past

With the news that Newt Gingrich is not going to run for president in 2008, I thought it might be a good time for a "blast from the past" on Gingrich and our own favorite "moderate" Republican congressman, Frank Wolf.

Let's return to September 1996, courtesy of the Washington Post:
The Gingrich-Wolf connection is close," [Wolf's Democratic opponent Robert L.] Weinberg said, noting that Wolf's voting record has received ratings of 80 to 90 percent from the American Conservative Union while drawing barely a 10 percent rating from the American Civil Liberties Union. "Wolf tries to pretend he's a moderate, but his voting is very right-wing," Weinberg said.

Gingrich and Wolf also are to blame, Weinberg said, for the two federal government shutdowns during the fall and winter brought on by the budget stalemate between Congress and the White House. The 10th District includes tens of thousands of federal employees.

"The fact that Wolf voted for the Gingrich line and shut down the major industry in his district will cost him this election," Weinberg said.

No, it didn't cost Wolf the election in 1996, but it's still important to remember how close Wolf the "moderate" was to Newt Gingrich. Keep in mind that Wolf voted for much of Gingrich's "Contract With America."

Thursday, September 27, 2007

Wolf and the "Cooch"

I love this:
10/3 - Senator Ken Cuccinelli's Lunch w/Rep. Frank Wolf - 12:15-1:30 PM, JRs Stockyard Inn, 8130 Watson Street, McLean. $250. Call: (703) 766-0635.
For those of you who aren't familiar with Ken "Cooch" Cuccinelli, he's about as far right on social issues (and just about everything else) as they come. Whether it's stem cell research, a woman's right to choose, or pretty much anything else, Cooch makes George W. Bush look like a moderate. So what's Frank Wolf, who claims to be a moderate himself, doing at a lunch for Ken Cuccinelli? Maybe Cooch's toy, pet elephant has an answer?

Judy for Jay!

From Judy Feder...
Today I’m writing to tell you about another of our fantastic Democratic candidates and a personal friend of mine, Jay Donahue.

Jay needs your support. He was one of the most dedicated volunteers in my 2006 campaign and now he is running for the House of Delegates in the 86th District.

Jay is running for office because we need a change of leadership in Richmond. He’s committed to improving our roads, keeping our schools strong and protecting our environment.

Jay’s resume is impressive. Father, coach and community leader Jay has always answered the call to public service. He recently retired from a thirty-two year career with the Automobile Association of America (AAA) and is turning all of his energy toward serving the voters of the 86th District.

Help Jay Take Back Richmond by CLICKING HERE to contribute to his campaign!

Jay is running against Republican Tom Rust, the author of Virginia’s new traffic tickets known as “abuser fees.” Delegate Rust votes with the Ultra-Conservative Republican leadership 96% of the time!

Tom Rust is extremely vulnerable because of his ties to the unpopular abuser fee legislation and the firestorm around them has only added to Jay’s momentum.

Help Jay seize the momentum in this critical race by contributing today!

Year after a year, Tom Rust grows more conservative voting for whatever the Republican Leadership demands. The citizens of the 86th District are tired of Rust choosing the interests of his party over the voters he is supposed to represent.

House Democratic leader Ward Armstrong says Jay’s race is one of the best opportunities to defeat an incumbent Republican in the entire state. In order to take back the House of Delegates Jay must win in the 86th district!

Jay has a great chance to win in this rapidly changing District. 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 Jay Turn the 86th Blue by contributing to his campaign!

I hope you’ll take a few minutes to learn about Jay at www.jaydonahue4delegate.com/ and consider contributing to his campaign. Jay will make a fantastic delegate and we really need him in Richmond

Sincerely,

Judy Feder

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Wolf Flip Flops on SCHIP

Yesterday, Frank Wolf flip flopped on the reauthorizing the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Back in August, Wolf voted the other way. As Judy Feder said at the time:
It is inexcusable, and it's just plain wrong. Frank Wolf voted against the 137,000 Virginia children who already get their health care coverage through the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) and the 171,642 other Virginia children who have no health insurance at all.
Yeah, politicians flip flop all the time, but this one's particularly messed up. Why? Because children's health care isn't something you're against one month and then for the next. I mean, what changed, besides the fact that Judy Feder harshly criticized Wolf on his vote against children's health the last time around? Well, that's great on one level -- Wolf is acting better now that he's got a strong Democratic challenger. But frankly -- yes, the pun is intended -- we need a congressperson who will fight for children's health care all of the time not just when it makes sense for them politically. Yet another good reason why it's long past time for a change in the 10th district. Go Judy Feder!

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

New Feder for Congress Website

Check out Judy Feder's new website, including features like "host a house party," "write a letter," "invite your friends," and "talk to me." Feder's also got the latest news from both traditional and new media, plus press releases and a "Meet Judy" section. Nice job!

Monday, September 24, 2007

Bush and Wolf: SCHIP's Off the Ol' Block

Incredibly, George W. Bush is threatening to veto the State Children's Health Insurance Program, or SCHIP, a "national program in the United States designed for families who earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid, yet cannot afford to buy private insurance." Even more incredibly, Frank Wolf apparently agrees with Bush.
The House of Representatives received a significant amount of praise from people of all political views when it passed the Children’s Health and Medicare Protection Act — the CHAMP ACT — yesterday. This legislation reauthorized the State Children’s Health and Insurance Program, which was necessary because Bush and his Republican cronies hoped to drastically cut funding to the program, and should help to provide 5 million children throughout the country with health care coverage.

While the CHAMP ACT did pass, it appears as though Congressman Frank Wolf decided that he would vote against ensuring that over 300,000 children in Virginia result proper health care coverage. Luckily, voters from Virginia’s 10th Congressional District will have the opportunity to elect a new representative next November.

In an email statement released by her campaign earlier today, Judy Feder (who ran against Wolf last year and will do so again in ’08) stated that she fully supports the CHAMP Act. Furthermore, the statement continued, Wolf’s vote was “inexcusable” because he “voted against the 137,000 Virginia children who already get their health care coverage through the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) and the 171,642 other Virginia children who have no health insurance at all.”

George W. Bush and Frank Wolf are apparently "SCHIPs" off the ol' block. Sad.

Friday, September 21, 2007

Wolf Flip Flops on Earmarks

Frank Wolf is now for disclosing earmarks? Well, isn't that fascinating...could have sworn it was just last year that Frank Wolf voted against a similar measure. At the time, Wolf got heavily criticized for his opposition to earmark reform. Now, he apparently has had a change of heart...or strategy, or something.

The fact is, if Frank Wolf could have done this last year. Also, if Wolf really wanted full disclosure, he could willingly release his own record without waiting for the bill to pass. But, of course, this is something Wolf steadfastly refused last year when challenged to do so by Judy Feder.

The bottom line: if Frank Wolf wants to let the sunshine in, he ought to start by letting the light shine on his own house. Once again, Frank Wolf fails to lead by example.

Thursday, September 20, 2007

Frank Wolf Giveth With One Hand...

...and taketh with the other hand. As is well known, Frank Wolf has consistently voted against funding for crucial stem cell research that could lead to cures diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s, and Juvenile Diabetes. Of course, knowing how overwhelmingly out of step he is with the 10th district on this issue, Wolf has always tried to obfuscate his true position on this issue, claiming to simply oppose federal funding for stem cell research but not the actual research itself. That's utter nonsense, of course; the practical effect of Wolf's opposition to fund stem cell research is to hold back cures for the diseases mentioned above.

That's why it's particularly galling to read press releases like this, "Wolf Cosponsors Measure to Help Fight Juvenile Diabetes." Wonderful, Congressman, you support increasing funding for juvenile diabetes, but you OPPOSE the crucial stem cell research that could cure it! You must really think you're clever at times like this, huh? Well, fortunately we'll only have to put up with this cleverness for another year or so, when Judy Feder takes your place and fully supports Federal funding for stem cell research. Go Judy!

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Judy Feder for Bruce Roemmelt!

It's great to see Judy Feder campaigning hard for Bruce Roemmelt against anti-choice, anti-stem cell research, far-right social conservative Bob Marshall. Who's Frank Wolf campaigning for? Right-wingers like Patricia "Dick Black Cat-Woman" Phillips and the scandal-tarnished right-winger Jill Holtzman-Vogel? I'll take the Judy/Bruce combo any day!
In my recent hard-fought campaign, I depended on the heart, soul and generosity of volunteers and supporters like you. Although I will begin my next campaign in earnest after the November elections, I ask for your help now on behalf of a fellow Virginia Democrat in the 10th District.

One of our most committed volunteers and supporters in 2006 was Bruce Roemmelt.

Bruce is a retired fire fighter from Prince William County with over 40 years of service in public safety. He is also a college professor at The George Washington University, and he served his country in the Navy for four years, including a year spent in Vietnam.

Will you help my friend, Bruce Roemmelt, unseat Bob Marshall - one of the most divisive and obstructive members of Virginia's General Assembly?

With your help Bruce can build on his phenomenal effort in 2005 and take it over the top this November. As a first time candidate, Bruce received over 44 percent of the vote in a district in which a local Democrat had never won more than 30 percent!

Bruce worked tirelessly on my behalf last year in my effort to bring change to Washington. We couldn't have done as well as we did without his support. I hope you will help Bruce in his campaign to change Richmond by contributing today!

www.electroemmelt.org

In the remaining days and weeks, Bruce will focus on controlling growth, improving transportation, stopping the Dominion power line and developing a state policy on conserving energy that will benefit consumers.

With the issues on his side, Bruce is poised to implement an aggressive grassroots and media strategy to take his message to the voters and defeat Bob Marshall in November.

The volunteers are in place and the plan is ready to be implemented, but we need your help. Please contribute to Bruce Roemmelt today!

Bruce is going to win. Just like Senator Webb, he will be the last seat necessary to change the majority - this time in Richmond.

Please donate $250, $100, $50 or even $25 to his campaign. Every dollar makes a tremendous difference.

I hope you will contribute and volunteer on Bruce's behalf in these critical remaining weeks. You can sign up to make phone calls and write personal postcards for Bruce at www.electroemmelt.org You can always join him and his team every Saturday and Sunday for volunteer canvasses.

Thank you for your commitment to making Virginia a better place to live, work and raise our families. Together we can bring meaningful change to Richmond.


Sincerely,

Judy Feder


Contributions solicited by Judy Feder for Congress are subject to the prohibitions and limitations of the Federal Election Campaign Act. The law prohibits us from accepting or soliciting contributions from corporations, labor unions, and foreign nationals who are not admitted for permanent residence. All contributions must be made from personal funds and may not be reimbursed by any other person. Federal law prohibits candidates for federal office from soliciting contributions on behalf of any candidate for office in excess of $2,300 per election cycle. Contributions are not deductible for income tax purposes.

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

New Air Traffic Tower Opens at Dulles; How About Metro, Frank?

I'm glad to see that a new air traffic control tower has opened at Dulles Airport. The Fairfax County Times article quotes Frank Wolf as "reminisc[ing] about how Dulles was once considered to be 'way out' from the city, a laughingstock when it opened in 1962 for those who thought the airport would never see any measure of success."

Well, today "Dulles ranks as the 14th busiest airport in the nation and is poised to grow even further," with "over 20 million passengers who travel through Dulles each year" and "passenger volumes [that] are expected to more than double by 2025." That's great, except for one problem: how the heck are those 40 million people per year going to get to and from the airport? Are they all going to drive their cars, bringing complete gridlock to the Dulles corridor? Or, will we finally see Metro to Dulles built?

On that latter question, the issue right now is very simple: leadership. The fact is, the vast majority of northern Virginians want to see Metro to Dulles, but they also want to see it done right. That means three things: 1) competitive bidding to get the best price available; 2) a tunnel in Tysons, so the region can benefit from the "smart growth" that will flow from that; and 3) an open, transparent process that involves the public in all aspects of this tremendously important project. Sad to say, Frank Wolf has failed the people of the 10th district on all three of those points: 1) a no-bid deal to "Big Dig" Bechtel; 2) a disruptive, penny-wise-pound-foolish and anti-smart-growth "aerial" option in Tysons; and 3) secrecy and evasiveness from Wolf and other political leadership on this multi-billion-dollar, hundred-year project.

Unfortunately, Frank Wolf is like an aircraft carrier; once he makes up his mind on something, he doesn't change it, even if the facts indicate that he should do so. That's the case with the Iraq War, and that's the case with Metro to Dulles. Today, there's great technology that can drill tunnels quickly and cost effectively, yet Wolf doesn't even want to consider that option. Instead, Wolf apparently prefers the overpriced and wildly unpopular no-bid Bechtel deal for an aerial option in Tysons. Why is that? Does Frank Wolf not care what his constituents think anymore, after all these years in Congress? Or does he simply have other priorities? One really starts to wonder...

Monday, September 17, 2007

Wolf Challenged by Reagan/Goldwater Republican

Just in case you missed it, Frank Wolf has a challenger from his political right: Vern McKinley, self-described Goldwater/Reagan Republican. Here's McKinley on Frank Wolf (bolding added for emphasis):
Congressman Wolf has “gone native” and during 2006 was one of only 24 Republicans voting against basic earmark reforms, such as identifying the member requesting an earmark. During Republican control of the House, he regularly used his powerful position on the Appropriations Committee to insert pork spending. The problem also goes beyond earmarks to broader spending discipline. The National Taxpayers Union assigns an annual rating to all members of the House based on 200 votes on spending, regulatory and tax issues. From 1995 to 2006 Congressman Wolf’s NTU rating has plummeted from 80 (B) to 45 (C-).

I actually agree with McKinley on this line of criticism; Wolf has indeed been part of a party that has gone hog wild with pork barrel spending (not to mention the Iraq war, which could end up costing us $1 TRILLION), running up record deficits in the process. In other words, this is not your father's Republican Party, when fiscal discipline and balanced budgets actually meant something.

Another line of criticism from Mr. McKinley rings true:
Congressman Wolf signed the Contract with America and voted for term limits, yet he is a career politician who has served in Congress for over 26 years. The longer a Member stays in office the more likely that his or her voting record will turn toward advocating big spending and other big government policies.

That really says a great deal about Frank Wolf right there: he promised to abide by term limits but then broke his promise and is now working to become a "lifer" in Congress. Why is that? Is it so much fun voting to rubber stamp George W. Bush on the Iraq war and on opposition to stem cell research? Or maybe Wolf just likes handing out pork? Hard to say, but regardless, it is well past time for a change in the 10th district.

Friday, September 14, 2007

Frank Wolf Out of Energy

In Mark Warner's announcement yesterday, he mentioned energy policy as one of his top priorities. With that in mind, here's where Frank Wolf has been on energy the past few years:

*The first thing we need to keep in mind is that, according to the Center for Responsive Politics, Frank Wolf has accepted $70,833 from the oil and gas industry since 1989. Keep that in mind as you read the rest of these points.

*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.

*In 2005, Wolf voted for a Republican energy bill that allowed drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

*In 2005, Wolf voted to exempt oil and gas industries from some clean-water laws, streamline permits for oil wells and power lines on public lands, and help the hydropower industry appeal environmental restrictions.

*In 2004, Wolf voted against an amendment to increase funding for renewable energy sources by $30 million – 10 percent more than what the underlying bill provided for solar, wind, biomass, geothermal and hydrogen renewable energy programs.

*In 2003, Wolf voted against an amendment to the energy bill instructing the Department of Transportation to reduce the amount of oil consumed by U.S. automobiles by five percent by 2010.

*Wolf supported the efforts of disgraced former Majority Leader Tom DeLay’s plan to make taxpayers subsidize drilling for oil in the Gulf of Mexico.

As we can see, Frank Wolf has plenty of energy when it comes to rewarding his friends in the oil industry. But when it comes to reducing America's dependence on Saudi oil and protecting our environment, Frank Wolf is clearly OUT OF ENERGY.

For this, and for many other reasons, it's time for a change in the 10th District. Help Judy Feder be that change. Thanks.

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Mark Warner in the 10th


Like the vast majority of Virginians, I'm a big Mark Warner fan. So, of course I'm thrilled that he's running for U.S. Senate next year, meaning that Democrats have a great shot at controlling the governor's mansion AND both U.S. Senate seats. Of course, nothing's a done deal, but Mark Warner is a prohibitive favorite for 2008. Which raised the question, what will Mark Warner's impact be in the 10th?

Point #1: Mark Warner has never won the 10th Congressional District. In 1996, he lost it to John Warner 149,550-101,970; and in 2001, he lost it to Mark Earley 115,339-95,373.

Point #2: In 2005, Tim Kaine carried the 10th, 95,200-87,839 over Jerry Kilgore.

Point #3: In 2006, Jim Webb carried the 10th, 120,959-118,132 over George Allen.

Point #4: Note the trend? That's right, Democrats have been performing better and better in the 10th CD. Does anyone think that Mark Warner is going to break that trend against Tom Davis, Jim Gilmore or Pat Buchanan? To the contrary, my guess is that Mark Warner would defeat Jim Gilmore by a significantly wider margin than Kaine defeated Kilgore in '05. If Pat Buchanan is the nominee, it will be a landslide of historic proportions. If Tom Davis runs and manages to secure the Republican nomination -- both of which are looking increasingly doubtful, from what I hear -- the 10th will be closer but my guess is that Mark Warner would still win it.

Point #5: With Mark Warner carrying the 10th, possibly by a wide margin, this only means good things for downballot races like Feder vs. Wolf. Mark Warner/Judy Feder vs. Jim Gilmore/Frank Wolf in the 10th? Is that the politics of the future vs. the politics of the past or what? Unity vs. divisiveness? Competence vs. incompetence? Is this an easy choice or what?

The bottom line is that Mark Warner's going to help Democrats downballot all across Virginia next year. That alone should give Judy Feder a few more points, putting her very much within range of defeating Frank Wolf. This will be verrry interesting.

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

What Feder (and her Dem. opponent) Have Been Up To Recently

In response to criticism from a person who claims to support Judy Feder but is critical of her for being active before the November 6 Virginia General Assembly elections, here's what Judy (and her opponent, Mike Turner) have been up to recently:

1. Turner's campaigning too, as well he should! We both want to take out a nasty old Republican incumbent. He has a website (temporarily down), is doing calltime and hiring staff. He's even posted his calltime average of 3 hours per day on Democratic Gain in an ad for a finance consultant and then finance director.

2. Judy hasn't held a single event for herself, fundraising or otherwise, since getting back in the race in June.

3. Judy's activities thus far are: a) focused on a bad Republican incumbent-- Wolf and b) almost exclusively focused on the civil war we're caught in the middle of in Iraq (that's not waiting for Election Day to pass as it continues to inflict casualties on American service men and women and innocent Iraqi civilians).

4. In that same time, Judy has been VERY active in 2007 races: walking the Frederick County fair with Karen Schultz and the Leesburg 4th July parade with Dave Poisson; going door-to-door for Margi Vanderhye; working Herndon Rocks for Jay Donahue; attending a pancake breakfast for Chuck Colgan and Jeanette Rishell; attending Good ol' Girls, Foust meet-and-greets, the Poisson/Herring office opening and many other '07 events including a full schedule this coming weekend.

5. Through the campaign or personally, Judy has also contributed to: Jay Donahue, Janet Oleszek, Chuck Caputo, Karen Schultz, Dave Poisson, Jeanette Rishell, Margi Vanderhye, Marty Martinez and Susan Buckley. She'll also be sending checks to Bruce Roemmelt, Jeanne West and John Foust) in the next few weeks.

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Monday, September 10, 2007

Frank Wolf's Record on Iraq

With General Devid Petraeus presenting his long-anticipated report on the Iraq surge, the question for 10th district voters is, "How well do we really know the Frank Wolf of today (as opposed to 10, 20 years ago)?" Another question: "Is Wolf still an independently minded moderate, or has he become just another rubber stamp for George W. Bush?" Let's look at his record on the Iraq War for evidence.

*In October 2002, Wolf voted for President Bush’s resolution allowing him to declare war on Iraq.

*In 2003, Wolf voted against a Democratic amendment that required normal competitive bidding procedures be followed in procurement using funds appropriated for Iraq’s oil infrastructure. This measure was aimed at Halliburton, Vice President Dick Cheney’s old company, which received a no-bid contract for oil work in Iraq even before the United States invaded. Wolf sided with Halliburton and against the American taxpayer.

*In May 2004, Wolf voted against a motion calling for the establishment of a select committee to investigate the treatment of detainees in the global war on terrorism, including all allegations of abuse of Iraqi prisoners.

*In 2005, Wolf voted against an amendment to the Defense Authorization bill calling for President Bush to present a plan to Congress to bring the troops home from Iraq.

*In 2005, Wolf voted against an amendment to establish a select committee to investigate reconstruction efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan, including contracting procedures, protection against money laundering, and the allocation of contracts to foreign companies and small businesses.

*In May 2005, Wolf voted against an amendment expressing the sense of Congress that the President should develop a plan for the withdrawal of U.S. military forces from Iraq, and submit this plant to the congressional defense committees.

*In November 2005, Wolf voted to kill a bid by Democrats for the House to begin conducting oversight hearings into a wide range of administration actions and policies relating to the war in Iraq.

Are these the actions of an independent-minded representative? How about one who listens to the wishes of his constituents, the majority of whom voted in 2006 for the U.S. Senate candidate opposed to the war in Iraq? Think about it.

Thursday, September 6, 2007

Frank Wolf on Homeland Security

With regard to Homeland Security, did you know that Frank Wolf...

...voted in 2005 against a border security plan that was consistent with the recommendations made by the 9/11 Commission?

...voted in 2005 against an amendment steering $50 million to states and localities to improve security at hazardous chemical plants?

... voted in 2004 against an amendment requiring inspections of all cargo shipped on passenger airline flights?

...voted in 2004 against an amendment providing $30 million increase to help clean up highly enriched uranium at reactor sites in Russia and elsewhere?

...voted in 2004 against an amendment to increase funding for counter-terrorism programs?

...voted in 2003 against an amendment funding medical emergency preparedness centers to counter the adverse health effects of a terrorist attack using chemical, biological or other weapons of mass destruction?

Just thought you'd like to know what Frank Wolf's been up to on Homeland Security.

Wednesday, September 5, 2007

How Will Wolf Vote This Session?

With Congress back in session, here are a few key votes by Frank Wolf over the past couple of years.

5/24/05: Repeal restrictions on stem cell research? NO
2/16/07: Disapprove of President Bush's "surge" in Iraq. NO
3/23/07: Supplemental funding for the "war on terror" with a timeline for withdrawal from Iraq. NO
4/25/07: "[P]roviding $124.2 billion primarily for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and setting benchmarks and a timetable for the withdrawal of troops from Iraq." NO
5/24/07: "[P]rovide funding in Iraq without setting withdrawal deadlines for troops." YES
7/21/07: "[R}equire the president to begin reducing the number of U.S. troops serving in Iraq 120 days after its enactment and would require most troops to be withdrawn by April 1." NO

Opposed to stem cell research and rubberstamping Bush on Iraq? That's quite a record of accomplishment for Frank Wolf. Can he possibly improve on it this session? Don't hold your breath.

Tuesday, September 4, 2007

The Wolf-Bechtel Connection

From a June 7, 1996 article in the Patriot Ledger:
An influential lawmaker has decided not to recommend limits on federal aid for Boston's Big Dig project in the 1997 federal spending bill for transportation projects. Rep. Frank Wolf, R-Va., chairman of the House Appropriations' transportation subcommittee, has been a critic of the spiraling costs for the Central Artery/Third Harbor Tunnel. But yesterday, before putting his draft spending plan before his subcommittee for consideration, Wolf said some of his concerns have been addressed, and he would not propose a cost cap. Specifically, Wolf said he received information and assurances from the state and the U.S. Department of Transportation that the program is "now under control." ...The General Accounting Office has estimated that the project, when all expenses are tallied -- including such related projects as connector roads -- will cost $10.4 billion. The initial estimate in 1985 was $2.6 billion.

In the end, the Big Dig project up cost $14.6 billion, obviously a monstrous overrun from the original estimate. As if that's not bad enough, according to Wikipedia it "has incurred criminal arrests, escalating costs, death, leaks, and charges of poor execution and use of substandard materials."

And the main company working on the project? You guessed it, Bechtel -- the same company that received a no-bid deal to work on the rail-to-Dulles project (without a tunnel or open, competitive bidding), thanks in part to Frank Wolf. So what is it with this Frank Wolf-Bechtel connection, anyway?

P.S. It's also fascinating that Wolf was willing to suspend federal cost limits for Boston but not NOVA!

Monday, September 3, 2007

Frank Wolf's Term is Up

Actually, Frank Wolf's term should have been up a few months ago.  On March 29, 1995, Wolf voted for a constitutional amendment (as part of Newt Gingrich's Contract with America) that, if it had passed, would have imposed 12-year term limits on members of Congress.  Well, unless I have lost all ability to count, it's been over 12 years since March 29, 1995, and Wolf's still there.  Why is Wolf not keeping his promise?

Sunday, September 2, 2007

About Frank Wolf


Not much to say, apparently...

Frank Wolf's Record


Very impressive, eh?