Energy bill: Dem Senator Byron Dorgan caves in

[Kolesar]

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/11/19/politics/19ENER.html

Consensus on Energy Bill Arose One Project at a Time
By CARL HULSE
Published: November 19, 2003

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 - Senator Byron L. Dorgan, Democrat of North
Dakota, has raised pointed and repeated objections to the way
Republicans met behind closed doors to assemble the wide-ranging
energy measure that was easily approved by the House on Tuesday.

Now Mr. Dorgan and some of his Democratic colleagues in the
Senate are getting behind the bill, calling its provisions for
energy efficiency and greater use of corn-based ethanol a step
in the right direction. In Mr. Dorgan's case, the pot was also
sweetened by a last-minute addition of loan guarantees for a
coal-burning power plant that, under the legislation, is to "be
located in the Upper Great Plains."

...edit...

The extent of the federal largesse is no accident. The authors
cast a wide net to round up votes for legislation that they knew
would contain elements many lawmakers would find objectionable.
So they made sure some major inducements were incorporated,
particularly the initiative to double the demand for corn-based
ethanol, a provision that most farm-state lawmakers will find it
difficult to vote against.
...edit...

[pmbryant]

1. Once again, the taxpayers are getting screwed

I know the government has always been a giant pork operation, but now it seems like that is its sole purpose.

Take from the taxpayers and spread it around to the private interests.

:grr:

Once upon a time, this was called 'corruption'.

--Peter

[salin]

2. CALL THEM... it is our job to give them the spine to block this.

Tell them their concerns were right. The way this bill was handled is what they will be facing for the next YEAR if they do not block this. THERE WILL BE NO DEMOCRATIC PARTY PRESENCE allowed on ANY conference (final bill form) legislation. Not to mention that this bill will put all of us at the mercy of energy companies and the ENRON collapse and the California market manipulation (with MANY energy companies participating) TELLS US that these companies will seek predatory advantage over consumers at any chance and that this bill makes it easier to do just this. This is a wholesale betrayel of taxpayers and ratepayers.

[pmbryant]

3. Thanks, salin

How can we best act if both of our Senators are GOP? Is it useful to call Dem Senators from other states and ask for a filibuster?

Thanks!
Peter

[salin]

4. Several republican senators have said they would support

a fillibuster - so far have read that both Maine Senators will support a fillibuster... and more surprising... conservative NH Senator Gregg has said the same.

NW senators are dealing with a split at home - where many republican/outdoorsmen see this bill as a threat to fishing/hunting etc. If that fits - use that angle.

Some southern senators are dealing with concerns that giving more power to FERC for regulation harms states rights and puts some southern utilities at a distinct disadvantage. Use that push if it fits.

Push the property rights angle - it is WRONG to give FERC the power at the behest of energy companies to take private land through eminent domain - for energy transmissions (towers/wires/pipelines).

Remember in some places the fiscal conservatives in the party are facing a growing backlash (esp in light of "the 87 million) on the HUGE deficit spending. Calls to republicans tying THIS to that spending - and pointing to increases in local and/state taxes as a result of cutbacks on federal spending due to WASHINGTON'S DEFICIT HABBIT - might push some wavering senators over.

[pmbryant]

5. Excellent tips

Thanks, salin! I don't hold out much hope for Cornyn and Hutchison, but I will contact them. Every little bit helps, I'm sure.

:hi:

--Peter

[salin]

6. Somehow I would guess that they are both rather beholden

to big Energy - but let your voice be heard. Too important for them not to hear some REAL discontent (and wonder about the costs - even if the wondering comes after the fact).

[Kolesar]

7. Now Daschle caves in

John McCain sure is fighting it!

[Deaner1971]

8. Can we make a trade?

Let's trade Zell Miller to the Repubs for John McCain and a draft pick!

[Kolesar]

9. The Dems will lose some Senate seats in '04 & the filibuster

There are several seats at risk in the South due to retirements: Graham in Florida, Hollings in SC (I believe).

It is too bad that we cannot knock out a fraud like Voinovich in Ohio.

[Deaner1971]

10. Voinovich

Spike,

At least you don't have to apologize for him. Living here in Ohio, I get to consistantly be embarrassed by my Senators (DeWine would vote for an "Anti-Mike DeWine Bill" if Bush pushed for it). Voinovich and DeWine must go but, they are quickly being gained upon by Gov. Taft who seems devoted to destroying the few parts of Ohio that Voinovich didn't wreck.

[Kolesar]

11. Taft is unpopular. His political career should be over

Of course, that does not mean the voters of Ohio won't put him in the Senate someday (Is that what you meant?). Btw, I live near Cleveland. Welcome to the Underground :hi:

[Deaner1971]

12. Ohio Senate politicos stink

Spike,

Thanks for the welcome. I think Taft would have run but, I think he has done so much damage and become so unpopular that he will have to reassess.

Here are some of the people who took our side and some who betrayed us in the Senate. If they "represent" you, please keep this in mind on election day.

Voted on the good side

INDEPENDENTS

Jeffords, Jim I-Vt.

REPUBLICANS

Chafee, Lincoln R-R.I.
Collins, Susan R-Maine
Frist, Bill R-Tenn.
Gregg, Judd R-N.H.
McCain, John R-Ariz.
Snowe, Olympia R-Maine
Sununu, John R-N.H.


These Senators voted the other way. Please let them know how you feel.

DEMOCRATS

Baucus, Max D-Mont.
Breaux, John D-La.
Conrad, Kent D-N.D.
Daschle, Tom D-S.D.
Dayton, Mark D-Minn.
Dorgan, Byron D-N.D.
Harkin, Tom D-Iowa
Johnson, Tim D-S.D.
Landrieu, Mary D-La.
Lincoln, Blanche D-Ark.
Miller, Zell D-Ga.
Nelson, Ben D-Neb.
Pryor, Mark D-Ark.