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According to the Charleston Gazette the Senate Finance Committee has killed a key component to the the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in West Virginia. The article says the bill lost on a voice vote lead by Republicans but since there are only three Republicans on the committee according to the legislative website there had to be Democrats that voted it down as well.
I attended a public hearing in Fairmont on the health insurance exchange and it was stated if the State does not operate the exchange we will miss out on tens of millions of federal grant dollars and defer to the federal government the decisions on how to operate an exchange in West Virginia. The speaker said hundreds of thousands of West Virginians would be covered by the exchange. The exchange makes coverage available to individuals and small businesses and provides tax subsidies for expensive private insurance. WV health advocacy groups like the AARP, WVAHC, and labor unions have made the exchange a priority on their legislative agendas.
How can Democrats turn their backs on implementing legislation that expands coverage to so many West Virginians? Not sure if something like this can be amended into another bill or revived somehow but something needs to be done about this.
The Senate Health Committee has passed out an increase in the WV tobacco tax. The money produced by the tax would go to health care for the poor, paying down long term debts, and tobacco prevention efforts.
Senator Truman Chafin and Senator Earl Ray Tomblin have undercut the effort with grandstanding and obstructionism. Chafin made a big fuss in Finance Committee with something about coal miners smoking cigarettes and people crossing the border to other states. Chafin was dressed down by Senator Roman Prezioso, who said,
I think the real hypocrite is the guy that stands on the sidelines, that panders to his constituents.
On the House side, Earl Ray Tomblin apparently told Tobacco Prevention experts not to attend a public hearing on the tobacco tax. This was pointed out by Twilight Campfighter in another post here on Blue.
Yesterday there was a public hearing in the House chambers over the proposed tobacco tax hike. Tomblin opposes it because, well, you know, cigarette machines, Southern Amusement, all that. Anyway, at an open public hearing on tobacco you would expect to hear from the state tobacco prevention experts at DHHR. But there were no DHHR folks there. None. Standing room only but no state tobacco experts. Tomblin ordered DHHR to stay away. This is the kinda guy you're getting, people. He's the Chamber's man, the Coal Association's man, and Manchin's man. And very likely your next Governor.
The tax increase of $1 would place West Virginia at #23 nationally in state tobacco taxes, behind Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Washington DC and within a few cents of Ohio and the national average. Hell, people from Oakland, Maryland come over to Terra Alta all the time to buy cigarettes and would still come if this law passed because Maryland's cig tax is $2 and this increase would bring WV's to only $1.55.
West Virginia has one of the nations highest smoking rates and one of the most chronically ill populations. Tomblin and Chafin are not leaders- they are shills for the lobbyist with the biggest pocketbook. A shame the people of WV can't afford their price.
Joe Manchin is hurting the working uninsured in West Virginia and it makes me sick. This guy never ceases to amaze me. Manchin is posturing to undercut the most important Democratic policy achievement of the last three decades. Not only is he exposing himself as a rube in Washington DC but the K Street lobbyists seem to have him in their back pocket.
Manchin has indicated that he would roll back the expansion of health insurance for the working poor under Medicaid. This is suppose to cover about 180k West Virginians. Manchin has also said he would roll back the insurance mandate. Apparently without the mandate the coverage expansions for those receiving subsidies are not possible. I read a Rockefeller quote that indicated something like 170k West Virginians would be eligible for these subsidies. That is 350k West Virginians that Manchin is throwing under the bus.
He must be getting his talking points from the RNC or the Chamber of Commerce because he certainly doesn't care about the plight of the common West Virginian. Manchin is an embarrassment and he is hurting our State without his ineptitude.
In Senator Manchin's highly-disturbing first speech on the senate floor, our backwards-thinking senator made plans to present a bill that would gut the Environmental Protection Agency's ability to enforce permits.
The senator will use his maiden speech on the Senate floor today to trumpet legislation he is introducing that would prevent the Environmental Protection Agency from revoking Clean Water Act permits that have already been finalized, his aides tell POLITICO.
Well, Senator Manchin did indeed use his first speech for a ghastly attack on the EPA and promised to bring his bill to the floor with "bipartisan" support for stone-age Republicans and a few Democrats with antiquated environmental philosophies.
At stake here is the EPA's ability to revoke permits according to a mining company's fidelity to the Clean Water Act. The particular mining site is Spruce Mountain, the largest mountaintop removal site in West Virginia.
Please call Senator Manchin's office and tell him to revoke the bill. Tell him that you are against mountaintop removal and that you favor the EPA having the ability to enforce its policies, particularly when communities are threatened with environmental devastation, as with mountaintop removal.
Washington, D.C. office:
202-224-3954
Charleston office:
304-342-5855
Eastern Panhandle office:
304-264-4626
Then report back here that you indeed called and what the response was for his office. Let's stop Manchin's attack on the EPA before he introduces the bill.
Update: See update at bottom of post that corrects a (major) factual error.
Before I remind everyone why Carte Goodwin is the right person to the serve as West Virginia Senate President, acting Governor, I want to dispense of one objection.
Senate Rules
There is nothing in past state Senate rules that says the Senate president needs to be an elected member of the Senate. In fact, of the 4 elected Senate offices, the President is the only one regularly held by a member of the Senate.
The amended rules agreed upon by the majority of the Democratic caucus for the 2011 West Virginia state Senate are also moot on the question of eligibility for Senate President.
Current Challenges
With that objection out of the way, let's review the major political controversy of the moment.
There are two major challenges at hand:
1. A constitutional challenge: Our constitution states that no one can serve in the legislative and executive departments (a.k.a. branches) at the same time. That's the crux of the on-going lawsuit, that someone elected as a State Senator is ineligible to serve as acting Gov.
2. A political challenge: There is no shortage of people who want to be elected as Gov. of West Virginia. As citizens of this fine state, we should all be proud to have so many well qualified candidates to lead our state. Alas, we're just not sure how long we're going to have to wait to choose among them.
Meanwhile, only one person can act as Gov. while we wait for an election. Of course, all those other fine folks who can't act as Gov. want the election sooner rather than later. To complicate matters, it may well be the person who is acting as Gov. who gets to decide exactly when!
Solution
Fear not, here is a solution: a caretaker acting Governor.
As it happens, West Virginia is also blessed with an experienced caretaker at hand. Carte Goodwin showed himself quite capable at filling in as a United States Senator on short notice.
If then Gov. Joe Manchin thought Carte Goodwin was qualified enough back then to serve in Joe's next job, surely Carte is qualified enough now to serve in Joe's last job.
Along with the new 2011 Senate rule changes adopted by the Democratic caucus, the constitutional crisis can be is when someone other than a Senator being elected as Senate President.
Because the newly elected Senate President then immediately takes the office of acting Governor, as long as they never perform any other Senate duties, the separation of branches will be maintained.
Further, Carte Goodwin has expressed no interest in running for Governor. He was quite satisfied to return to private life after serving as a United State Senator. As acting Gov. his attention will be fully on being Gov., not on winning re-election, too.
This is, admittedly, a creative and unexpected solution.
Extraordinary times call for extraordinary solutions.
The Senate shall choose, from its own body, a president; and the House of Delegates, from its own body, a speaker. Each house shall appoint its own officers, and remove them at pleasure.
It just goes to show what a mess the state of West Virginia laws are in.
The best alternative I've heard of is having either the Sec. of State or the State Auditor also serve as the Lt. Gov., serving in the Gov.'s place during their absence. Then, with less than a year left in a term elections completed in 90-120 days.
If you agree that we need a better defined governor succession plan to avoid legal cases and constitutional ambiguity in the future, contact your state legislators (we've each got two state Senators and one House member) and let them know.
Tomblin has undercut his own argument that there should not be an election until 2012. Tomblin's deep involvement in the current debate in the Senate over proposed rule changes proves perfectly why there should be a special election for Governor as soon as possible- to protect the separation of powers between branches of government.
Tomblin could have cleanly cut a political deal with the Kessler camp but has instead allowed his former leadership team to wage a war against Kessler that threatens the sanctity of the Democratic Caucus.
Foolishly, Tomblin found himself voting in caucus proceedings and making public comments supporting the status quo of his dual authority to appoint leadership in the Senate and serve as acting Governor.
Making matters worse, Tomblin appears to have given Kessler some type of assurance that he would support the rule change allowing the Senate to select a Senate President Pro Tempore under these most extraordinary of circumstances and has since, apparently, tried to back out of that deal.
It is likely that Tomblin is feeling a lot of pressure from the core of his own leadership group that faces the strong chance of being kicked to the back row of the Senate as leadership changes. Particularly folks like Truman Chafin, Walt Helmick, and Joe Minard are at risk of losing a lot of power in this shift.
Beyond that, do not think that there is not a stark difference between the moderates in the Kessler camp and the conservatives in the Chafin-Minard camp. Minard has even called the Kessler camp labor friendly liberals, which while not a bad thing in my opinion is an exaggeration of facts. Those in the Kessler camp are moderate progressives, many with interesting ideas on how to change the status quo in the State. They are not, however, left wing.
I have read on the Blue blog that some think a special election to be too costly. Perhaps it is costly but the alternative is a fundamental breakdown in long held democratic practices via the checks and balances in our wonderful Democratic system. Those that have defended Earl Ray Tomblin's ability to be acting Governor under the premise that he will take a hands off approach to proceedings in the WV Senate have been proven wrong.
Tomblin should call a special election immediately and Senator Kessler should take control of the Senate until a special election is held. Otherwise, maybe the group of 17 should rethink their vote and push Kessler into the acting Governor role, a move would result in a quick special election and the protection of the sanctity of democratic ideals.
You've been in office less than a month and I'm already sorry I voted for you. Why are you against tax cuts for the middle class? Why are you against a bill that would help us finally get the deficit under control? Why did you essentially support the Republicans in their bid to obstruct every single thing we try to do to make this country better? You voted to not even TAKE A VOTE on middle class tax cuts. What possible reason could you have for doing this?
After what was apparently a pretty interesting Senate meeting, Senator Jeff Kessler of Marshall County has positioned himself as the front runner to take charge of the Senate as Governor Tomblin presides over the State as the acting chief executive.
This is excellent news for progressives and a great turn of events for West Virginia. Kessler is currently the Senate Judiciary Chairman and one of the sharpest legal minds in the State. Many progressives may recall his impassioned defense of anti discrimination legislation over the past few years. Kessler has also taken strong stances on health reform issues; limiting the influence of money on WV elections; and eliminating the regressive sales tax on food to name a few of many strong policy positions. In a move that may not sit well for some liberals but that I personally feel strongly about, Kessler has also been a strong supporter of Second Amendment rights, making national news by taking on Mayor Bloomberg's unconstitutional gun stings out of NYC.
According to the Daily Mail, the vote to choose the next leader of the Senate came down to Kessler, Green, and McCabe. I do not know much about Green, but I think Brooks McCabe could be the most innovative policymaker in West Virginia. McCabe threw his support to Kessler, and likely the support of his Kanawha delegation, and pushed Kessler over the top.
As Senate President Pro Tempore and the de facto leader of Senate Democrats, Kessler would be able to shake up the current leadership. We could potentially see someone like McCabe as Senate Finance Chair and a replacement for the unpopular Majority Leader, Truman Chafin. Not sure if these moves will take place but the most important position in the Senate would belong to one of the State's best Democrats. Here is to Senator Kessler and hoping that he leads the upper chamber this coming Session. Better days are coming for West Virginia.
It's election day, and perhaps we should note our experiences voting and whether anything noteworthy happened.
Here in Charleston, it is a quiet day, and you wouldn't know it was Election Day 2010. I'm heading after work to vote in my first major election in the state and will be voting mostly Democratic, including the wonderful Virginia Graf -- with the exception of voting Jesse Johnson for U.S. senate.
Many other folks I know have either voted in person via early voting at the Kanawha Court House or voted early this morning. I'm heading to my South Charleston firehall to vote this afternoon.
One interesting race to watch out of Kanawha will be the County Circuit Judge race between Carrie Webster and Dan Greear, which has been particularly nasty. I can't imagine Greear, a Republican, winning the seat, but it isn't impossible.
What's going on your neck of the woods? Any local elections that you're keeping your eye on?
Today is judgment day and I just decided this morning that I will loan my vote to Joe Manchin to be our next U.S. Senator. This decision was going to be hard regardless of whether or not I voted for Manchin or wrote in a throw away vote. This was not an easy decision, but I would feel even greater guilt if I woke up tomorrow morning and John Raese was West Virginia's Senator.
Manchin's Flaws
As many of you know, I have berated Manchin's campaign for its cowardice in running against President Obama. I have ridiculed the Manchin camp for undercutting core Democratic principles, doing what I think will be long term damage to the Democratic brand in West Virginia. Manchin's selfishness will not be forgotten and neither will the complicity of those in the WV Democratic Party leadership encouraging his cowardly campaign tactics.
The day after the primary I wrote that I would vote for Manchin:
I will likely vote for Manchin in the special election as long as he does not go off the deep end distancing himself from Obama. I disagree with Manchin on social issues, the environment, and am ashamed of his perpetual bow to the coal bosses. I know I will never agree with Manchin's radical support of Corporate Coal but there are other issues out there that must be considered. Beyond that, Manchin will be the best candidate on the ballot and the balance of power in the Senate must remain in Democratic hands.
Not the most ringing endorsement but considering the other guy, there was a lot of factors to consider in the calculation of my vote. Also the day after the primary I wrote this of Raese:
Looks like John "rich man" Raese bought his way into the special election. I guess growing up with a silver spoon in your mouth does have its perks. Thankfully I get a chance to vote against the Floridian. Raese will make this election with Manchin a referendum on Obama and I say bring it on. Once you get passed the empty talk radio talking points and get to substance then you realize that Obama has did a hell of a job given all the problems he was left by the GOP. There is a lot more the Dems need to accomplish and we truly cannot afford to reverse course like the radical right wing wants us to do.
Seemed simple enough except Manchin did go off the farm in distancing himself from Obama. In late September, early October I started writing a series of posts on FB and Blue about Manchin's dangerous campaign. On October 12 I wrote:
Joe Manchin is running against people like me. I am a West Virginia Democrat...How I wish this were just about John Raese and his policies. Manchin has taken that away from us by trying to be John Raese. It did not have to be this way...I am not going to vote for Joe Manchin unless he makes an obvious effort to come back from the right wing fringe and defend core Democratic principles. Our vote is our only real leverage against self serving politicians and unless we take a stand here then I fear the template will be set in the West Virginia Democratic Party for years to come. Undercut the weak kneed base and go for the propagandized right wing vote- there are no repercussions.
There are repercussions. Manchin was undercutting the base and lost thousands of moderates and progressives in the process, most of which will just stay home today, ultimately pulling down the ticket for other Democratic candidates as well.
Manchin Saves Campaign
Early to mid October were bleak for Manchin. He was down in the polls and getting battered by huge sums of cash from shadow 527 groups and the Raese fortune. I thought he was going to go even further to the Right and bring down the entire Democratic Party with him. Due to pressure from Dems all over the State, Manchin pivoted back to the base. It started during the Daily Mail editorial board interview where Manchin defended the role of government as a safety net. Manchin's ads started slamming Raese on issues like Social Security and the minimum wage. Manchin placed a huge caveat on his support of extending the Bush tax cuts for the rich (really the point where he lost me in late September) by saying that you can't eliminate those tax cuts "during an economic downturn," which is a compromise position that I do not agree with but can at least compromise on myself. Despite having flip flopped on his support of health reform, he began to defend core components of it, saying that he agrees with several of the core principles. He remarked on health care:
The only people without a guarantee (of health insurance) are working people", the governor said.
Manchin quit trying to outflank Raese on the insane and positioned himself as someone that would work with everyone- often touting his endorsements by labor and business. Manchin even said he wanted to work with the President:
He's my president, he's your president. I think it's a shame...when people are rooting for their leaders to fail...You can't continue to divide and be against everything.
Raese's arrogant response:
I just don't sit there and tell a lot of people in the state of West Virginia or the United States, 'Yeah, these are problems and we can work together,' " Raese said. "Well, there are bigger problems than, 'We can work together.'
After that Manchin dominated Raese in the debate, defending both his independence and core Democratic values. All the while, Raese continued hammering Manchin with just one message, "Manchin = Obama."
In some ways Raese is right. Obama needs Joe Manchin in the Senate Democratic Caucus. Obama needs Manchin's vote on the minimum wage, extending unemployment benefits, and education. Raese would vote against Obama even if he knew it would hurt the country. We just cannot afford that type of blind divisiveness and arrogance. Ultimately, Raese not only showed that he has radical positions but also that he would be unwilling to work with anyone that disagreed with him. Manchin beats Raese hands down on this metric.
Conclusion
We need Joe Manchin in the Senate Democratic Caucus but we must watch him like a hawk. When I started this post I said that I was going to loan Manchin my vote. Well, Manchin has to run again in two years and you better believe someone like Raese will be spending millions and millions of dollars to beat him. Manchin is likely going to win by the edge of his teeth today because he disenfranchised so many in the Democratic base. Enough of us will come back to push him to victory but if he goes to Washington and positions himself to the Right of Tom Delay then he can be guaranteed a loss next time. Just remember this Joe Manchin, you can capitulate to the radical Right all you want but in this polarized political climate these folks are voting for that R beside the candidates name. Don't forget the values of the people that allowed you to get into this position.
Thanks for taking the time to read my attempt to justify a difficult vote and for the 110,000 that did not early vote, get out there today and vote against John Raese.
Just when you thought the U.S. Senate couldn't do any less for clean energy and the environment than it's (not) done so far, we now face the real possibility of what would amount to a "stop-work order" on the 40-year-old, wildly successful (e.g., studies finding benefits outweighing costs at a 40:1 ratio), Clean Air Act.
That's right: believe it or not, Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) is moving ahead with a sequel to Sen. Lisa Murkowski's nefarious attempt, earlier this summer, to gut the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s power to protect the public health from dangerous pollutants, including harmful greenhouse gases. Just as bad, Rockefeller's proposal would keep America addicted to oil and other old, polluting energy technologies, while delaying or derailing our switch to a clean, prosperous energy economy.
Essentially, what Rockefeller is proposing would tell the EPA – at least for two years, although we know that justice delayed is often justice denied! - that it has to be asleep at the switch, that it must not hold polluters accountable, that it must look the other way whole Big Oil and Big Coal trash the environment. Is that the lesson the Senate learned from the Gulf of Mexico disaster? Really?
Fortunately, not everyone is so clueless as the U.S. Senate appears to be right now. For instance, in yesterday's Politico, two energy investors – one Democrat, one Republican – explained what's at stake in clear, compelling language.
We are not experts in vote counting or horse trading. But we do know how investors and markets will respond if Congress ultimately fails to put a market-based price on carbon. The response from capital will be brutal: Money will flow to places like China, Europe and India — and U.S. jobs will go with it.
The path to creating more U.S. jobs is simple: Pass legislation that eliminates uncertainty and levels the playing field, and investors will fund projects that create good jobs here at home. Rules bring certainty, certainty spurs investment, and investment creates jobs.
[...]
Take it from investors: Removing the uncertainty, and taking a more thoughtful approach to energy policy by putting a market price on carbon, can bring home new investments and jobs — and ensure that America leads the clean energy economy.
Instead, it now looks like the Senate not only won't be moving us forwards, but instead will be trying to move us significantly – and disastrously - backwards. What's truly stunning about this possibility is that, right now, the science of climate change is clearer and more disturbing than ever. Heat waves are getting worse, the ice caps are shrinking faster than ever, and scientists are telling us that the world is setting new temperature records almost every month, every year, and every decade. In addition, the results of our insatiable thirst for fossil fuels were demonstrated starkly and tragically, both in a West Virginia coal mine as well as in the Gulf of Mexico, on TV screens all across America in recent months. As if all this isn't bad enough, we also could run out of water.
The American people know this situation can't go on. In fact, recent polls show large majorities supporting an energy bill that would "[l]imit pollution, invest in domestic energy sources and encourage companies to use and develop clean energy...by charging energy companies for carbon pollution in electricity or fuels like gas." In other words, this is a case where good policy – limiting greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing our national security, safeguarding public health, jumpstarting a clean energy revolution – and good politics – strong poll results for doing just that - appear to align. Yet, the U.S. Senate appears ready to ignore both good policy and good politics, and actually move to make matters worse by gutting the EPA and letting polluters like BP off the hook.
Don’t let them do it. Call your Senators right now and tell them "hell no" to the "Let Polluters Pollute with Impunity Act." Also, while you’re at it, call the White House and tell President Obama that, if such a measure reaches his desk, he will veto it – no ifs, ands, or buts.
Take action today for a cleaner, stronger, and more sustainable future. Join NRDC Action Fund on Facebook and Twitter and stay up-to-date on the latest environmental issues and actions you can take to help protect our planet.
The climate bill blame game has begun. When I first started writing this post about the so-called death of the climate bill, I literally pointed the finger at just about everyone, including myself. The anger poured out, and I was frank in my assessment as well as unforgiving in the motives behind this latest setback.
After I was done with my self-loathing tantrum, the kids ran in the door from camp and I was swept up in the lovely reality of my family's banter. It is summer, so the pace in our home is a bit more relaxed in the evening. We aren't quite as quick to rush through dinner, toss the kids in a bath, and then march them off to bed. Ice cream and extra cuddles are relished, and I am reminded each year at this time why I do this job.
Later, after progeny were tucked in, I went back to my draft blog post to spruce it up. I reread my rage, disappointment, and irrational ramblings and was embarrassed. And I asked myself "What good is all this blame going to do?"
At the end of the day, it is my kids - and your kids - who lose when we implode. If you think kids have a lot to say about their parents now on Dr. Phil, can you imagine what our children will say in 50 years should we fail to get our act together?
The country should be ready for this. The facts are on our side. As we witness the worst industry-caused environmental catastrophe in our history, the worst coal mining disaster in 40 years, and sweat through the hottest first 6 months of any year on record, it is clear that there's never been a more urgent time to move forward with a smart clean energy and climate plan.
Unfortunately, the politicians just aren't there. At every juncture during this debate, a minority, led by the Republican leadership and supported by a few impressionable (I might say pathetic) Democrats, has obstructed the opportunity to solve America's energy problems, preferring to leave the worst polluters and the big petro-dictators in control of our energy policy, while tax-payers are forced to pay for their messes.
Oopsy... there goes that blame again. Let's focus on what we can do next.
Hope is not lost. Of course, the closer we get to the midterm elections, the more challenging passing a bill becomes. Still, it's not impossible. In fact, the Senate has passed almost every single bedrock environmental law in the fall of an election year or in the "lame duck" session following an election. Here are just a few examples:
o Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) - 1996 Amendments: 8/6/96
o Food Quality Protection Act: 8/3/96
o Energy Policy Act of 1992: 10/24/92
o Clean Air Act of 1990: 11/15/90
o SDWA - 1986 Amendments: 6/19/86
o CERCLA (Superfund): House 9/23/80, Senate 11/24/80, POTUS 12/11/80
o Resource Conservation & Recovery Act (RCRA): 10/21/76
o Toxic Substances & Control Act (TSCA): 10/11/76
o SDWA: 12/16/74
o Clean Water Act: 10/18/72
o Establishment of the EPA: first proposed 7/9/70, established 12/2/70
o National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA): 1/1/70
o The Wilderness Act: 9/3/64
As this list demonstrates, the Senate and the environmental movement are no strangers to passing major legislation right before - or just after - an election.
I don't want to overpromise success. This is an uphill battle. But if you and I show up to every town hall, rally, spaghetti dinner, and other rituals of election year and fight for our kids... fight for our country... fight for our America... we can turn the tide. Without that kind of passion, we will all lose. That's an outcome we must try hard to avoid, on behalf of people, communities, large and small businesses - oh, and our kids, sleeping peacefully or playing happily around the country.
In the meantime, we must also protect what we already have, like a plethora of state laws and the federal Clean Air Act. I recommend reading David Doniger's blog on Switchboard today that really outlines how we can make progress with the tools we have right now.
In coming weeks and months, we must continue to push forward for a strong, clean energy and climate bill, just like we have done countless times in the past. I am done with blame. History is on our side. Are you?
Take action today for a cleaner, stronger, and more sustainable future. Join NRDC Action Fund on Facebook and Twitter and stay up-to-date on the latest environmental issues and actions you can take to help protect our planet.
Good for Carte, this is a plum set of assignments.
SENATOR GOODWIN ANNOUNCES HIS SENATE COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
**GOODWIN TO SERVE WEST VIRGINIA ON ARMED SERVICES, BUDGET, HELP AND RULES COMMITTEES**
Washington, D.C.-Senator Carte Goodwin today announced that he will serve West Virginia on four Senate Committees: Senate Budget Committee, Senate Armed Services Committee; Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee (HELP); and, the Senate Rules and Administration Committee.
"Serving West Virginia as your Senator for the coming months is my greatest honor, and my new Committee assignments will mean a strong voice at the table for the families of our great state. Having the opportunity to work for West Virginia on the issues that really matter to our state - from economic security and balancing the federal budget, to protecting the brave soldiers who put their lives on the line for our security, to strengthening our education and health care systems - is a responsibility I take very seriously. We need to put people back to work and improve the economy in West Virginia and that is my number one priority. I will work as hard as I can to fight for you in my time in the U.S. Senate."
Yesterday, President Obama met with Senators at the White House and pushed them to pass comprehensive, clean energy and climate legislation. Still, the skeptics are spinning a monotonous web of negativity regarding what is achievable on this front. And, not surprisingly, the "mainstream media" once again has been asleep at the wheel in setting the record straight. Fortunately, we know that when this President rolls up his sleeves, he gets stuff done and delivers on his promises. One thing’s for sure; President Obama is anything but an underachiever!
Along these lines, President Obama held a press conference following the G-20 summit in Toronto. In response to a reporter’s question regarding how he would achieve his deficit reduction goals, the president responded:
For some reason people keep being surprised when I do what I said I was going to do. So, I say I’m going to reform our [health care system], and people say well gosh that’s not smart politics maybe we should hold off. Or I say we’re going to move forward on [Don’t Ask Don’t Tell] and somehow people say well why are you doing that, I’m not sure that’s good politics. I’m doing it because I said I was going to do it, and I think it’s the right thing to do. And people should learn that lesson about me, because next year when I start presenting some very difficult choices to the country I hope some of these folks who are hollering about deficit and debt step up cause I’m calling their bluff.
To that list of accomplishments, we could also add:
Creating or saving 2.2-2.8 million jobs, well on the way to Obama’s February 2009 pledge that he would "create or save 3-and-a-half million jobs over the next two years."
Reforming Wall Street (likely to pass Congress any day now)
Overhauling the student loan market
Reaching a nuclear arms treaty with Russia
We could go on and on, but you get the point: anyone who continues, at this point, to be "surprised" when President Obama gets things done when he puts his mind to it is deep in denial. Or, as a previous president might have put it, they are wildly "misunderestimating" our 44th president.
Clearly, as we’ve seen over the past two years, underachieving is not a problem Barack Obama suffers from. Of course, even a superachiever like Barack Obama has an awful lot on his plate to deal with. And right now, one of the most important things on Obama’s plate is figuring out how to push comprehensive clean energy and climate legislation through the U.S. Senate. Along those lines, yesterday, Obama met with a group of Senators on this issue, reportedly holding firm in his call for putting a price on carbon emissions.
The question at this point is, will President Obama roll up his sleeves and deliver on another of his major campaign promise (as well as a major challenge facing our nation)? Given the long list of accomplishments mentioned above, it certainly wouldn’t be smart to bet against him. The fact is, Barack Obama usually succeeds in whatever he puts his mind to.
Given the nation’s increased focus on energy and climate issues – and the increased support by the American people for taking strong action as a result of the Gulf of Mexico oil disaster – now is clearly the time for boldness and for bluff calling by our nation’s leaders. Today, President Obama has the opportunity to demonstrate once more that, when he rolls up his sleeves, he accomplishes what he says he’s going to do. In sum, today is clearly the moment for President Obama to prove the doubters and naysayers wrong – to call their bluff - yet again!
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As it happens, West Virginia is also blessed with an experienced caretaker at hand. Carte Goodwin showed himself quite capable at filling in as a United States Senator on short notice.
