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Pelosi, in an e-mail from spokesman Nadeam Elshami, pointed out Thursday that the legislation gave 282,000 of Minority Whip Eric Cantor's constituents tax cuts, in addition to providing tax breaks to Republican Reps. Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia, Scott Garrett of New Jersey and Tom Rooney of Florida.
and:
Pelosi on Wednesday pointed out that Republicans have been to "ribbon cuttings" related to stimulus projects.
As this site and others have pointed out, Capito has tried to take credit for projects funded by the same recovery act that she opposed in lockstep with the House GOP.
I was listening to a national radio show this morning (I think it was Marketplace Morning Report but I'm not sure) and Republican Rep. Shelley Moore Capito (WV-02) was on talking about the 1000 jobs in the Toyota plant near Charleston, many of them "her constituents" and "people she's met."
She went on to say while she's certainly concerned about those jobs, she's more concerned about the safety of her constituents that drive Toyotas on snowy hilly roads. She wants to know Toyota has a safe product.
I think it's great that Capito is embracing the role of government regulation and oversight to ensure that consumers are protected from corporate greed that leads to injury or death. This certainly is a legitimate role for government regulation.
Now, after over a decade in public office with mounting evidence of the detrimental effects of processing and burning coal, and mining coal, when will Capito's concern for her constituents extend to exposure from those hazards?
Surely, Shelley, that's an equally legitimate place for sound government oversight, right?
First, it calls for big cuts in Social Security benefits for everyone currently under 55 years of age. On top of the cuts it also calls for privatizing Social Security.
Basically the exact plan President Bush tried in 2005. Next, it calls for the full privatization and phasing out of Medicare. It'll be replaced by a system of vouchers in which instead of getting Medicare you get a voucher to buy un-reformed private insurance.
Weirdly, with all that, the draft GOP budget doesn't get the federal budget into surplus until sometime after 2060, which seems like a pretty long time. But isn't this sort of a big deal? House Republicans are poised to run in 2010 on slashing or abolishing the two most popular federal government programs -- Social Security and Medicare.
You may remember that Capito brought President Bush to West Virginia to talk up his Social Security privatization plan, so presumably she'll be on board with that.
Really though, someone ought to ask Rep. Shelley Moore Capito (WV-02) what she thinks of her party's budget. And, if she's not for it, what is her plan for reducing the deficit?
The field for the West Virginia Representatives to the U.S. House is complete. Here's the candidates who have filed for office in each of the three district races.
The Candidates
WV-01
Alan B. Mollohan (Democrat) from Fairmont, Marion County
Mike Oliverio (Democrat) from Morgantown, Monongalia County
Cindy Hall (Republican) from Wheeling, Ohio County
Patricia VanGilder Levenson (Republican) from Wheeling, Ohio County
David B. McKinley (Republican) from Wheeling, Ohio County
Sarah Minear (Republican) from Morgantown, Monongalia County
Thomas Stark (Republican) from Parkersburg, Wood County
Mac Warner (Republican) from Morgantown, Monongalia County
WV-02
Virginia Lynch Graf (Democrat) from Charles Town, Jefferson County
Shelley Moore Capito (Republican) from Charleston, Kanawha County
WV-03
Bruce Barilla (Democrat) from Bluefield, Greenbrier County
Nick Joe Rahall II (Democrat) from Beckley, Raleigh County
Lee A. Bias (Republican) from Barboursville, Cabell County
Marty Gearheart (Republican) from Bluefield, Mercer County
Conrad G. Lucas II (Republican) from Huntington, Cabell County
Elliott E. "Spike" Maynard (Republican) from Williamson, Mingo County
What to expect
WV-01 While six different Republicans bloody each other up to face the incumbent Alan Mollohan he'll have, on paper at least, just as tough a challenger in the Democratic primary. The primary challenge from the conservative Democrat Oliverio may be a blessing in disguise for Mollohan if it brings out Mollohan supporters early and awakens a campaign apparatus that was dormant when he ran unopposed two years ago. The national GOP want WV-01 to be a high profile race, but with the recent clearing of Mollohan of any criminal wrong-doing in a long-simmering FBI probe, Mollohan can now focus on building up a war chest. Rep. Mollohan may have to campaign harder than usual, but with the advantages of incumbency he should have no returning for another term.
WV-02 After facing a well-supported and well-financed challenge by DCCC-recruited strong challenge by DCCC-supported* candidate Anne Barth in 2008, Republican Rep. Shelley Moore Capito is breathing a major sigh of relief this year. The DCCC and state Democrat party was unable to recruit any high profile candidates for this race. Democrats are lucky that grassroots activist Graf has stepped up to challenge Capito, so the seat remains contested. Graf benefits from no primary challenge so can immediately focus on Capito and a general election campaign. Capito has 'bought a landslide' two cycles in a row, Graf can only hope Capito is complacent and gets caught by surprise if the Graf campaign catches fire.
* Updated: In my haste earlier, I may have left the wrong impression. To clarify: Anne Barth was well supported by the DCCC once she entered the race; State Sen. John Unger was the original DCCC-recruited candidate up until he unexpectedly dropped out just prior to the filing deadline. Also, although Anne Barth did well with fund-raising, she was still out-spent by Rep. Capito by around 3:1.
WV-03 Incumbent Democratic Nick Rahall will have no problem dispatching Barilla in the primary. Former Democrat Spike Maynard is widely expected to be well funded by Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship and prevail in the Republican primary field. A Rahall vs. Maynard general election will almost certainly be a hugely negative, substance free affair. This race will draw national interest--after all, can you think of any other congressional candidates who have inspired Grisham novels? In the end, the interest will benefit Rep. Rahall's fund-raising and he'll be returned for yet another term.
Republican Rep. Shelley Moore Capito is expected to cruise to an easy victory in 2010. Despite an occasional rumbling over the past year, the DCCC has been unable to recruit a high profile candidate. So far, two Democratic challengers have filed pre-candidacy papers to run for West Virginia's second congressional district.
One of them, Virginia Lynch Graf, introduced herself to voters this week with an op-ed in the Charleston Gazette, Why I'm running for Congress. Here's a good portion of the article:
Over the last nine years, I became drawn to politics because I saw a downward pull in the way government was operating. Deregulation of the financial markets, allowing corporate lobbyists to write political policy and politicians angling over power impelled me to become a better-educated citizen.
[snip]
Why run for Congress in 2010? My passion for turning the government again toward its course of representing people motivates me. Although in our history we have never achieved a perfect democratic republic, we have consistently strived for it.
Why now? In West Virginia, and across America, there is a lack of credibility from those we elect to act for the common good. Devotion to protecting people has been replaced by devotion to political parties.
[snip]
My opponent, Shelley Moore Capito, is one of those obstructionists. She sends out materials about health-care reform filled with simple platitudes and misinformation.
Health-care reform is just one issue in a pattern of choosing corporate interests over citizens' concerns. Corporations who seek tax shelters and government subsidies despite locating overseas and exporting American jobs are a blatant affront to our citizens.
My opponent, and other like-minded politicians, take our people to the laundry with their opposition to corporate controls. Rep. Capito voted against the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act aimed at overhauling financial services regulations and placing new controls on institutions deemed to pose a risk to the entire financial system. She voted against the Lilly Ledbetter Equal Pay for Equal Work, against Helping Families Save Their Homes, and against Pay for Performance Act, which highlights corporate accountability and executive compensation. She voted against veterans' care, clean energy and security, student aid, fiscal responsibility and against a stimulus package aimed at putting people to work.
To constantly favor wealth diminishes opportunities for ordinary citizens to earn decent wages, to receive quality education, and to take care of the health and well-being of their families.
Critical thinking in America is becoming a lost art. TV ads, talk-show hosts and politicians take advantage of the time constraints most Americans have as they work and raise their families. A bombardment of lies, half truths and fear-mongering has replaced honesty. Those engaged in preying on trusting Americans in this manner have become extraordinarily wealthy.
While America is still ranked No. 1 in innovation and entrepreneurship, we see lending institutions strangle that gleaming light offered by small business as they withhold needed funding. Job opportunities are being exported to countries with low labor costs. Just like with the steel industry, manufacturing jobs are almost gone. Political office is fast becoming the domain of the wealthy, who turn their offices into financial feeding grounds.
Graf is hitting many of the same themes we've been "critiquing" Rep. Capito on for years. Here's hoping that Graf has the energy, persistence and resources to get this message out to enough voters to gain traction in the voting booth.
Another email received. More translation needed. Happy to oblige.
Before health care took center stage this week, I had the opportunity to visit Inwood, W.Va., to discuss a high-priority transportation project in Berkeley County.
Remember how wonderful it was when I had a field hearing here in August 2008 about low-income housing and I got the Chair Rep. Waters (D-CA) to come to the Eastern Panhandle right before the election? That was good, right?
I was pleased to welcome my colleague Rep. John Mica, R-Fla., - the ranking Republican on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee - for a roundtable discussion with local transportation and economic development officials.
Now you won't remember, I mean, you can't possibly hold it against him or me, he is just another Republican and not the Chairman.
Monday's roundtable was particularly important in the effort to build support for addressing the congested intersection at Route 11 and Route 51.
I mean, I don't say the R word very much. That should be something, right? He took credit for projects from the stimulus money but had voted against it. Oh, you noticed? Never mind.
I'm hopeful to see this important project, among others, funded when Congress reauthorizes the highway bill within the next year.
But you won't remember how I voted on the Transportation Appropriations, right? You already bookmarked it? Oh, never mind.
If influence and political clout were given for hypocrisy, double talking Republican Rep. Shelley Moore Capito would be a champion legislator instead of a perennial no-name back bencher on Capitol Hill.
The DCCC has unveiled the latest entries into the House Republicans Hypocrisy Hall of Fame, which has now grown to 67 Members. These Republicans have been caught trying to celebrate the benefits of projects they opposed in President Obama's recovery bill, the 2009 Omnibus Appropriations bill, and the Omnibus Public Land Management Act.
"With the economy showing early signs of recovery, it's no wonder that more and more House Republicans are scrambling to take credit for the benefits they opposed," said Ryan Rudominer, National Press Secretary for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. "Times are tough. Hardworking Americans need solutions, not more hypocrisy from the Republican Party of No."
House Republicans Hypocrisy Hall of Fame:
* Representative Shelley Moore Capito (WV-02) - "Capito informed the group that roughly $1.5 million in neighborhood stabilization funds have been made available to West Virginia, and she said the situation that many are facing in the current financial times is heartwrenching. 'It's just breaks your heart,' Capito said." [The Journal; 3/10/09]
Yeah, so heart breaking she voted against the needed relief to help her constituents although she's happy to claim credit for it.
Shelley Moore Capito is a proud member of an extremist party. The organization dedicated to re-electing her and her colleagues to the House of Representatives -- the National Republican Congressional Committee -- made an offensive sexist comment.
Capito is a dues paying member of the NRCC. She owes it to her constituents to condemn the recent statement as sexist.
While she's at it, she might do well to clarify her views on civilian control of the military, too.
After my stunning appearance at the Press Gallery I sent out this email:
Dear XXXXXXXX, How are we going to pay for it? Simply put, it’s critical that we address those concerns and ensure that we’re being good stewards of taxpayer dollars.
Remember, we only ask this question of Democrat Presidential priorities, never of magical Republican voodoo tax cuts. Only Nono Goposaur has magic pixie dust that makes deficits invisible for eight years. Sorry it wore off.
And that’s also why I was shocked by this week’s reports of misconduct by ACORN, an organization which has received more than $50 million in taxpayer subsidies.
Shocked, shocked, I say, that this organization the Pres. Bush funded over his eight years for about $40 million of that $50 million would accused of having a few bad employees, you know like that whole torture thing, just a few bad apples. And that they were taped like ABC taped Food Lion bleaching bad pork. And those reporters should be found guilty and fined. Never mind.
In the aftermath of the $700 billion financial rescue, the AIG affair and others, our plan puts a premium on ending taxpayer funded bailouts of failed firms. Simply put, we cannot continue to have taxpayers foot the bill for the poor decisions of others.
Now, you don't remember that is was the guy who visited every Fourth of July so we could hang out together, who started all this, do you? And isn't it sweet how I get to vote last, and am protected from this hard votes that the boys took?
And just yesterday I joined a wide bipartisan majority in the House of Representatives in supporting a measure to halt the flow of federal tax dollars to ACORN because the behavior exhibited on the recently-surfaced videos simply isn’t acceptable for an organization receiving taxpayer support.
Because after they lost $9,000 million in Iraq due to sloppy accounting I did not care about, we need that $50 million for things like my earmarks. Isn't it nice that the Democrat Chairman stuck up for me. Then I voted NO on the final bill. A girl has to do what a girl has to do.
# Flake #5: Eliminates $250,000 in project funding for construction and renovation of the welcome center at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park in West Virginia. This project will replace a trailer facility and improve the image and functionality of the park for tourists. Rep. Capito requested this project.
Chairman Obey recommends that Members VOTE NO.
But support increased Pell Grants or reduced costs to the taxpayers for federally backed student loans or increased support for community colleges? See you soon at the Blue Ridge Community and Technical College! ACORN! Wolverines!
As always, please don’t hesitate to contact my office with your thoughts, ideas and concerns. It’s an honor to serve you and your family.
Debate and votes on amendments have been going on over the lasttwo days. My understanding is that this claws back the fees and subsidies to private banks for making student loans, re-invests 88% of those the savings back into community colleges, schools in areas with natural disasters and increases in Pell Grants, then returns $10 billion over ten year to the General Fund. Some colleges already have decided to skip private banks.
Agreeing to the Rule for Debate #703 241-175 Mollohan AYE
Rahal AYE
Ca-pee-toe NO
And since there are no funds for ACORN in the bill, Rep. Issa (R-CA) has a motion to recommit and amend the bill to defund ACORN. (I consider it a cheap trick.) #718 345-75 Mollohan NO
Rahal NO
Capito AYE
Final Passage H.R. 3221 to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965, and for other purposes #719 253-171 Mollohan AYE
Rahal AYE
Ca-pee-toe NO
I wonder why Charleston Newspapers never reported that Republican Rep. Joe Wilson (R-Loudmouth) and our very own Shelley Moore Capito (R-Hypocrite) actually BOTH voted in lockstep with Bush Rubberstampeders to provide federal funds for illegal immigrants' healthcare?
The rubberstamping Repub votes came during the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003, which contained Sec. 1011. At that time, they authorized $250 million annually between 2003 and 2008 for government reimbursements to hospitals which provide treatment for uninsured illegal immigrants.
From last Friday's email. I just got around to translating it tonight.
Dear XXXXXXXX,
The last few weeks have taken me across the Second District from the Eastern Panhandle, to Buckhannon and into Putnam and Jackson Counties in the Kanawha and Ohio River Valleys. I've heard from many of you along the way with your thoughts and concerns ranging from energy to the all-important healthcare debate.
I stopped a couple of places to claim credit for grants or the stimulus money that I did not vote for, but mostly I prefer to keep an arms distance with those sanitary phone town halls.
Thank for taking the time to write to me or for taking the time to stop and say hello. I appreciate hearing from you.
Haven't I gotten good at responding with utterly unrelated political mush these eight years, neither acknowledging your existence nor making a strong argument for my position? Sometimes I do in those one minutes speeches, but nobody watches CSPAN, right?
As I traveled from stop to stop, it became even clearer that West Virginia truly embodies what it means to be an energy state. Over the course of a week I visited an Upshur County home using geothermal energy, a Pendleton County Habitat for Humanity site engaged in "green" building, and multiple homes powered by wind and solar energy. I also spent time with researchers at MATRIC and West Virginia State University, where they're making important strides in new energy technology.
I am so glad I do not have to bother my beautiful mind with those with bad water like Nicky Ray does. And forget that those homes may have been where the pesky people Eastern Panhandle are with all the wind and solar alternates.
And throughout my energy tour, healthcare remained one of the most important issues on the minds of the West Virginians with whom I met. And during stops across the district, in meetings with constituents and in my phone calls and emails, there is no shortage of opinions when it comes to how best to reform our healthcare system.
I know you have opinions, but I will have to check with the guy with a tan to see if I can vote for reform that would help you out. Is Jack Abramoff out yet?
Those who like their current insurance coverage, must truly be able to keep it without fear of being moved into a government-run plan.
So, I heard about those death panels and I guess we have to use them to keep people off of Medicare. Oh, I mean one of the sorority sisters took chemistry, and she hasn't found the fountain of youth.
There is bipartisan consensus on issues like ending coverage denials based on pre-existing conditions, promoting wellness and insurance portability, and seeking lower cost options for the uninsured. My hope is that when Congress is back in session in September we can focus on these areas of agreement.
How did I know Grassley and Enzi were going to go a kamikaze on us this weekend. You know, I'm not really a Republican, right?
As always, please don't hesitate to contact my office with your thoughts and concerns.
We just love hearing from the little people, don't we Daddy?
Republican Rep. Shelley Moore Capito loves her some ribbon cutting ceremonies and closed door appearances in front of friendly audiences. When it comes to talking impromptu with a well-informed constituent, not so much so.
Is she so scared of answering difficult questions from constituents she would stoop to using local cops as screens? It sure looks that way.
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One of them, Virginia Lynch Graf, introduced herself to voters this week with an op-ed in the Charleston Gazette, 
