FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Goodlatte Peer Endorses Rasoul

The Rasoul for Congress campaign today received the endorsement of Mr. Wayne Gilchrest, the Republican Congressman representing the 1st District of Maryland. Mr. Gilchrest sits on the Committees of Natural Resources and Transportation & Infrastructure. Congressman Gilchrest has served with Congressman Goodlatte on many issues common to both regions including this year's Farm Bill and Chesapeake Bay concerns.

Congressman Gilchrest stated, "For 18 years I have served as a Republican member of the House of Representatives. But I am crossing party lines to endorse Sam Rasoul because of his positions on the important policy issues of today. I'm supporting Sam Rasoul because I know that he shares our values and will put principle above party in Washington."

Mr. Gilchrest was elected to Congress in 1990 and has served with Congressman Goodlatte for the last 16 years. Knowing Mr. Goodlatte for so long, it comes as a surprise that Congressman Gilchrest would back his opponent but he continued, "Sam will work with both sides of the aisle to address the many problems that Virginians and the people of this great nation face. From the economy to health care to responsibly ending the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Sam has the skill and the knowledge to be a responsible voice for you in our nation's Capitol. As a veteran who served in Viet Nam and as a Marine rifleman, I would be proud to have Sam Rasoul at my side."

"Mr. Gilchrest has served his district and this nation proudly," responded Rasoul. "I am honored to receive his endorsement and look forward to continuing the tradition of bi-partisanship that Congressman Gilchrest has held in trust during his tenure in Washington."

This is Mr. Rasoul's fourth major endorsement in the last week and follows the endorsement of Chairman John Conyers of Michigan, The Roanoke Times and The Staunton News Leader.

Breaking: Goodlatte Falsifies Claims of Support on Campaign Literature

The Sam Rasoul for Congress campaign today discovered that claims of support on a recent piece of campaign literature sent out by the Goodlatte for Congress campaign were falsified. Specifically, the claim that Mike Breeden, a Democratic member of the Rockingham County Board of Supervisors, is in support of Congressman Goodlatte is a fabrication. The piece, called "Putting People First," lists a small number of Democrats and Independents allegedly in support of Congressman Goodlatte.

Supervisor Breeden stated, "I did not endorse Bob Goodlatte. I did not return a call to Bob Goodlatte in which he asked me for permission to use my name as a Democrat supporting him in the Shenandoah Valley. I support the Democratic party and Sam Rasoul for Congress."

Sean Sarah, a spokesperson for the Rasoul campaign decried the use of Breeden's name by saying, "We expect our leaders to build real bi-partisan coalitions to get things done both here and in Washington. Creating a sense of false cooperation as a political tactic is exactly what Mr. Rasoul has been fighting against these last twenty-two months. Congressman Goodlatte didn't tell us the truth on term limits and he's not telling the truth in his campaign literature. After sixteen years we expected more from Congressman Goodlatte."

This new information comes on the heels of a Roanoke Times blog post entitled "But Bob, we didn't endorse you." The article details how Congressman Goodlatte cherry-picked information out of Roanoke Times articles to make it appear that the newspaper endorsed the Congressman. In response to this, the newspaper replied "This sort of lifting comments out of context is nothing new in campaign literature, but it's also no less shameful today than the first time someone did it."

We got the News Leader endorsement

The support keeps on rolling in! This morning the Staunton News Leader endorsed Sam's candidacy for Congress! I'll keep it short and sweet, here is the link:

http://www.newsleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081030/OPINION01/810300307

Thank you all so much for all you do. Just a few short days to go until victory!

Cheers!

Sean Sarah
Communications Director
Sam Rasoul for Congress

Roanoke Times Endorses Rasoul

Spread the word! This time it's for real:

From the Monday, October 27th Roanoke Times

"In the 6th District, Sam Rasoul

Bob Goodlatte is facing his first serious challenger in a decade. Sam Rasoul has proved himself a worthy candidate and would serve the district well.

Americans are dissatisfied with a dysfunctional Congress that has placed rabid partisanship and the influence of lobbyists above the interests of the Americans who elected them.

This Nov. 4 affords an opportunity for Americans to force change. Voters in Virginia's 6th Congressional District can help to hasten reforms by electing newcomer Sam Rasoul to replace longtime incumbent Bob Goodlatte.

Rasoul, at age 27, is the youngest person running for Congress. He is still wrapped up in the naïveté of youth. He believes that, with enough principled members, Congress could change. He is idealistic but doesn't seem to fully grasp or appreciate how the system works. Still, voters could do worse than give Rasoul a chance to prove himself.

He has shown through the campaign that he lives up to his principles. He won the Democrats' support as their nominee, but he has shunned all party and political action committee money.

This is a gamble that may prove foolish because it deprived him of the financial resources to buck an entrenched incumbent. Yet he has run an energetic and wide-reaching campaign throughout the 6th District based on individual contributions alone. He made a real sacrifice to remain true to his ideals.

There is also an independent candidate in the race: Janice Lee Allen. She has run a very low-key campaign and brings far too little to the race to warrant consideration.
Goodlatte will not be easy to defeat. His constituents know him well and appreciate him and what he has done for the district and the state.

Goodlatte needs to be given his due. He has been a good public servant and has demonstrated often his ability to work in a bipartisan manner, most notably on local and regional projects with Rep. Rick Boucher.

However, Goodlatte too often votes the party line, rarely breaking from years of support for the failed policies of President Bush.

When he first ran for Congress in 1992, Goodlatte said he so believed in term limits that he would limit his service to 12 years. That date has long come and gone, and Goodlatte hasn't faced a strong challenger in a decade.

Goodlatte said he still believes in term limits but said they must be imposed on everyone to work. If he were to voluntarily step down, he said, his constituents would lose his influence and standing in Washington, D.C.

We agreed with his decision in 2002 -- and still do. Voters are the ones who should implement term limits.

Now, after 16 years of Goodlatte's support for a discredited conservative ideology, Rasoul's fresh, principled campaign provides sufficient reason for voters to seriously consider taking that step."


On to November!
Sean Sarah
Communications Director
Sam Rasoul for Congress

It's time to make history

On the day after an election, the celebration is twice as sweet for those of us who have made the victories happen. But, of course, victory happens only if thousands of us quit saying, "I don't have the time right now." Right now is the only time. With ten days before the election, every day is essential.

Earlier this week when I dropped by the Harrisonburg Obama office, I ran into a friend who said she and her husband are canvassing everyday because knocking on doors helps her to deal with her "anxiety level." If you're a bit anxious yourself or tired of watching history unfold without you, we have good news for you. There's plenty of work to do everywhere -- including new field offices in Roanoke and Covington and Woodstock! Never in my memory has the 6th district offered us so much opportunity.

Voting for Obama/Warner/Rasoul is only half the story; for the other half, continue reading.

Roanoke/Salem/Botetourt
Stop by Sam Rasoul's headquarters at Lamplighter Mall on Williamson Road (especially this weekend) to help with a huge mailing or other office work.

Or join the Virginia Campaign for Change in Roanoke -- headquarters at Lamplighter Mall on Williamson Road or the headquarters on Campbell Street in downtown Roanoke or the Campaign for Change office on Kirk Street in downtown Roanoke. Call 540-985-3078 for more information and see the schedule below.

Lynchburg/Bedford/Amherst
Join the Virginia Campaign for Change in Lynchburg at 12th and Main in Lynchburg. Call 434-845-3741 for more information and see the schedule below.

Lexington/Buena Vista/Rockbridge
Join the Virginia Campaign for Change in Lexington at their downtown headquarters. Call 540-904-3834 for more information and see the schedule below.

Covington
Join the new field office at 214 N. Monroe -- call Ben Thomas at 540-904-3834 or Jeff Phan at 202-294-2814 for more information.

Staunton/Augusta County/Waynesboro
Join the Virginia Campaign for Change on Johnson Street in downtown Staunton. Call 804-519-1085 for more information and see the schedule below.

Harrisonburg/Rockingham
Join the Virginia Campaign for Change in downtown Harrisonburg or call 540-908-2081. Or join the team for Rockingham County centered in the office in downtown Bridgewater. Call 540-322-9986. Again, see the schedule below.

Shenandoah
Drop by the new field office at 246 East High in Woodstock or call 804-852-1946.

Making history schedule: In most offices there are phone shifts starting at 10, 12, 2, 5, and 7. Canvasses start at 5 during the week; 10, 3, and 4 on Saturdays; and 12, 3, and 5 on Sundays.

So . . . right now we need your help and then on Election Night we'll enjoy the sweetness of victory together.

Write For Sam One More Time!

Letters to the editor are a critical part of any grass roots campaign. In fact, the editorial page is the second most read part of the newspaper after the front page. It is the space where your voice can be heard unfiltered and (relatively) unedited.

Because of you, we've been dominating the editorial pages of every daily newspaper across the district. We're beating out Goodlatte's team at least 3 letters to 1. But, most news papers in the region have a deadline for getting your letters in before the election.

That's why we need you to submit one more letter to your local newspaper in support of Sam! And it needs to happen before Monday, October the 27th.

We're closer than you think to victory and even closer to election day. That's why it is so important to get one final, huge, push of letters into every newspaper in the district.

Click here to send a letter to your local newspaper.

We need your help today. We're asking that you send in a letter via our easy to use system and then forward this e-mail on to five of your friends. Remember, you need to get them to commit to sending a letter by this Sunday. We can win this if every one of us just takes one more step to get us across the finish line.

Sam Rasoul Begins Main Street Tour

Democratic Congressional candidate Sam Rasoul began a tour of the many main streets and downtowns in the district yesterday. Mr Rasoul aims to further inform himself on the issues facing Virginians with the financial crisis looming. Sam will tour over 40 main streets and downtowns in his trip across the 6^th District.

Rasoul stated, "Over the next two weeks I plan to get back to basics, meeting with the everyday folks of Main Street Virginia. As politicians, we sometimes become too detached from the needs of the citizens and too polarized by campaigning. A tour like this will let me meet the people who keep the engines of our economy running while returning to that great democratic tradition of small town conversations about big issues."

For more information on Sam Rasoul, visit www.Sam2008.com.

New & Improved BobsVotes.com

The Sam Rasoul for Congress Campaign has revamped their website detailing Rep. Goodlatte's votes in Congress. The website, BobsVotes.com, now includes ratings from political organizations and updated key votes.

Keep in tune with how your representative in Congress is voting in Washington by checking out www.BobsVotes.com. Check out the screenshot from the updated website below.

Virginians have been pleading for change, and Sam is what 6^th district Virginians have been looking for. Visit www.Sam2008.com for more information on Congressional candidate Sam Rasoul.

Sam's First TV Ad

Check out Sam's first TV ad:




We're sorry that it's YouTube quality -- contact us at (877) 726-2008 or info@samrasoul.us if you want a higher quality version!

Sam at the Obama Rally with Bill Clinton

Check out the YouTube Video of Sam speaking at the Obama rally with former President Bill Clinton:

Post-debate wrap-up

The Harrisonburg debate went incredibly well. All three candidates participated in the debate hosted by WSVA 550 AM.

There was a broad range of issues discussed, from healthcare to the economy, term limits to immigration, and jobs to national security.

Sam was passionate and knowledgeable, whereas Rep. Goodlatte continued to express his interest in the last 8 years' failed policies. The solution is clear -- elect Sam Rasoul to Congress this November!

Check out Sam Rasoul for Congress' debate website at www.Virginia6.com. There you can view videos from the first debate in Roanoke and photos from the debate in Harrisonburg.

Sam Rasoul Speaks at a Community Gathering with Sen. Evan Bayh

Watch Sam Rasoul address the crowd at a Community Gathering with Sen. Evan Bayh of Indiana. Here are some pictures from the event:

















Sam gets the crowd riled up at the community gathering!

















Sam, 6th district Democratic Congressional candidate, addresses the crowd about the effect of special interests in Washington.

















Sam speaks to the crowd at the community gathering.

















Mr. Mark Powell of Roanoke tells the crowd that he is among the 46 million uninsured, Middle Class, Americans.

















Senator Evan Bayh of Indiana is welcomed by a crowd of invigorated Virginians.

Sign the Petition -- Tell Congress to Take Action on Economic Crisis

It's time that Congress take action on the impending economic crisis. Sign this petition and tell Congress that we need strong leadership to solve a problem that's hurting so many American families.

Sign the petition at:
http://www.gopetition.com/online/22249.html or by clicking here.

First Annual Donkey Dance

The First Annual Donkey Dance was a huge success! Here are some photos from the event:

















Congressional candidate Sam Rasoul and former Governor & Senate candidate Mark Warner.
"Let me say, this young man has been doing a great job and he is going to make us proud on November 4th -- Sam Rasoul!" - former Governor Mark Warner.

















Governor Tim Kaine and Congressional candidate Sam Rasoul.
"We going to put Sam over the top in the Sixth? Sam has been working very hard ... and I see evidence of Sam everywhere I go in the Sixth." - Governor Tim Kaine

















Governor Tim Kaine, Congressional candidate Sam Rasoul, and former Governor & Senate candidate Mark Warner pose for a picture.
"We're so proud to have [Sam] and Mark" - Governor Tim Kaine

To view more photos from the event, visit http://www.samrasoul.us/browse/photos or click here.

Join us in a 6th District Online Chat and a Tele-Town Hall Conference Call!

The Sam Rasoul for Congress campaign, as it has in the past, will be hosting three chats in the near future. Everyone is invited to participate in these chats.

Community Online Chat #1
Thursday, October 2nd from 1:00PM to 2:30PM

Community Online Chat #2
Tuesday, October 7th from 1:00PM to 2:30PM

Community Online Chat #3
Monday, October 13th from 8:00 to 9:30PM

The online chat room is located at http://www.samrasoul.us/chat.

The Sam Rasoul for Congress campaign will also be hosting a tele-town hall conference call on Wednesday, October 15th from 7:30PM until 9:00PM. Everyone is welcome to call in.

Conference call number and access code to be posted when available.

Please call or email campaign headquarters at (877) 726-2008 or info@samrasoul.us with any questions.

Questions about Sam's Funding

Q. Where does Sam get his funding?

A. About 3/4 of Sam's donors are from inside the state of Virginia. Sam accepts absolutely no money from PACs, lobbyists, special interests, or even the Democratic Party, so that he is only accountable to the American people. Because Sam is the child of immigrants that came here in the sixties, he has hundreds of family members that live all around the country. Sam is proud that his friends and family are willing to support him. With nearly 1,000 donors, the majority being from the district who believe, as Sam does, that PACs and special interests should not run our agenda in Washington -- that is why Sam only accepts contributions from individuals.

Q. You said in the last question that Sam has nearly 1,000 donors. I've heard otherwise.

A. According to Federal Election Commission (FEC) regulations, donors who give below $200 are not displayed in the quarterly FEC report, though their donation is very valuable to this campaign.

PRESS RELEASE: Rasoul Pledges Five Terms When Elected

Contact: Sean Sarah
Communications Director
Sam Rasoul for Congress
Cell: 330 338-3740
E-Mail: sean@samrasoul.us

PRESS RELEASE 9/15/2008

Rasoul Pledges To Serve Only Five Terms When Elected To Congress

Roanoke, Va. America's youngest Congressional candidate, Sam Rasoul, has pledged to serve only ten years in Congress if he is elected. When asked why he took the pledge, Mr. Rasoul replied, "Over their long careers many incumbents have fostered ties with special interests that help fund their campaigns and give them an advantage no challenger could ever hope to have. Simple fairness in our Democratic system is called for if we are going to rid our legislature of influence peddlers."

In fact, Mr. Rasoul has gone one step further than simply pledging to reform Congress, he's running his campaign the way he would like to reform Washington. He takes no money from Political Action Committees, lobbyists, unions, or even political parties. All of his income comes from the every day citizens he is seeking to serve.

Over the course of the campaign, Mr. Rasoul has avoided attacks on his opponent and instead focused on a platform of reform. The campaign is spreading the word one door and one phone call at a time. The campaign is claiming that it has knocked on over 25,000 doors across the district. With a month and a half to go until the election, it seems Mr. Rasoul's message of reform and responsibility is catching on across the district.

For the full Rasoul statement on government accountability and responsibility, please read below.
###


Sam Rasoul Makes Pledge to Serve 5 Terms

We are blessed to live in a republic where, every few years, we get to choose the batch of folks who will represent us in Richmond and in DC. The founders of our country were hoping for a citizen legislature where representatives would come to Washington, serve their people and then head back home to their real jobs and families. But, this idyllic theory of a country run by citizens for the benefit of its citizens has become a myth. Special interests, career politicians and influential political action committees have taken away the voice of everyday people like you and I.

When political action committees spend millions on smearing candidates from both sides of the isle, special interests spend all of their time making sure elected officials are doing anything but serving the people. Still, career politicians continue to play ball with them. How can we expect our representatives to stand up for us? Critical reform is needed if we are ever going to get the support we need from Washington. Not only is that why I'm running for Congress, it's also why I have pledged to serve only five terms as a Congressman. While in DC I will focus on reforming the government in order to make it more responsive to the people with two major pieces of legislation.

Harry Truman once said that limiting the terms of Representatives and Senators would help "cure senility and seniority - both terrible legislative diseases." With some representatives in their nineties and some who feel like they have been there for ninety years, I have to say I think President Truman was right on the mark. This is why one of the first bills I will introduce when I am elected to Congress will be one that sets strict term limits on members of both Houses. For more than a century and half, turn over in Congress had been well over fifty percent. In fact, it's only been in the last few decades that incumbency rates have sky rocketed into the 90's. The reason is simple, over their long careers many incumbents have fostered ties with special interests that help fund their campaigns and give them name recognition that no challenger could ever hope to attain. Simple fairness in our democratic system is called for if we are to return to a true system of citizen legislators free of influence peddlers who drown out the needs of everyday citizens.

But, to be fair, our representatives were the corrupted ones, victims of a system that has turned away from the needs and values of regular folks and instead focuses primarily on greed. It is the lobbyists and special interest groups that pervade national politics who serve as the real corrupter in the fall of American democracy. This election season, nearly 150 lobbyists work for the presidential campaigns and thousands more work on elections across the country. Influence peddling and back room deals for special considerations have become the norm. That is why I take no money from PAC's, special interests, or political parties and why, when I am elected to Congress I will join with my colleagues in pushing for public financing of federal elections. It is imperative that we get the Government working for us again and the only way to do that is to make it stop working lobbyists.

Our country is at a crossroads. If we continue down the path we are on, the voice of everyday Americans will continue to diminish as it faces an increasing onslaught of well funded special interests working only for their own good. But, we could choose another path; we could choose to "throw the bums out" as the saying goes, by implementing fair and ethical reforms to the way our government does business. I, for one, think that we can win in against the billions spent by special interests. My pledge to serve only five terms comes from my belief that it is time for a new voice in Congress, a voice that is accountable only to the people of this district. I hope you'll join me in making this a reality.

Paid for and Authorized by Sam Rasoul for Congress

PRESS RELEASE: Rasoul Applauds Feds on Lehman Bros. Move

Contact: Sean Sarah

Communications Director

Sam Rasoul for Congress

Cell: 330 338-3740

E-Mail: sean@samrasoul.us

PRESS RELEASE -- 09/15/08

___________________________________________________________________

Rasoul Applauds U.S. Government For Not Bailing Out Lehman Brothers; Fed For Helping Shore Up Liquidity

Sam Rasoul applauded the U.S. Government this morning for not bailing out Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. Lehman, another casualty of the 14 month long credit crisis, has filed for bankruptcy and is teetering on the brink of collapse. Rasoul stated; "I am pleased to see that the U.S. government is not using tax payer dollars to bail out another private institution. The Federal Government shouldn't act as the insurance agent for irresponsible lenders and brokerages."

With the credit crisis in full boom, Rasoul is also pleased with the Fed's move to ease liquidity markets. These moves by the Fed were important to shore up the short term credit market and avoid a crisis that would affect millions more Americans.

Republican Secretary of the Treasury Henry Paulson has concluded that this credit crisis was caused by a startling lack of oversight of the industry. Rasoul affirmed this notion stating; "I agree with Secretary Paulson that we must take further measures to ensure that abuse of our financial markets does not continue."

###
Paid for and Authorized by Sam Rasoul for Congress

Rasoul Hosts and Moderates Two Interfaith Forums

In an effort to bridge the divide between all faiths, Sam Rasoul hosted and moderated two interfaith forums – one on Sunday and one on Monday. Both forums included two members from the Jerusalem Peacemakers organization: Eliyahu McLean and Ghassan Manasra.
One of the forums took place at Roanoke College in Salem and one took place at Randolph College in Lynchburg.

The aim of these forums was to promote peace and diplomacy as a solution to the conflict in the Holy Land rather than war. McLean and Manasra were confident about their incredible work in Jerusalem – hearing the word from those on the ground was truly inspiring.

Show your support for Sam by writing a Letter to the Editor by visiting http://www.samrasoul.us/lte/.

PRESS RELEASE: RASOUL CHALLENGES GOODLATTE TO PUBLIC DEBATES

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: RASOUL CHALLENGES GOODLATTE TO PUBLIC DEBATES

Contact - press@samrasoul.us
(877) 726-2008

Roanoke, VA - Sam Rasoul, the Democratic Nominee for the Sixth District seat in the House of Representatives, is challenging incumbent Congressman Bob Goodlatte to a series of public debates across the district.

"Several debates have already taken place in the neighboring Fifth Congressional District, and we feel that debates should occur in the Sixth District. Sam has been ready to debate for months, and Rep. Goodlatte has been giving excuses consistently," said Carey Markoe, Deputy Communications Director for the Rasoul campaign. "It's Rep. Goodlatte's civic duty to participate in a debate. In early August, Goodlatte's campaign said Bob was available in late August -- now they say he won't be available until late September. If Bob has time to attend a 'Convention Watch Party' as he did Thursday night, he should make time to discuss the issues."

Rasoul believes that the Sixth District should have a series of six debates -- two in each region of the district (Roanoke, Lynchburg, and the Shenandoah Valley). Several independent organizations have been trying to orchestrate a debate between the candidates.

"With the unemployment rate shooting up to 6.1% nationally and the economy in such poor condition, Rep. Goodlatte has an obligation to discuss the issues facing our nation," said Rasoul on Friday.

Comment on Democratic Unity

This week Democrats from around the nation attend and watch the events unfold in Denver with high expectations of success this November. I am proud to complete a ticket with both Senator Obama and Governor Warner and thrilled for Virginia as we will be the focus of so much excitement.

We have an opportunity this year to show the world that our party believes in principles; an opportunity to put partisanship and power below the needs of the people. With questions looming about energy, the economy, and the integrity of our republic, we must stand tall together as Americans against those interests who seek profit over progress.
We know that the END goal is helping our battered families survive and rebuild, and we know that fighting as Democrats is an MEANS to that END. Together, we pledge not lose sight of that END that unifies us.

Join me tonight as Virginia proudly sends one of our own to the national stage and again on Thursday as we celebrate the shattered ceilings that have fallen this cycle.

I'll be fighting for you.

PRESS RELEASE

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DIVA'S HOUSE OF HAIR, RASOUL TO HOST 2ND ANNUAL "KUTS FOR KIDS"

Contact - press@samrasoul.us (877) 726-2008

Roanoke, VA - Diva's House of Hair and Sam Rasoul for Congress will sponsor the 2nd annual "Kuts for Kids."

Both organizations are sponsoring this event in order to give students $1.00 haircuts. With the rising costs of school supplies, Diva's House of Hair and Sam Rasoul for Congress understand the enormous expense of sending a student to school.

Kuts for Kids will take place on Sunday, August 24 from 1:00PM to 5:00PM at Diva's House of Hair, located at 5524 Williamson Road, Suite 7.

Those who are seeking more information should call Sam Rasoul for Congress at (877) 726-2008.

PRESS RELEASE:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: RASOUL TO TOUR NEW MARKET, MOUNT JACKSON WITH MAYORS

PRESS RELEASE

CONTACT - press@samrasoul.us
(877) 726-2008

New Market and Mount Jackson - Tuesday, August 12th, Sam Rasoul will be touring the towns of New Market and Mount Jackson with their respective mayors. Sam will meet Mayor Larry Smith at the restaurant Public House at noon, and from there will be shown around the Town of New Market. Afterward, Mayor Joseph Williams will guide Rasoul around the Town of Mount Jackson at 3:30PM.

Why Have Gas Prices Gone through the Roof?

Column by Sam Rasoul

Those big signs at gas stations along every major road in the sixth district shout our dilemma. We can't afford to drive the vehicles we own. In a few short months, gas prices have destroyed the family budget and now threaten our entire economic health.
Over the past few weeks in parades, at fairs, and on doorsteps, I have heard the same concern: the price of gas. We are in a crisis, and families need help today.

What happened? And will things get better or worse? First, let's talk about why the price escalated.

Not everyone agrees on why the prices rose as quickly and as high as they did. I'll take you through the conventional explanation, which offers no quick solution. Then, I'll end with a possible dilemma we can fix with the appropriate legislation and effective energy policy.

One reason for increases in price is simple supply and demand. However, supply and demand didn't hit the wall overnight. There's no doubt demand has escalated. Americans use 25 percent of the oil produced worldwide, and developing countries, especially China and India, are trying to catch up to our pace. Right now the world demands 87 million barrels a day, while oil production lags behind at 85 million barrels a day. OPEC, with two thirds of the world's oil reserves, could produce more but has no incentive to do so while reaping such healthy profits.

The Iraq War has contributed to the crisis also. Oil production was interrupted and has not climbed back to prewar levels. Though the shortfall is only about a quarter million barrels a day, it's easy to see how that shortfall fits the supply and demand picture. To make matters worse, our military operations in Iraq use great quantities of oil, costing us money for which we gain no useful economic output. In fact, our military operations protecting the shipping lanes and oil refineries and other needs of the foreign oil industry we depend on adds more to the demand, pushing prices higher.

Couple those problems with the weak dollar. Our addiction to oil and weak domestic production force us to spend $33 million per hour on foreign oil. We import nearly 70 percent of the oil we consume, sending the money to places where it has no chance of entering our economy. When we send more dollars out of the US, we weaken the dollar and gas prices go up again. Then we must send even more money out --- a cycle that hits us weekly at the gas pump and the grocery store and every other sector of our economy.

Okay, all that makes sense but doesn't answer why prices rose so fast. In 2000, at the request of Enron and other energy companies, Congress exempted energy markets from government regulation. A 2006 Senate report warned speculation uninhibited by regulation would send prices sky-high, but our representatives paid no attention. With no oversight, energy traders have gone wild with market manipulation and excessive speculation. Investors looking for good returns and a hedge against the falling dollar have found an unregulated energy market provides them the perfect opportunity. Their opportunity may account for as much of 60 percent of today's oil prices, according to several analysts.

I'll address possible solutions to these problems in my next article. If speculation is indeed the main driver of high prices, we can provide some short-term relief perhaps, but the supply and demand issues necessitate a long-term commitment for an energy revolution in our country. In 1999, we could get gas for 90 cents a gallon; those days are past. We must create a secure supply of energy that is pro-national security, pro-environment, and pro-growth. The responsibility rests with all of us.

Press conferences in Harrisonburg (tomorrow, Tuesday) and Roanoke (Wednesday)

Hope you can attend and show your support for Sam!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: SAM RASOUL PRESS CONFERENCES TO ADDRESS DEPENDENCE ON FOREIGN OIL

PRESS RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT- Ally McIntosh

ally@samrasoul.us

877.726.2008

Roanoke, VA - Sam Rasoul, the Democratic nominee for the 6th Congressional District, will be hosting two press conferences next week to address the energy crisis. The events will begin at 12:30PM on Tuesday, July 15th in Harrisonburg at the ISAT center on the campus of James Madison University and at 12:30PM on Wednesday, July 16th in Salem at the Roanoke County/ Salem Jail. Rasoul will be discussing the need to reduce America's dependence on foreign oil.

"Right now our national security is at risk because we are dependent on other countries to provide for our energy needs," Rasoul stated. "Businesses are highly vulnerable to the volatile oil market, limiting the potential for economic growth. We must reduce our need for imported oil and invest heavily in alternative energy and conservation to protect our economy at home and security interests abroad."

Richard Baugh, David Wiens, and Kai Degner, city council candidates in Harrisonburg, and Professor Munley of Roanoke College in Salem will also be speaking at the press conferences in support of Rasoul's candidacy and revitalizing our energy portfolio.

www.SAM2008.com

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Spreading the American Dream

Today I spoke with students traveling from Indonesia with Legacy International, a program teaching Indonesian children about government and civic participation in America and Indonesia.
I began by giving a background about myself beginning with my upbringing as a first-generation American. I grew up in a working-class family as the child of two immigrants. I told them that my success as a small business owner and as a candidate for federal office is one example fulfilling the American Dream.
The students were very bright and interested in hearing more about the American political process. They asked great questions about the structure of American government, and why I am running in such a "dirty" system (government is very corrupt in Indonesia). I told them that while American government is also full of corruption, I am running to help change that and to give a voice to those that do not have one in the system as it exists today.
The students were asked to introduce themselves at the end and explain what they want to do in life. One student explained that he is in line to be the next president of Indonesia. After stating this he said, "I want to be a good leader like you."
These students were such an inspiration to me. Their thirst for knowledge of the world is refreshing and truly admirable.

Bedford Democrats Open Their Headquarters

Sam joined Tom Perriello, Democratic candidate for the 5th Congressional district at the opening of the Bedford City/County Democratic headquarters at 133 W. Main Street in Bedford today.

“With the help of Bedford Democrats and other volunteers, we will knock on over 100,000 doors just in the 6th district in the next 80-85 days,” Sam said. “Along with Mark Warner, we feel confident that we will be a vital part of helping to turn Virginia blue this year.”

The festivities included cutting the ribbon to open the Bedford headquarters, listening to candidate speeches, enjoying refreshments, and socializing with local Democrats. The headquarters is beautifully decorated and large enough to accommodate teams from both Congressional races along with Barack Obama and Mark Warner’s campaigns.

We had a lot of fun with the Bedford Dems today and look forward to working with them throughout the campaign. The Bedford office will be the base for both committees’ and local campaign organizations until Election Day, November 4th.

Celebrating Our Freedom

With America's Independence Day on upon us, we are reminded of our fight for freedom from England. The War for Independence was based largely on the premise of "No Taxation Without Representation," meaning law abiding, tax-paying citizens should have all civic freedoms.

Recently, I have received criticism about donations made to my campaign by citizens who have been investigated in the past for one reason or another. I don't believe we should ever take away a citizen's civic voice, especially when they have not been charged with nor convicted of any crime. This would be a violation of Constitutional principles which should be upheld in all circumstances.

This Fourth of July, please join me in celebrating the freedoms we have as Americans. Let us remember who we are so that we will not forget what we can become.

PRESS RELEASE: RASOUL CRITICAL OF WAR SPENDING BILL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: SAM RASOUL CONDEMNS FISCAL IRRESPONSIBILITY OF INCREASED WAR SPENDING; PRAISES EXPANSION OF GI BILL

MEDIA CONTACT- Ally McIntosh

ally@samrasoul.us

877.726.2008

Roanoke, VA - Sam Rasoul, the Democratic nominee for the 6th Congressional District, is condemning the recent passage of a bill providing additional spending for the Iraq War and Afghanistan operations.
This bill will bring the total expenditures in Iraq to $650 billion and $200 billion in Afghanistan."Additional funding for the war is simply wasteful spending," Rasoul stated. "Unsound fiscal decisions are causing our country to go further into debt and American taxpayers will feel the burden far into the future. We should instead place priority on ensuring all Americans have health care and lowering energy costs."
Rasoul believes that we should invest more in domestic initiatives which will address issues at home that will benefit all citizens.
This bill also includes an expansion of the GI Bill which will provide veterans with additional educational grants. Another component of the bill is the appropriation of funds for flood relief in the Midwest.
"While I am unsatisfied with the war spending portion of the bill, I commend Congress for keeping its promises to our veterans and providing Americans with necessary relief after environmental devastation," Rasoul said. "This is another example of our government in Washington refusing to completely solve a problem. Overall this bill has noble intentions, but the end result is pure fiscal irresponsibility."

http://www.sam2008.com/
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5j057jBReERcsF-FcZRSWe0h1gaXQD91KG6CG0
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PRESS RELEASE: RASOUL PRAISES HOUSE FOR PASSING MEDICARE BILL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE SAM RASOUL COMMENDS HOUSE FOR PASSING MEDICARE BILL

PRESS RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT- Ally McIntosh

ally@samrasoul.us

877.726.2008

Roanoke, VA - Sam Rasoul, the Democratic nominee for the 6th Congressional District, is applauding the House for passing a new Medicare Bill, HR 6331. HR 6331 eliminates the 10.6 percent cut in Medicare payments to physicians scheduled to take place at the beginning of July and creates a 1.1 percent pay increase starting in 2009.
"I am pleased that the House held firm to fully funding Medicare so as not to adversely impact working-class families who are struggling especially with current energy costs," Rasoul stated.
"The current economic downtown is making it difficult enough for many Americans to make ends meet without having to add additional worries about decreasing health care coverage. Medicare patients will be able to continue being treated by their physicians without worrying about the possibility of refusal."

The House of Representatives passed HR 6331 with a veto-proof majority of 355-59. In addition to preventing a decrease in Medicare payments, the Bill will also cover medical bills for mental health issues and maintain access to health care in rural areas.

www.SAM2008.com
http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/house-medicare-bill-gets-veto-proof-majority-2008-06-24.html

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The Enemy is Intolerance

We scour information daily in an effort to better define our lives and the world around us. To decipher what is good vs evil, we are flooded with advertisements, news, and propaganda hoping to control the message.
I believe what we must come to terms with in this new millennium and in a highly connected world, is that no longer are distant voices around the world going unheard. We find that human beings are in search of purpose and prosperity in every corner of the globe.
Intolerance prevents these voices from harmonizing for this common goal that works for the good of all people. We are led to believe that nations or a people are “evil” or our “enemy,” when in fact the enemy lies within us all; the enemy that is intolerance. When we allow for this enemy within to dominate our perceptions, we lose the very essence of what makes us American: our diversity.
With the ability to share information and educate the masses at this level, the enemies of our great Republic are no longer nations or peoples. Rather, they are radical hateful ideologies which must be countered with firm objective reason and dialog.
Across this American diversity we find values that we all share: kindness, the search for equality and justice, and the belief in the rule of law. We must use these common values in ways that promote what is good for all Americans.

Press Conference TOMORROW in Fishersville

Sam Rasoul will be holding a press conference at 12:30PM in Fishersville at the Cross Roads Baptist Church (31 Cross Roads Lane) tomorrow, Wednesday June 11th. Sam will be discussing his plans to support publicy funded, privately delivered health care and many other policy initiatives that make it easier for all Americans to get the care they deserve. If you have any questions please contact me at ally@samrasoul.us. Please come out to show your support for Sam!

Rasoul Giving Families a Break on Gas

TODAY, Wednesday June 4th: The Rasoul campaign will help you fill your tank without breaking the bank. For a period of 40 minutes starting at 4:00PM at the Texaco on South High Street in Harrisonburg, you can save a dollar on every gallon of gas you pump... up to 10 gallons worth! Congressional Candidate Sam Rasoul hopes that this event will not only offer relief for working class families, but also increase awareness of the growing energy problem. If you have any questions please contact info@samrasoul.us or call (877)726-2008.

Grassroots Support

Running for office is an expensive enterprise. People often wonder where all the money comes from.

Today our electoral system is based on placing the best fundraisers in office, instead of the best people. In essence, our elections are being sold to the highest bidder. This must stop. I have taken a pledge not to accept money from PACs and lobbyists. As a result, all of my contributions come from individual supporters of my campaign. I have had over 500 different contributors donating an average of $208 each to my campaign. In addition, around 75% of the contributors are Virginians.

While it is a constant challenge to find revenue sources when the economy is slow, people everywhere are still taking action. With gas prices at nearly $4/gallon and families having a hard time making ends meet, the fact that so many people have personally invested in my race is a sign that they understand the importance of this election. With the high number of donors giving small donations, it is clear that this is a grassroots effort stemming from the overwhelming desire to change Congress.

I promise that when I am elected I will give a voice to the middle class, and continue to fight for the common values we share here in the 6th district.

6th district convention speech

The following is Sam's speech from the May 24th 6th District Democratic Committee Convention.

Sam Rasoul: Honoring Our Heroes

Sam held a press conference at the American Legion in Salem yesterday, May 27th. The following is Sam speaking about the importance of giving back to our veterans and his plans to support increasing veterans' benefits:

Honoring Our Heroes

I wanted to wish you all a Happy Memorial Day.
I hope you are celebrating this day as I am by remembering the service of our military men and women. It is important that we honor their memory every single day, and give back as much as we can to our living veterans.
I wanted to invite each of you to attend a press conference I am holding on veterans' issues tomorrow Tuesday May 27th at 12:30PM at the American Legion on Apperson Drive in Salem. I hope you can attend, and please bring your friends, family, and any veterans you know. It is time we provide our veterans with all the benefits they deserve.

Veterans' Benefits: What do you think?

Sam wants to know your thoughts on how to best address the difficulties our veterans face obtaining basic necessities like quality healthcare and affordable education.

At an upcoming press conference on Tuesday, May 27th at 12:30PM at the American Legion Post on Apperson Drive in Salem, Sam will be discussing his ideas for how to best repay our service men and women for their service to our country. He will be announcing his support of several pieces of legislation including Senator Jim Webb’s New GI Bill as well as his proposals on how to combat increasing mental health problems and homelessness amongst our veterans.

Sam wants to hear to your opinion on these issues. How would you propose we provide our veterans with the benefits they deserve? Which benefits should be expanded, how should we pay for the expansion, and which specific pieces of legislation do you think our representatives should support?

Exciting Weekend Ahead

I have a busy and exciting weekend ahead! Tomorrow afternoon I will be walking door-to-door talking with voters in Lynchburg. I hope you will join me, starting at the Lynchburg Public Library at 3:00PM.

Saturday I will be walking in the Strasburg Mayfest Parade in Shenandoah County. We will be meeting at W. King St. (behind the M&R Mart) at 1:00PM; the parade will begin at 2:00PM. I hope you will come walk with me to show your support for my campaign!

Also on Saturday afternoon my family and friends will participating in the Local Colors Festival at Elwood Park in downtown Roanoke. They will be at the Palestine booth giving samples of a traditional dessert, baklavah. It should be a lot of fun!

Email info@samrasoul.us if you would like more information about any of these events. If you are looking for something to do this weekend, there is certainly no shortage of activity around the 6th district!

Young Virginia Democrats: Energetic and Engaged

Thanks to my friend and supporter Bob Dickerman for pointing out the following interesting numbers regarding youth participation in Virginia's Democratic presidential primaries: In 2004, only 31,698 voters ages 17-29 cast ballots. In 2008, an astounding 134,968 voters came out to the polls.
Source: Richmond Times-Dispatch

That means that there are about FOUR TIMES as many young Democrats in Virginia today than in 2004, and they are actively participating in the political process in other ways besides simply casting a ballot. A recent article on Leesburg Tomorrow also cited the engagement of
young people and the grassroots effort they have put forth on my campaign.

I am proud to have both staff and volunteers that are young, energetic and enthusiastic about turning the 6th district blue. They are just as excited as I am to change congress, and I hope you will join us in this necessary fight to bring common values back to Washington.

Local Elections in Roanoke

A quick post just to remind registered voters in Roanoke City about the local elections May 6th.

Not only is it important that you personally remember to cast your ballot between 6am-7pm on Tuesday, but it is also critical that you encourage everyone you know to get out and vote. It is possible that only a few votes could decide who will be Roanoke's next Mayor, councilmen, and school board members. These elected officials will be making the decisions that directly impact our daily lives.

There will be phone banking for local Democrats on the ballot at our campaign office from 1:00PM-8:00PM on both Sunday and Monday. Please stop by the office at 5524 Williamson Road even if you only have a small amount of time to help out.

This is an election where one vote could make the difference!

Today's Victory, Tommorrow's Opportunity

Today's Victory, Tomorrow's Opportunity
April 3rd, 2008


Dear Friends,

I am writing to you in a time of great possibility and hope. I am thankful and proud to be the presumptive nominee of our party for the 6th Congressional District and I look forward to the challenges ahead. I am thankful that Drew Richardson entered the race and allowed us to discuss crucial issues in our district. I am honored to carry our banner into the general election of 2008. We as a party have the chance now to move forward united and energized to re-capture this Congressional District for the good of the people. I am now prepared to continue an aggressive and grassroots driven campaign as the presumptive nominee.

We must not however, lose perspective. We must stay focused on the upcoming caucuses and district convention. I will need your help to become the nominee officially, in accord with Virginia State Democratic Party rules. I urge you to caucus for me or stand as a delegate on your respective localities' caucus date, April the 19th or 21st. We still have a few delegate slots which are open in the district. Please contact me at 1-877-SAM-2008 (726-2008) or email me at info@samrasoul.us if you would like to be a delegate or would like more caucus information. These delegates will be needed at the convention on May 24th in Lexington to cast their votes for me, as well as the presidential candidate slates they will be part of. Your voice is still necessary and essential to the successful completion of our nomination process. This is why I am asking for your continued support and participation.

We are working hard each and every day. I will need your continued support if I am to have the chance to run a competitive campaign for November. We are currently hiring on a full time staff-a full time team of advocates for issues which we all care about who will work endlessly towards creating a positive and powerful campaign. I intend to continue running a determined effort to fight for you and for this district. Please help me in this war.

Once again, thank all of you for the support you have given and I look forward to joining with you to provide a voice for the people of our district and a defender of the Constitution.


Warmest Regards,


Sam Rasoul

BEEF RECALL HITS 6TH DISTRICT SCHOOLS

2/18 Message from Sam Rasoul:

Roanoke, VA-The largest beef recall in U.S. history is extremely troubling due to the fact that "downer" cows were used for processing beef products for human consumption. We believe that Congressman Goodlatte and the House Committee on Agriculture should investigate further into the need for adequate oversight to ensure the safety of our nation's food supply.

The fact that "downer" cows could be non-ambulatory due to the fact they could have BSE (mad cow disease), salmonella, E. coli or other diseases means that these cattle could potentially harm humans if consumed.

Congressman Goodlatte has consistently opposed the banning of "downer" cows from being processed for human consumption.

As experienced in 2003 with a sharp decline in beef exports, disease outbreaks in cattle can also have a profound effect on the cattle industry as a whole. Large beef importers such as Japan and Mexico have refused in the past to purchase beef imports from the United States due to a mad cow disease outbreak in 2003.

The Sam Rasoul for Congress campaign believes we must be diligent not to let powerful lobbyists and special interests impact the quality of our nation's food supply by preventing proper oversight. Not only do we risk endangering the health of our citizens, but we also risk damaging our agricultural industries.
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3/28 6th District School Systems Affected By Beef Recall:

AMHERST COUNTY
SHENANDOAH COUNTY
AUGUSTA COUNTY
BEDFORD COUNTY
HARRISONBURG CITY
ROANOKE COUNTY
ROCKINGHAM COUNTY

http://www.fns.usda.gov/fns/safety/Hallmark-Westland_byState.pdf

The Importance of Positive Campaigning - Column by Sam Rasoul

Life can be rough.

All of us have hit rough bumps along the road. Growing up in a working-class family, sometimes carrying the burden of bringing home the presents for the family during the holidays, convinced me a teen-ager should not have to take on such responsibilities.

In perspective, though, my challenges growing up are trivial compared to the real problems so many around the world, and even in our local communities, face every day. The stories I have heard in my year of campaigning for Congress in Southwest Virginia would humble the worst of complainers.

The hardships of our world make many of us into cynics, constantly wondering why the proverbial glass is half-empty. Complaining is so easy and cynicism can become second nature to those “stuck” in the routine of life, just trying to get through each day.

America needs a reason to believe why we can accomplish the improbable. Just as “ask what you can do for your country” landed humans on the moon, our country needs a reason to believe again.

Our grassroots movement over the past year is larger than any one election or than my candidacy alone. My values guide me to a commitment that delivers a positive message full of reasons why we can be practical idealists. This practical idealism gave birth to a nation yearning for freedoms and justice for all.

Elections and candidates will come and go. Hopes and dreams built overnight into tall peaks can be swept away by a flood of corruption, selfishness and power scavenging.

I believe it important for me to stay steadfast in my convictions to deliver a positive vision that sees an America 50 years from now with a generation that can promise a prosperous future for their children. This American spirit is why we love our country so much, and though the temptation of negativism that pervades our political arena will sometimes whisper in my ear, I will not, and must not, allow that darkness to pull me in the wrong direction.

While others will most surely use negative tactics against me now and in the future, I owe it to the citizens of our great Republic to remain a carrier of truth, an explorer of knowledge, and a champion for justice.

American Made Energy

Here is a recent column by Sam that I thought you should all see.

ENERGY SOLUTION: MADE IN THE USA
Column by Sam Rasoul
FEBRUARY 29, 2008

Last September I bought a hybrid car, which I had long wanted. The decision to buy at that time was a practical one: campaigning in the 6th district required driving from Roanoke to Woodstock with a side trip to Lynchburg. I had to decrease gasoline costs. At the same time I wanted a comfortable ride. Just when I needed it most, I was able to buy the first American-made hybrid sedan on the market.

That car symbolizes the solution to three serious problems we face.Despite Congressional efforts to ignore the facts, over the past decade the United States has lost 3 million jobs in manufacturing, jobs that paid a living wage and provided benefits such as health insurance and retirement packages. Over those same ten years, our leaders slowly and reluctantly acknowledged a potential global environmental crisis and accompanying energy crisis. While lobbyists push Congress to keep $18 billion in big oil subsidies, every hour we spend $41 million on foreign oil, oil we buy most often from countries that lack stability or democracy, threatening our national security.

We can no longer afford denial or procrastination. One answer to the three-pronged environmental, energy, and job crisis, a sustainable solution, is the creation of "green collar" jobs. We can and must produce clean, renewable energy, and we can and must insist every phase of that production takes place in the United States at the hands ofAmerican workers. At the same time, we must increase energy efficiency, including retro-fitting buildings, jobs which by their very nature will stay at home. Wrapping up a house and sending it to China for aninsulation upgrade is impossible, of course, but we also must make sure our wind turbines and solar panels are not manufactured offshore. As George Sterzinger, executive director of the Renewable Energy Policy Project, explained "it makes no sense . . . to wean America off its dependence on foreign oil only to become dependent on other countries for products in sustainable energy production."

Private industry is already increasing production of wind and solar and other renewable energies. For instance, when a Maytag factory closed in Newton, Iowa, a company making wind turbine blades decided to take advantage of the skilled workforce already in town. This company once built boats but moved to turbines a few years ago because they saw more opportunity for growth. The wind turbine company guaranteed 500 jobs within three years with decent entry salaries.

However, private industry can't carry the burden alone. We can make an opportunity out of a crisis, an opportunity to put America back to work while at the same time taking the first steps in long-term solutions to energy, environmental, and national security issues. The Apollo Alliance, dedicated to creating high-wage jobs and energy independence, projects that with sufficient federal commitment, we could add more than 3 million jobs to the market over the next ten years.

But do we have the political will? The federal government will have to provide incentives and make a serious investment in our future. We need a Congress that will extend the investment tax credit for renewable energy. We need a Congress that will extend the tax credit for efficient new housing and commercial building and appropriate additional funds forthe Weatherization Assistance Program. We need a Congress that will invest in job training programs geared toward clean energy production.We need a Congress that will help US automakers produce cars that rely less and less on petroleum and a Congress that will significantly raise fuel economy standards (raising the standards from 27 mpg to 35 mpg over the next 15 years is neither significant nor serious) . We need a Congress that will encourage local sources of renewable energy and open the electricity grids. We need a Congress serious about the environment, energy, jobs, and national security, a Congress, as I have said before,that sees beyond the next 4 years to the next 40.

A Different Recession

A Different Recession
The Old Remedies Won't Work This Time
By Harold MeyersonWednesday, January 16, 2008; Page A15 (The Washington Post)

In a normal recession, the to-do list is clear. Copies of Keynes are dusted off, the Fed lowers interest rates, the president and Congress cut taxes and hike spending. In time, purchasing, production and loans perk up, and Keynes is placed back on the shelf. No larger alterations to the economy are made, because our economy, but for the occasional bump in the road, is fundamentally sound.

This has been the drill in every recession since World War II.

Republicans and Democrats argue over whose taxes should be cut the most and which projects should be funded, but, under public pressure to do something, they usually find some mutually acceptable midpoint and enact a stimulus package. Even in today's hyperpartisan Washington, the odds still favor such a deal.

This time, though, don't expect that to be the end of the story -- because the coming recession will not be normal, and our economy is not fundamentally sound. This time around, the nation will have to craft new versions of some of the reforms that Franklin Roosevelt created to steer the nation out of the Great Depression -- not because anything like a major depression looms but because we face an economy that's been warped by two developments we've not seen since FDR's time.

The first of these is the stagnation of ordinary Americans' incomes, a phenomenon that began back in the 1970s and that American families have offset by having both spouses work and by drawing on the rising value of their homes. With housing values toppling, no more spouses to send into the workplace, and prices of gas, college and health care continuing to rise, consumers are played out. December was the cruelest month that American retailers have seen in many years, and, as Michael Barbaro and Louis Uchitelle reported in Monday's New York Times, delinquency rates on credit cards, auto loans and mortgages have all been rising steeply for the past year.

What's alarming is that this slump in purchasing power doesn't appear to be merely cyclical. Wages have been flat-lining for a long time now, the housing bubble isn't going to be reinflated anytime soon, and the upward pressure on oil prices is only going to mount. As in Roosevelt's time, we need a policy that boosts incomes and finds new solutions for our energy needs.
FDR's long-term income remedies included Social Security, the Wagner Act (which made it possible for many workers to join unions) and public works projects -- including a massive electrification of rural America. A comparable set of solutions today would include the passage of the Employee Free Choice Act, which would enable workers in nonexportable service-sector jobs to unionize without fear of being fired. It would include a massive, federally financed program to retrofit America, creating several million "green jobs" in the process.

On these issues, there's a clear difference between the two parties.

Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, John Edwards and the congressional Democrats favor these measures; the Republicans oppose them (though John McCain at least has begun speaking about creating green jobs).

What Republicans favor is simply more tax cuts, which will do nothing to address our deeper problems of income distribution and energy dependence.

The second way in which the current downturn echoes the Depression is the role played by our deregulated financial sector. Now, as then, the financial foundations of our leading banks and other lending institutions have turned out to be made of mush. Now, as then, this news has come as an appalling surprise not just to consumers but to many of the banks themselves. Now, as then, the banks created such complex and deliberately opaque financial vehicles -- all devised to make them a buck every time they swapped some paper -- that they long ago lost track of the paper's true value.

In his time, Roosevelt, through the Securities and Exchange Act and other legislation, compelled banks to be both more prudent and transparent. Over the past 30 years, however, Wall Street has created a host of new, unregulated institutions (such as private equity companies) and devices (such as the bundled, and bungled, resale of mortgages into ever-larger investment pools). Now it's time to enforce some transparency and prudence regarding financial institutions that have been gambling with other people's money and lives.

When it comes to reining in Wall Street, however, the Democrats have been AWOL almost as much as the Republicans have been -- not least because their presidential candidates get so much money from Wall Street. By refusing to take on the Street, however, they forfeit what could be a potent issue this fall and lay the groundwork for yet another recession.

Article About Goodlatte's Broken Promise On Term Limits (2002)

Copyright 2002 The Daily News Leader (Staunton, VA)All Rights Reserved The Daily News Leader (Staunton, VA)
July 28, 2002 Sunday

Staunton, VA- U.S. Rep. Bob Goodlatte ended months of speculation about his political future Saturday morning, telling a gathering of 6th District Republicans that he intends to seek office after his next term in Congress ends in 2004.

The announcement nullifies a 12-year term-limit pledge Goodlatte, R-6th, made in 1992 when first running for office. "While it is too soon to launch any future campaign, I intend to stand for re-election beyond this year," Goodlatte said, much to the delight of the party faithful crammed into the Staunton City Council chambers.

Frank Nolen, chairman of the Augusta County Democratic Party and a former state senator, was surprised by Goodlatte's announcement."I thought he'd be a man of his word and keep his word," Nolen said. "I'm disappointed with him." Goodlatte, who will be unopposed in November in his bid for a sixth term, supported failed attempts to mandate term limits after Republicans took control of the House in 1994.

Since then, Goodlatte said he has come to the conclusion that term limits can only be effective if they are applied universally. "If only conservatives continue to leave after six or 12 years, then liberals will continue to become more powerful through their knowledge and seniority," he said.Nolen was not satisfied with Goodlatte's explanation."He didn't mention that when he said (he would serve 12 years)," Nolen said. "He knew at the time he couldn't impose them on everyone." While Goodlatte said he still supports term limits, Del. Chris Saxman, R-Staunton, said he opposes mandatory limits and was pleased with Goodlatte's announcement."I'm sure many people will think he's gone back on his word, but I've never thought term limits were a good idea for the legislative or executive branches of government," Saxman said. Though Goodlatte said he was urged by many throughout the district to run again in 2004, he does anticipate a possible negative backlash. "Obviously when somebody changes their mind on something voters are going to have to pass judgment on that," he said.Bill Thomas, a 16-year resident of Rockbridge County, said he was pleased that Goodlatte will continue to run for Congress."I think he's done an excellent job, and I would hate to see him not run," Thomas said. "He's got a right to change his mind. I don't think that (term-limit pledge) got him elected." Nolen said Goodlatte's decision to continue to seek office was for "mostly personal" reasons, but said the aborted term-limit pledge will not be a major issue for Democrats in 2004. "It won't help us mobilize anyone," he said. "It's much easier to get someone to run for an open seat than against an incumbent."In his five previous bids for office, Goodlatte has run unopposed twice and taken no less than 60 percent of the vote in his three contested races. Pat Haley, chairman of the Staunton Republican Committee, thinks Goodlatte will continue to be a strong candidate.