Rep. Charlie Melancon has a new look.Heis using a new newsletter format to tout his accomplishments and to communicate with others.
His opponents might say he has a new philosophy.They have claimed he is a Nancy Pelosi “lap dog”.However, in the newsletter, he appears to have gone way out of his way to show that he is a “Blue Dog Democrat” supporting a position strongly backed by the Louisiana Republican Party—that is, the issue of “cap and trade.
In his newsletter, Melancon (who is considering a run against US Senator David Vitter) said, “I'm writing to update you on the status of an important bill in Congress many Louisianians are concerned about: the American Clean Energy and Security Act (H.R. 2454), also known as the "climate change" bill or the "cap-and-trade" bill.
Last Friday, I voted against the bill in the House of Representatives because I am concerned about how it would affect Louisiana's energy workers and industries. While I am disappointed the bill still passed the House, I was at least able to include an amendment that will protect funding for Louisiana's wetlands restoration from unfair cuts. More about that below.
I opposed the climate change bill a month ago in the Energy and Commerce Committee because I believed it would hurt south Louisiana and the people I represent, and I voted against it again last week for the same reasons. The oil and gas industry is the engine driving south Louisiana’s economy, and has been providing good-paying jobs to hundreds of thousands of our workers for generations.
Rising sea levels and more frequent hurricanes are serious threats to south Louisiana, threats caused by climate change. We must work together as a nation to reduce the pollution causing this climate change, but not on the back of our energy industry in Louisiana. I will continue to use my vote in Congress to protect jobs and businesses in our state and create a brighter future for our children.
While I voted against the climate change bill, I will still continue working with my colleagues on a comprehensive energy policy that will meet our shared goal of reducing pollution, while also supporting the workers and businesses of America’s EnergyCoast.”
David Vitter
Melancon was not the only politician hitting the Internet today.His possible opponent, David Vitter is sending out messages urging “Team Vitter” to send money before the campaign fundraising cycle is over.This time, he sent the email from his blackberry.Which makes one wonder—does Senator have a campaign blackberry and a official government blackberry or does he use one blackberry for his campaign and for his official business? His phone use might have been one of the questions asked the now US Senator when he was designated to be a witness in the DC Madam Case but opted to take the 5th Amendment. Ultimately, he was not called as a witness, so, unless the Senator talks about his past, one can only speculate why he wanted to take the 5th Amendment and what phone he was using when he appears to been in communication with the DC Madam.
Incidentally, the blending of official business and campaign activities became an issue when opponents claimed that Al Gore used the White House phones for campaign purposes.
Senator Franken
The Louisiana Senate race is becoming that much more important as the Democrats picked up a Senate seat today.It is uncertain if Franken’s opponent, Norm Coleman, will proceed to federal court with his challenge. Theoretically, should Franken be declared the Senator after all legal rights become exhausted, the Democrats could have a 60 seat majority which is the goal for any political party that wants to thwart filibusters or other political challenges. One of Vitter's main causes in his campaign has been to prevent a filibuster-proof majority.
On the day of the Health Care Bill vote , Vitter was spotted by the lingerie department of a Washington D.C. outlet store. Written by David Quidd
on 11/30/2009
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Melancon is a typical self serving politician and a Pelosi lap dog, not a blue dog as he proclaims. He voted against cap and trade, however he votes for anything else he is told to vote for by his "leadership" in Congress. We would be better with the "cardboard womanizer" than this piss poor politician. Written by CN
on 7/1/2009
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Your argument is somewhat flawed as it assumes the current make up of the senate will not change. For example, say all senators up for reelection keep their seats except one Democratic seat is lost to the GOP. Will it matter if Vitter is reelected then? Written by I think it would
on 6/30/2009
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Vitter has lost one of his main arguments for re-election. His re-election is now irrelevant as the Democrats al;ready have 60 seats. Melancon can accomplish more as a Senator than Vitter ever did in his first term. Written by David Quidd
on 6/30/2009
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You believe that Democrat Charlie Meloncon will represent Louisiana better than a Republican? C'mon Mr. Quidd, you'd prefer Democrat Charlie Manson to any Republican.... Written by ... or am I wrong about that?
on 6/30/2009
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I understand that Norm Coleman has conceded. While I disagree with Congressman Melancon on the Climate Change Bill he voted against, I believe he will be a far more effective Senator for Louisiana than David Vitter has been. Written by David Quidd
on 6/30/2009
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