Thanks so much for taking time out of your busy campaign schedule to visit with us. You did a fine job, answering questions I never even thought you would

As for Phil – he’s been invited. As soon as I can pin him to a date, I’ll let you know

Thank you very much for allowing me access to your blog tonight. It was a lot of fun and challenging.

I hope I got to most of the questions and answered them to the best of my abilities.

It is a tremendous honor to serve the people of the 2nd District in Congress. Thanks for the opportunity to talk to constituents.

Election day is now just 18 days away. I humbly ask for your vote.

Thelma

P.S. Please let us know when Phil is going to blog!

I hope it’s okay to ask another question. If I am limited to one, please take the following question over the one on offshore drilling.

Recently America’s PAC and the National Black Republican Caucus have been running radio ads in the Hampton Roads area.

One I heard a couple of weeks ago accuses Democrats of having started the Ku Klux Klan and having “released those vicious dogs and fire hoses on blacks”. And one I heard just yesterday states that “black babies are terminated at triple the rate of white babies” and then accuses Democrats of writing the abortion laws that are “decimating our people”. The ad also uses quotes from Margaret Sanger (circa 1930’s/40’s) and accuses Democrats of being engaged in eugenics.

The first ad I mention had been running in Maryland in support of Republican Lt. Gov. Michael Steele’s bid for an open seat in the U.S. Senate against Democrat Congressman Benjamin Cardin. Although he appreciated the intent behind the ads, Steele demanded the ads be removed, saying “NBRA’s current radio ad is insulting to Marylanders and should come down immediately.”

Does you believe Virginians should likewise be insulted? Do you, like Lt. Gov. Steele, believe these ads are wrong and will you like him demand that the ads be removed from the air immediately?

Thank you.

***

Dear Eileen,

I haven’t heard these ads you mention. However, I would never support deliberately attacking any group.

I trust Michael Steele’s judgment on these ads.

He is going to make a fine U.S. Senator.

Do you believe Congress should hold hearings on the Pentagon’s contractors in Iraq (Halliburton, Parsons, Blackwater, etc.)?

Thank you.

***

What an odd name you have picked for yourself.

I reject outright the premise of your question.

I look forward to serving the people of the 2nd District with distinction and hard work in the 110th Congress.

I want to echo everyone who has thanked you for participating in this live blog. Thank you.

My question is if the Democrats do in fact gain control of the Congress and yet you are re-elected, how will you use this opportunity to reach across the aisle? Do you think the GOP in the minority has an opportunity to come to some compromises on issues without compromising core beliefs since there won’t be such a concern of keeping the majority anymore?

Also, can the GOP as the minority work with a Speaker like Pelosi? If the Dems gain control of the House, who would you like to see them elect as speaker?

***

I have an 11-year history of working in a bipartisan manner. I have worked with local officials of both parties, state officials of both parties and federal officials of both parties.

I have worked closely with Governor Warner and Governor Kaine on a variety of issues and enjoy open lines of communication.

I have served in the minority in the state legislature, and was very successful in seeing legislation passed into law.

However, I am hopeful and optimistic that Republicans will retain control of Congress in 18 days.

Energy issue related attacks have been prevalent this campaign season and many people have suggested that the forthcoming election is only reason gas prices have come down. However, OPEC’s decision this week to raise prices by slowing production reminds us that it’s a supply and demand driven market that leaves us extraordinarily dependent on foreign oil. What do you think the United States needs to do to exercise some long-term control over the volatile energy market?

Thank you for taking the time for these questions.

***

To exercise control?

Last year, I voted for (and it became law) to establish an energy policy for America. There are three major components of that bill — there is no silver bullet.

1 – Increase domestic supply.

2 – Encourage and incentivize alternative fuel research and development.

3 – Conservation.

Energy prices are determined by the world market. India and China put additional pressures on the cost of energy. This will only continue to increase, which is why it is so important for America to become more energy independent and energy secure.

As a Delegate, you showed real courage in supporting the Jim Dillard/Janet Howell domestic partership bill and being among the first Republicans to ban discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in your legislative office.

As a Congresswoman, you’ve been quite a disappointment, earning a 0% score from the Human Rights Campaign, voting to write discrimination into the US constitution, opposing including sexual orientation in the existing hate crimes laws, and not signing on as a co-sponsor of any pro-equality legislation. You did not even put in writing a non-discrimination policy based on sexual orientation and gender identity for your Congressional office.

Why the change of heart? Your independence and openmindedness made you a Delegate people on both sides represented. Why haven’t you taken that to Washington, a place in desperate need of both?

***

There is only one question I ever consider when hiring someone for my staff: can this person do the job?

On a specific issue, I’m curious to hear your take on the offshore drilling issues that are currently being debated. Personally, sensible drilling well offshore makes a ton of sense in our modern world.

***

First, I agree with you on your position on deep sea drilling. America must be energy independent and energy secure.

We would be honored with your support to help me spread my positive message to the voters.

With me, I have a record of results and achievement through nine years in the General Assembly and this term in Congress. I have cast probably 10,000 votes. You never have to wonder where I stand on something.

I don’t think you can say that about my opponent.

What measures have you supported in Congress to help combat rising tuition prices at public and private schools across the nation that are making college increasingly unaffordable for middle and lower-class families?

Many people in my age group (18-24) are already resolved to the fact that Social Security may not be there when we reach retirement age. What have you done, or do you plan to do, to help ensure that all Americans can look forward to a safe comfortable lifestyle upon retirement?

Thank you for appearing in the blogosphere to take our questions. I look forward to hearing your responses on Friday.

***

Same topic. I supported the Higher Ed Act reauthorization, which was comprehensive reform to improve program efficiency and expanded benefits. We no longer are subsidizing lenders. Some of these loans were at a 9.5-percent minimum return. More students will be helped with less cost to families, with reduced loan fees, protections for students and to prevent fraud and abuse.

In 2000, 3,899,000 students received student loans.

This year, 5,468,000 will access student loans.

Funding has increased $9 billion in the last ten years.

Spread the word about MoveOn welcoming anti-Semitic, anti-Catholic, and racist hate speech at its Action Forum and that connection will hurt him even worse.

Over the last few years it has become increasingly important for Americans to peruse a higher education if they wish to live a comfortable lifestyle. In many fields, in fact, a person will only have a legitimate chance of receiving a position if he or she has a graduate degree. At the same time, however, the costs of a college degree, graduate and undergraduate, continue rapidly increase and many aid programs primarily focus on students who are seeking to obtain an undergraduate degree.

Do you feel as though there should be more aid programs directed towards graduate students? If you do feel as though more aid should be made available, how do you feel as though that goal could be accomplished? Please explain your reasoning as well.

Once again, thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing your response.

-Bryan J. Scrafford

****

The Higher Education Act reauthorization, which I voted for (it passed), opens up student loans for graduate students, teletechnet students and for summer school. I agree with you that higher education is critical to meet our workforce needs and to provide the ability for our young people to succeed in this global economy.

I would like to ask you why you voted no for a minimun wage increase for the working class of America, but then voted yourself a nice little wage increase?

***

In fact, I voted for the minimum wage increase, coupled with corresponding tax reductions for the businesses who would have to pay the increased cost of labor.

I have talked to business owners who would have had to lay off employees or close their doors if the minimum wage increase went through without the tax reductions.

The idea here is to continue to grow jobs, not eliminate them.

Also, as a matter of fact, I voted twice against the pay increase for members of Congress.

You must be watching some of those TV ads.

My question concerns the possibility that the GOP remains in the majority come November (or if the GOP is the minority party). If re-elected, when you go to vote for Republican leadership, will you vote for anyone who is currently in leadership, such as Speaker Hastert, Congressman Boehner, or Congressman Reynolds who covered up the predatory behavior of a pedophile in order to hold a seat in congress for the GOP?

***

Anyone who knew about sexually explicit e-mails (the second group that we all know about now) ad did not act to protect our children should be held accountable. Whether it is a staff member or an elected official, any person who knew and did not act absolutely has to go.

Thank you for taking questions in this format. This is really reaching out to your constituency to learn what we are thinking and share your views. Frankly, it should be done perhaps monthly or bi-monthly, not just at campaign time. If re-elected can you pledge to do that?

My other question is how do you feel about the Marshall/Newman act? I realize that it’s at the state level, not federal, but you live in Virginia, too, and I would appreciate your addressing it.

Thanks again for being here.

***

I’m glad to be here. I hope to continue doing this. Thanks to Vivian for the opportunity.

With regard to the Marriage Amendment, both Phil Kellam and I support the amendment and intend to vote for it.

You say Virginia would have control on the 100 miles off its coast. So I assume the Feds control outside that 100 miles. What if they find oil 100 miles or more off our coast? Stop it up and move along? Or do they develop oil? Also, what kind of onshore facilities (refineries, pipelines, etc.) that support the offshore drilling would we the residents of VB and the Eastern Shore be expected to endure?

Thanks so much for taking the time to come and interact with the members of the Virginia blogshpere and particularly those of us in the 2nd.

My question: what is the one thing that separates you from your opponent?
~Vivian

***

Well, according to a recent article — salon.com, I think — Phil and I both blow dry our hair, so that’s not it.

I think the news coverage of this week’s debate captured one key difference — with regard to our efforts to fight terrorism.

I support a strong policy of tracking terrorists by following their communications and financial transactions. I think that we ought to be monitoring conversations between known terrorists and anyone they are talking to in America.

My opponent wants to wait for lawyers to get involved, which I believe puts the country at risk.

If you get re-elected, will you be doing your past in the next Congress to control spending?

I have been one of your biggest supporters and a supporter of the Republican Party, but the spending has been outrageous. I realize this is not all the House’s fault, and I won’t mention any names (cough, cough, President Bush, cough), but this out of control spending has to be dealt with.

Kudos on your illegal immigration position, by the way.

2nd question – how have you been able to cope with the misleading ads and, at times, outright lies in those ads? It has been a testament to the fantastic campaign that you have run that you are not at 30% in the polls. As it is, you are currently winning or tied. Has your campaign seen any backlash because of these ads FOR you? In other words, have you heard people saying that are more inclined to vote FOR you, AGAINST Phil Kellam because of these misleading ads from MoveOn and the DCCC?

***

Spending is a major concern and I am working with my colleagues to reduce federal spending. Last year we cut 53 federal programs and this year 95 ineffective federal programs are targeted.

Earmarks have been reduced by 37-percent because of a change in House policy. I have voted for — and the House passed — line-item veto to allow a president to remove any fiscally irresponsible projects.

The federal budget for FY 2006 was reduced by $39 billion. This is a result of our current tax policy and reducing spending.

The budget deficit has been cut in half NOW. The original projection was to have that accomplished by 2009.

With regard to the negative ads: I have tough skin and the voters know better than to believe these silly distortions and negative attacks.

It’s been very hard on my grandchildren, actually. They tell me they know this stuff isn’t true.

People have called my office and asked for signs and how to donate money because of these very vicious attacks. In fact, our information shows that MoveOn.org’s ads in the spring hurt my opponent, because most people associate him with the organization. They hold him responsible, especially since he never condemned them.

I saw your wonderful profile in the Pilot yesterday. The article celebrated your humble roots and rise to prominence. My question is this: what have been the most amazing and rewarding parts of your career in public service so far? (I say so far because I know you will have many, many more years of dedicated service ahead of you!)

***

There have been many amazing and rewarding parts of serving in public office. Most importantly is helping solve problems that constituents face. Let me give you one example where I think I made a real difference. I authored and passed legislation that improves Virginia law regarding the practice of eminent domain. Legislation passed during my tenure in the House of Delegates has been used in Virginia courts, including the Virginia Supreme Court is cited by our judges in ruling in favor of private property owners.

Thank you for your support.

Good to see you in the blogosphere. My question is about the BRAC meeting where you were pictured with your eyes shut. What’s the story behind that?

***

I’m really sorry to inform you, but I truly am human. I blinked. Photographers present were taking tons of pictures very, very quickly during the swearing-in. Obviously, this shot captured a moment when I had blinked. It’s that simple.

Nice try, though.

First, thank you for live-blogging here. My questions: Assume you get as you wished and the moratorium is lifted for drilling off the Virginia coastline. DOI has sold off all its leases and any one of the various oil companies in their exploration finds either both natural gas and oil, or just oil. Virginia’s legislative intent is to allow only for the exploration and production of natural gas. What happens when the oil companies instead find oil? Do they “stop” up the hole and walk away from it, so to speak? Nothing that the Federal government has done would prevent them from harvesting the oil, but it would defy the wishes of the Commonwealth (reference Sen. Wagner’s SB262 with Gov. Kaine’s amendments). Would you therefore be willing to restrict the moratorium’s lift to be exclusively on the production of natural gas to so reflect the wishes of Virginia? If instead this is in reality an “all-or-nothing” moratorium, and knowing that lifting such goes against the desires of Virginia, would you still vote to lift the ban?

Thank you.

***

Thanks, Eileen. Perhaps after tonight’s live blog, I will have won your vote.

America imports 62-percent of its oil products right now. It is thirteen times more likely to have a significant spill to import product by tanker than the risk of a spill from deep sea rigs. What happened in the Gulf during Katrina is an example of how safe modern technology is.

Very little natural gas can be imported (roughly 3-percent).

In America, we have increased demand for natural gas for the generation of electricity without increasing supply. Hence, our much higher prices, which has driven the fertilizer industry mostly out of the country.

The lifting of the moratorium would give Virginia complete control of the waters for 100 miles. The decision of gas or oil will be totally dependent on state action. If oil is found, and Virginia has only authorized natural gas, only natural gas can be extracted.

A big issue for Virginia is the training mission of the military. The legislation gives the military veto power over this drilling. Currently, discussions are underway to see if the industry could coexist with the military or if any recovery would need to extend beyond the training grounds. That means 130-plus miles off shore.

It remains to be seen if industry could support that with location of the resource as well as costs that would be involved. The importance of lifting the moratorium is to increase domestic supply regardless of whether it can happen off Virginia specifically.

America cannot be dependent on our enemies in the Middle East or Venezuela for our energy. Iran has threatened to end our supply if we refuse to allow them to pursue nuclear programs. Who knows what Chavez would ever do.

Thank you very much for the opportunity to answer your questions this evening. I’ll try to get to as many as I can over the next hour.

It is an honor to serve the people of the 2nd District in Congress. We have but 18 days left in this campaign, and I humbly ask for your vote on November 7th.

Now … let’s get to the questions.

You opponent has being going after you for being too much of a Bush administration yes man. Are there any votes where you sided with President Bush, but now due to changing circumstances or more information, you think your vote was wrong?

What is your biggest disagreement with the Republican leadership in Congress? What do you intend to do about it next term?

And thanks for appearing in the blogosphere.

Energy issue related attacks have been prevalent this campaign season and many people have suggested that the forthcoming election is only reason gas prices have come down. However, OPEC’s decision this week to raise prices by slowing production reminds us that it’s a supply and demand driven market that leaves us extraordinarily dependent on foreign oil. What do you think the United States needs to do to exercise some long-term control over the volatile energy market?

Thank you for taking the time for these questions.

I want to echo everyone who has thanked you for participating in this live blog. Thank you.

My question is if the Democrats do in fact gain control of the Congress and yet you are re-elected, how will you use this opportunity to reach across the aisle? Do you think the GOP in the minority has an opportunity to come to some compromises on issues without compromising core beliefs since there won’t be such a concern of keeping the majority anymore?

Also, can the GOP as the minority work with a Speaker like Pelosi? If the Dems gain control of the House, who would you like to see them elect as speaker?

I saw your wonderful profile in the Pilot yesterday. The article celebrated your humble roots and rise to prominence. My question is this: what have been the most amazing and rewarding parts of your career in public service so far? (I say so far because I know you will have many, many more years of dedicated service ahead of you!)

I hope it’s okay to ask another question. If I am limited to one, please take the following question over the one on offshore drilling.

Recently America’s PAC and the National Black Republican Caucus have been running radio ads in the Hampton Roads area.

One I heard a couple of weeks ago accuses Democrats of having started the Ku Klux Klan and having “released those vicious dogs and fire hoses on blacks”. And one I heard just yesterday states that “black babies are terminated at triple the rate of white babies” and then accuses Democrats of writing the abortion laws that are “decimating our people”. The ad also uses quotes from Margaret Sanger (circa 1930’s/40’s) and accuses Democrats of being engaged in eugenics.

The first ad I mention had been running in Maryland in support of Republican Lt. Gov. Michael Steele’s bid for an open seat in the U.S. Senate against Democrat Congressman Benjamin Cardin. Although he appreciated the intent behind the ads, Steele demanded the ads be removed, saying “NBRA’s current radio ad is insulting to Marylanders and should come down immediately.”

Does you believe Virginians should likewise be insulted? Do you, like Lt. Gov. Steele, believe these ads are wrong and will you like him demand that the ads be removed from the air immediately?

Thank you.

Thanks so much for taking the time to come and interact with the members of the Virginia blogshpere and particularly those of us in the 2nd.

My question: what is the one thing that separates you from your opponent?
~Vivian

Thank you for taking questions in this format. This is really reaching out to your constituency to learn what we are thinking and share your views. Frankly, it should be done perhaps monthly or bi-monthly, not just at campaign time. If re-elected can you pledge to do that?

My other question is how do you feel about the Marshall/Newman act? I realize that it’s at the state level, not federal, but you live in Virginia, too, and I would appreciate your addressing it.

Thanks again for being here.

Do you still favor the fair tax? Has your opponent decided on a position? And what do you see as the costs and benefits of such a system?

As a Delegate, you showed real courage in supporting the Jim Dillard/Janet Howell domestic partership bill and being among the first Republicans to ban discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in your legislative office.

As a Congresswoman, you’ve been quite a disappointment, earning a 0% score from the Human Rights Campaign, voting to write discrimination into the US constitution, opposing including sexual orientation in the existing hate crimes laws, and not signing on as a co-sponsor of any pro-equality legislation. You did not even put in writing a non-discrimination policy based on sexual orientation and gender identity for your Congressional office.

Why the change of heart? Your independence and openmindedness made you a Delegate people on both sides represented. Why haven’t you taken that to Washington, a place in desperate need of both?

My question concerns the possibility that the GOP remains in the majority come November (or if the GOP is the minority party). If re-elected, when you go to vote for Republican leadership, will you vote for anyone who is currently in leadership, such as Speaker Hastert, Congressman Boehner, or Congressman Reynolds who covered up the predatory behavior of a pedophile in order to hold a seat in congress for the GOP?

What measures have you supported in Congress to help combat rising tuition prices at public and private schools across the nation that are making college increasingly unaffordable for middle and lower-class families?

Many people in my age group (18-24) are already resolved to the fact that Social Security may not be there when we reach retirement age. What have you done, or do you plan to do, to help ensure that all Americans can look forward to a safe comfortable lifestyle upon retirement?

Thank you for appearing in the blogosphere to take our questions. I look forward to hearing your responses on Friday.

On a specific issue, I’m curious to hear your take on the offshore drilling issues that are currently being debated. Personally, sensible drilling well offshore makes a ton of sense in our modern world.

Over the last few years it has become increasingly important for Americans to peruse a higher education if they wish to live a comfortable lifestyle. In many fields, in fact, a person will only have a legitimate chance of receiving a position if he or she has a graduate degree. At the same time, however, the costs of a college degree, graduate and undergraduate, continue rapidly increase and many aid programs primarily focus on students who are seeking to obtain an undergraduate degree.

Do you feel as though there should be more aid programs directed towards graduate students? If you do feel as though more aid should be made available, how do you feel as though that goal could be accomplished? Please explain your reasoning as well.

Once again, thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing your response.

-Bryan J. Scrafford

I would like to ask you why you voted no for a minimun wage increase for the working class of America, but then voted yourself a nice little wage increase?

Duh.

Good to see you in the blogosphere. My question is about the BRAC meeting where you were pictured with your eyes shut. What’s the story behind that?

If you get re-elected, will you be doing your past in the next Congress to control spending?

I have been one of your biggest supporters and a supporter of the Republican Party, but the spending has been outrageous. I realize this is not all the House’s fault, and I won’t mention any names (cough, cough, President Bush, cough), but this out of control spending has to be dealt with.

Kudos on your illegal immigration position, by the way.

2nd question – how have you been able to cope with the misleading ads and, at times, outright lies in those ads? It has been a testament to the fantastic campaign that you have run that you are not at 30% in the polls. As it is, you are currently winning or tied. Has your campaign seen any backlash because of these ads FOR you? In other words, have you heard people saying that are more inclined to vote FOR you, AGAINST Phil Kellam because of these misleading ads from MoveOn and the DCCC?

First, thank you for live-blogging here. My questions: Assume you get as you wished and the moratorium is lifted for drilling off the Virginia coastline. DOI has sold off all its leases and any one of the various oil companies in their exploration finds either both natural gas and oil, or just oil. Virginia’s legislative intent is to allow only for the exploration and production of natural gas. What happens when the oil companies instead find oil? Do they “stop” up the hole and walk away from it, so to speak? Nothing that the Federal government has done would prevent them from harvesting the oil, but it would defy the wishes of the Commonwealth (reference Sen. Wagner’s SB262 with Gov. Kaine’s amendments). Would you therefore be willing to restrict the moratorium’s lift to be exclusively on the production of natural gas to so reflect the wishes of Virginia? If instead this is in reality an “all-or-nothing” moratorium, and knowing that lifting such goes against the desires of Virginia, would you still vote to lift the ban?

Thank you.