So what sort of programs would you introduce or support to realistically push our country to a position where energy conservation/efficiency can actually make a difference in the battle against global warming?

Here are some ideas I would support and that I've talked about on earlier blogs:

We need to clean up our coal producing power plants.

We need to cut carbon emissions by a large amount, some say up to 80% by 2050.  

A carbon tax is something that I would consider to force the market to find solutions to new technologies.

We need a federal cap and trade system that would put a cap and market price on CO2 emissions.

The power industry will fight this, but they will have to respond.  Traditional coal plants are the least expensive and most reliable way to generate power in the US.  And since the CO2 emissions associated with burning the coal are basically free, and CO2 being emitted by these coal powered energy plants world-wide are the biggest contributors to global warming, it is obvious to me that this is where we need to start.

We won't achieve those numbers overnight, we have to begin now and work up to the 80% level in a handful of years.

There will also have to be a realization that technology (like switching to more nuclear power generation, carbon-free generation plants, wind, solar, etc.) alone won't get us to a reduction in emissions ... that we'll also need to shift an entire generation's mindset, behavior and habits.  And there will be costs both at the personal and commercial level.

20 years of inaction and the myopic view of the Bush administration have brought us, and the world to the precipice.  I look forward to bringing solutions like those proposed above to the House floor and voting to bring change to this most important global issue.  

Thus a better question is "Will you personally refrain from making claims which have no factual basis?"
(Such as the ones Kilgore ran trying to compare the honorable Gov. Kaine to Hitler or the infamous mailer Mrs. Davis sent out listing the Petersen's family contact information)

Given the high stakes in the 2008 election, the 11th districts unique relationship to national politics, as well as the possibility that Rep. Davis will retire and be replaced by a right winger- If Mrs. Byrne and her supporters are afraid of or unable to refute points made against her candidacy by democrats, how will she cope with another republican scorched earth campaign?

My question for Mr. Denneny- how will you cope with what will be republican scortched earth campaign?

There's some validity to the original question (although I'd recommend caution to any politician who ever gets it--nine times out of ten it's coming from someone who is supporting your opponent and is basically asking you to pledge not to attack or criticize her about anything).  I'd just rather not fall into the trap of thinking that candidates are somehow responsible for random things their supporters say.

I'd just rather not fall into the trap of thinking that candidates are somehow responsible for random things their supporters say.

Here is a snapshot:
I believe that my campaign is a reflection of who I am and a demonstration of my personal integrity
I will treat my opponents, the public, and the media with respect
I pledge to be truthful and refrain from irrelevant personal attacks
I will fight for this seat, I will counter all attacks, and I will point out differences between myself and my opponent(s)
I will conduct my campaign with civility, and I expect the same of my opponent
My campaign activities will be conducted as if the world is watching everything we do
I demand the highest level of integrity from all who represent my campaign  

*"Dominion: Mountaintop Removal Starts Here!"
*"Dominion: Hordes of High-Priced Lobbyists Start Here!"
*"Dominion: Campaign Contributions Start Here!"

Seriously, do you think that a utility like Dominion should be writing its own re-regulation bills, lobbying the Virginia congressional delegation (e.g., John Warner) against energy efficiency and carbon "cap and trade" programs, blowing the tops off of mountains, filling in the valleys and streams below, pushing to build a dirty coal-fired power plant in Wise County (see the Bristol Herald's strong endorsement AGAINST that plant), and dragging its feet on the pitiful 12% voluntary renewable portfolio standard it's supposed to meet by 2022?  What would you do in Congress to fight arrogant, irresponsible, out-of-control companies like Dominion?  Would you refuse campaign contributions from bad actors like Dominion, Smithfield, etc?

Thanks.

It is tragic what they are doing to our environment here in Virginia and now around the world.

I would refuse (or if already collected will donate) any  campaign contributions from any PAC or individual that I discover is not aligned with my values or views.

In Congress, I will fight hard against any action or collection of companies that would bring that level of environmental damage to our district, state, or nation.  I will own a bully pulpit and highlight these transgressions and I will introduce legislation or join with my colleagues to help fight against these environmentally unfriendly companies or causes.

Thanks.

P.S. In general, can you comment on the role of "intelligence" in the policymaking process in Washington, DC?

I think we have to continue to engage, engage, and engage Iran diplomatically.  The saber rattling needs to end and the diplomacy needs to begin.

It is a sad reality that countries find that they need to get nuclear weapons to become world players.  And that being a nuclear state is a pre-requisite to be able to shape global policy in their favor.  

Proliferation is a huge problem and we can only solve it with diplomacy and understanding, and by maintaining a credible coalition and deterrent force with other like-minded nations.  

Of course, the intelligence community does great things every day, every minute and every second, but when they miss something, all that goodwill comes crashing down upon them.  A tough business and there are great intentioned people stuck in a very stove-piped business.

Think of the analyst that has to fight to get his or her information in the report that goes up one level, and then that boss has to fight to get it to the next, and the next, all hoping that the decision makers in Langley, the Pentagon, DIA, NSA, on the Hill and in the White House get the right information in time to make the right olicy decisions.

And then will they cherry pick that information in the White House to meet their political agenda?  

My hope is that with a new, functional democratic-led executive branch in 2009, and with me in Congress to help with this oversight, we can improve our National Security and intelligence agencies, interactions, and products.

In general, what is your opinion about the immigration controversy that's been so loud the past few months in northern Virginia?  Specifically, what do you think of the "Help Save..." groups?  Here's what Claire Gastanaga had to say about them over at VB Dems the other day:

Regarding the Help Save groups, I cannot read minds or hearts so I can't speak to their motivation. I can, however, comment on the real world effect of much of the rhetoric which is, as the recent Pew report documented, creating a climate of fear and seeding anti-immigrant and anti-Hispanic bias.

In addition, it is a fact that at least one of the groups aiding the formation and funding (?) of the Help Save organizations, FAIR, has received funding from the Pioneer Fund which has among its founders Harry H. Laughlin, the father of the American (and Virginia) eugenics movement and the American Nazi party. http://rightweb.irc-online.org...

Recently, the Help Save groups split with Greg L from BVBL taking his folks into a new organization called aptly "Save the Old Dominion." Going backwards in time seems to be what would satisfy some of this cohort. Perhaps they'd be more comfortable if we reinstated "Carry me Back to Old Virginny" as our state song, as well.

Thoughts?

Thanks.

I believe that the silence on this issue by others can be considered consent.

I think this era of race-baiting and divisiveness among our minority communities will be judged as one of the low points in our Commonwealth's history.

As your Congressman and as a candidate today, I will stand against these groups and what they represent.  

The national democrats will get behind me, and already have.  Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-PA) just endorsed my race.  There are others.

I am clearly the only change agent in this race, and the best candidate to win this primary and the general.  

I'm running for the future generations, and I'm the only candidate who will stand toe-to-toe and can take on and beat Tom Davis.  

I consider it a privilege.

Once people have heard my refreshing message of change, honesty, candor and hope for their future and their children's future, those barriers to entry come down.

Advantages - you can define yourself in truthful terms before your opposition tries to define you.

Disadvantages - Name ID, but for me that is changing.

The bottom line ...
As Ghandi said, "First they ignore you. Then they laugh at you. Then they fight you. Then you win."

Because they are so well informed and due to the proximity to DC, they believe their elected leaders need to serve them ... in other words, they aren't in awe of their elected officials, they want someone who is elected to roll up their sleeves and do their job ... not to chase after another elected position.

I think the people here are very angry at Congress and at their Congressman here in the 11th.  Tom Davis is more and more out of touch with his constituency, voting repeatedly to support the Bush agenda.

This is different than in many other districts in the nation.  I think most other districts believe Congress is on the wrong track but believe in their own member.  I think our citizens are figuring out that after 13 years, it is time for Tom to go.

There is the saying, however, that "all politics is local." It is that spirit that I ask what you believes qualifies you to represent specifically the 11th Congressional District.

There needs to be more fiscal responsibility in Congress, and I'm proud of the Blue Dogs' stand.  We get paid as Congressman to make the tough calls, I think the folks that voted for this ducked the tough choice and piled on even more debt ($9 trillion national debt and counting) on the backs of all Americans.

I think the issues will be pretty clear and the differences will be substantial.  I wish him the best of luck and look forward to serving with him on Capitol Hill.  

Meanwhile, the [national] campaign agenda is shifting as well. Perceptions of military progress in Iraq have reduced the proportion of voters who cite Iraq as a top priority for Washington to 36% from 46% last month. With many Americans now expecting a recession, health care and the economy now rank nearly as high as Iraq, which could prove unwelcome for Messrs. McCain and Giuliani, both identified with national-security issues.

http://online.wsj.com/article/...

In your race, do you see the same shift in issues happening?

Our economy is directly tied to Iraq.  Our national identity is tied to Iraq.  Our falling dollar is tied to Iraq.  Our ability to lead on important issues internationally is tied to Iraq.  Our federally-based economy in this district is tied to Iraq.  Our lack of discretionary income for other important progressive causes is tied to Iraq.  Our ability to reclaim the Presidency is tied to Iraq.  

Our ability to win this seat is tied to Iraq.  And most importantly, we are losing and injuring great Americans every day in Iraq.  It has to end and it will under my "watch."  

I will talk about Iraq not just because I am the best qualified to discuss the way ahead, but because if we don't fix Iraq, we won't be able to fix anything else.

Have a great night and a Happy Holiday season.

- Doug Denneny