Wingnut Charm Offensive


I guess it's not real surprising Ed Patru seems to be camera shy, given that he's chosen to be the political equivalent of a disease carrier/spreader:

A conservative political group is taking to the airwaves today, again accusing U.S. Rep. Don Cazayoux of blocking energy-related legislation.

The radio ad -- funded by Freedom’s Watch, a political organization that supports conservative policies -- says Cazayoux blocked votes to increase domestic energy production.

The ad is expected to air through the 6th U.S. Congressional District.

Cazayoux, D-New Roads, said Monday the ad refers to his opposition of procedural votes that are used to slow down Congress...

Ed Patru, spokesman for Freedom’s Watch, said Cazayoux should be more aggressive in calling out Democrats who are opposed to domestic drilling and are asking for the release of more foreign oil.

"He ought to be walking the halls of Congress, megaphone in hand, asking the Speaker of the House (Nancy Pelosi) to drop her opposition to drilling," Patru said.

Patru said Cazayoux is among Democrats who have not signed a petition to move an energy bill out of House committee, which Pelosi, D-Calif., is not allowing.

The resolution, called the No More Excuses Energy Act, would allow for companies to explore oil and natural gas offshore and from ANWR, allow the issuance of tax exempt bonds for the financing of domestic use oil refinery facilities, and allow tax credits for the production of electricity from nuclear energy and natural gas production.

"But Don Cazayoux stands in the way, while we cut back on gas and groceries, family outings and summer vacations," the Freedom’s Watch ad says.

The ad directs listeners to call Cazayoux’s district office and tell him to support House Resolution 3089.

Patru said similar ads are being aired in 15 other Congressional districts.

Cazayoux, who faces re-election to the seat this fall, called the ad a campaign tactic.

Cazayoux said he welcomes calls to his office. "It gives us a chance to tell people our side of the story," he said.

Cazayoux said he is glad the dialogue on drilling is starting, but it is a conversation that should have been started years ago.

"Drilling is not a short-term solution," he said. Even if drilling in ANWR is allowed, "it would be 10 years before any significant relief to gas prices will occur."

"We don’t want to focus just on drilling," Cazayoux said. "We have to continue to talk about some of the longer term solutions that I’ve focused on and I think Congress is focusing on."