How local Congress members voted..Illinois

http://www.dailyherald.com ^ | Published: 6/27/2009 | Daily Herald Staff Report

[ThreePuttinDude]

Here is how our suburban Congress members voted on the cap and trade bill:

Rep. Mark Kirk, R-Highland Park: YES

Rep. Melissa Bean, D-Barrington: YES

Rep. Jan Schakowsky, D-Evanston: YES

Rep. Peter Roskam, R-Wheaton: NO

Rep. Bill Foster, D-Batavia Democrat: NO

Rep. Judy Biggert, R-Hinsdale Republican: NO

Rep. Don Manzullo, R-Rockford: NO

[ThreePuttinDude]

"At a time when unemployment is over 10 percent in northern Illinois and many employers are struggling to survive, this misguided cap and tax bill will put millions more Americans out of work and surge utility costs for all Americans. And amazingly, it will not ensure a cleaner environment for future generations because the biggest polluters in the world - China and India - have indicated their desire to keep the pedal to the floor and continue polluting at will."

- Rep. Don Manzullo
________________________________________________________
"As a scientist I believe that climate change is real and that action is necessary. It is also crucial that we restructure our energy systems to increase efficiency and reduce our dependence on imported sources. However, I have always believed we have a responsibility to act in a way that comes with the lowest possible cost to the economy. A more thoughtful and measured bull could have mitigated significantly more greenhouse gas per dollar of expenditure. It is my hope that the Senate will make significant improvements to this legislation."

- Rep. Bill Foster
________________________________________________________
"This bill is a disaster for Illinois. It is especially punative against nuclear, coal, and natural gas, which are the three sources of electricity Illinois relies on most."

- Rep. Judy Biggert
_________________________________________________________
"Constituents and businesses in my district are hurting from an incredibly troubled economy. The last thing our economy needs is another tax from (House) Speaker (Nancy) Pelosi to weigh on our economy and impede our return to prosperity. Nancy Pelosi's energy tax will hamstring local businesses, keeping them from competing equally with companies in India and China."

- Rep. Peter Roskam
______________________________________________________
"For over a century the United States has embraced on energy policy based almost entirely on fossil fuels that have had several dangerous consequences for today... Now we have an opportunity to change directions."

- Rep. Jan Schakowsky

[bigbob]

Thanks - Manzullo is my guy and he got it right.

With all the buzz and media hype Mark Kirk is getting, he’s got a lot of ‘splainin’ to do.

[ThreePuttinDude]

My bro-in-law hasn't stopped getting the word out in Lake County.
He is PO’d to say the least. Kirk had a pretty good start to his career,
with this disaster, I hope it will ruin his future as a ( R) in Lake County.

We don't need anymore RINO backstabbing in Illinois, or USA

[lt.america]

I haven’t noticed any type of statement from Kirk on his vote. I knew he was on the fence but I thought if it was close, he may vote Nay because of gravity of a Yea vote.

He is probably trying to lay low and hope that this gets overcome by events.

[uptoolate]

With all the buzz and media hype Mark Kirk is getting, he’s got a lot of ‘splainin’ to do.

My guess is he is voting like a Dem to appeal to Dems for a run at the soon to be vacant Il. Senate seat.

[uptoolate]

soon to be vacant Il. Senate seat. = Illinois U.S. Senate (Burris)

[SERKIT]

A constituent of Mark Kirk’s should ask him not only why he voted ‘no’, but what communications did he have with the White House, White House Staff, or House Dem Leadership leading up to the vote. If so, what was the nature of those discussions, what promises were made, or political favors offered?

[neocon1984]

And there are those (e.g., myself) who will work hard to make sure that this is the end of Mr. Kirk’s congressional career.

BTW, Kirk is my congressman. I have voted for him several times because the alternative (Dan Seals) was worse. As much as I hate to admit it, some previous Freepers were quite right.

NO MORE RINOs!

[PhilCollins]

I live in Rep. Kirk’s district (Northfield), and I thought about asking him why he voted for that bill. However, he doesn’t respond to my emails. I emailed him, four times, and I asked why he’s a Republican, although he’s pro-choice, pro-gay marriage, pro-gun control, pro-spending increases, pro-illegal aliens, and anti-Iraq surge. I didn’t receive a response, so I emailed four of his aides and asked them why he’s a Republican. None of them responded.

[neocon1984]

I got a response to my e-mail, which stated that I had voted for him in the past (Arlington Heights), but would now actively work for his defeat.

Kirk invited me to his “presentation” at Harper College scheduled for this afternoon. I was tempted to go and ask pointed questions (it’s only 15 minutes away), but my schedule would not allow it.

IMO, the best course of action is to talk with neighbors. One of my neighbors has a “Kirk” sign (but never any others) on his lawn every 2 years. I think we need to talk about Mr. Kirk’s positions.

[PhilCollins]

I’ve been registered in Kirk’s district since 2002, and I’ve never voted for him. I skip that section, of the ballot. Since Kirk and the Democrats are equally liberal, it doesn’t matter who wins.

I think that Kirk won’t run for re-election. If he doesn’t, who should run for his U.S. House seat? I read that State Rep. Elizabeth Coulson might run.

[neocon1984]

Your question highlights the problem. I am generally pretty well informed (to the annoyance of many) on politics. However, I have no idea about the Illinois scene, although I have lived in the district for 13 years. (Before that, Phil Crane was my congressman).