Free Republic

Sacramento - Republican gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman said Wednesday that she probably will vote against a November ballot initiative that would suspend AB32, California's landmark greenhouse gas reduction law. Whitman, appearing on the conservative John and Ken radio show on KFI in Southern California, said, "In all likelihood I will vote no on Prop. 23," adding that she still backs a one-year moratorium that she would impose if elected. Proposition 23 would suspend AB32 until unemployment drops to 5.5 percent or lower for a year. Whitman had been pressed on the issue but had not stated her position on the...

A Sacramento judge on Tuesday ordered Attorney General Jerry Brown to reword a ballot initiative that would roll back the state's landmark climate change law. In a ruling Tuesday, Sacramento Superior Court Judge Timothy Frawley agreed with measure proponents charging that Brown's office used misleading language when it drafted the initiative, Proposition 23. As the Democratic candidate for governor, Brown opposes Proposition 23 and supports the state's climate change law, AB 32. Frawley said use of the term "major polluters" in election materials carried negative connotations with voters and ordered Brown's office to use the less loaded term "major sources...

Former U.S. secretary of State George P. Shultz believes it's crucial to fight global warming to protect national security. Global warming is created by burning fossil fuel, he says, and payments for foreign oil sometimes wind up financing terrorism. And Shultz, who's also a former Treasury secretary, thinks the nation suffers an "economic vulnerability" because of its oil addiction. "While we have benefited from low-priced energy," he says, "we've also suffered from periodic spikes in the price of oil. Usually recessions go along with it." Moreover, continues the man who set up the Environmental Protection Agency four decades ago, "There's...

Summary of Measure 23Measure 23 ensures access to affordable quality health care for all Oregon residents through a comprehensive plan providing payment for medically necessary health services. Key concepts Universality - All residents of the state of Oregon are eligible to participate. Security - This health coverage can never be denied if you or your family change jobs, retire, or have a pre-existing condition. Choice - You can choose from any state licensed, certified, or registered health care practitioner. YOU pick your doctor, your HMO doesn't. Affordability - Eliminating deductibles, co-payments, and insurance premiums will save nearly every Oregonian money....