Tom Udall for Senate Press Releases RSS

New Inflation Report Shows Republican Economic Policies Don't Protect the Middle Class

russell — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 16:13:09 -0700

Udall Campaign Reiterates Commitment to Working for New Mexico’s Families

Albuquerque, N.M. – A new inflation report from the U.S. Department of Labor provides further evidence that the failed Bush economic policies of tax cuts for the top 2 percent of earners in America, policies Steve Pearce fully endorses, are leading to higher energy and food costs for middle class Americans.

“The George Bush economic policies, which Steve Pearce heartily supports, are squeezing the middle class in New Mexico and America,” said Udall campaign spokeswoman Marissa Padilla. “In the United States Senate, Tom Udall will work to revitalize our economy and take care of our families by supporting middle class tax cuts and balanced energy solutions.”

According to the report, wholesale prices rose 1.2% in July, with prices up 9.8% from a year ago – the highest inflation rates since the early 1980s. Inflation is going up even higher than economists expected, with high energy prices causing a ripple effect leading to higher prices in other areas of the economy.

The Udall Campaign last week launched a new ad and website focused on the Middle Class Squeeze that speaks to concerns over rising gas prices, health care and food costs. New Mexicans can also calculate how much George Bush and Steve Pearce’s economic policies are costing them by visiting www.MiddleClassSqueeze.com.

“Tom Udall has always fought for the people of New Mexico, and he is committed to fighting for our interests, not the special interests,” Padilla said.

Pearce Ally Club for Growth Exposed

Bryan Barash — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:17:52 -0700

Shady Interest Group Funded by Swift Boat Veterans for Truth Financiers Has Engaged in Illegal, Unethical Campaign Practices

Albuquerque, N.M. – Congressman Tom Udall’s Campaign for United States Senate today is calling out the Club for Growth on its long record of illegal and unethical campaign practices.

Research has revealed that the Club for Growth – the group that ran scurrilous attack ads against Heather Wilson in the Republican primary and has now begun airing fraudulent ads against Tom Udall – has twice violated Ohio state election law and was hit with a Federal Election Commission (FEC) complaint for illegally coordinating with a Maryland congressional campaign.

“The Club for Growth uses unethical campaign tactics to advance a radical, right-wing agenda,” Udall Campaign Spokeswoman Marissa Padilla said. “They’re willing to do almost anything in order to distort the records and smear the characters of those they don’t agree with, or who don’t agree with George Bush.”

“The group is funded by the same right-wing ideologues who financed the Swift Boat attack ads, and they represent the worst of the electoral process. We call on everyone in New Mexico who cares about an honest debate of ideas to reject the Club for Growth and their disgraceful campaign tactics,” Padilla added.

- Club Violated Ohio State Election Law. In October 2007, the Ohio Ethics Commission unanimously ruled that Club for Growth had made false statements about Ohio congressional candidate Bob Latta. The commission found that Club for Growth twice violated state election law when it issued an internet and email release stating Latta supported a penny sales-tax hike. The Club did not dispute the allegation in front of the commission. [Toledo Blade, 10/19/07]

- Club Hit with FEC Complaint for Illegal Coordination. In January 2008, Club for Growth was hit with an FEC complaint by the campaign of Republican State Senator E.J. Pipkin, running in the GOP MD-01 primary. The complaint alleged that the Club and Andy Harris, one of Pipkin’s opponents, had coordinated attack ads against Pipkin. However, the complaint was not able to move forward because there are currently only two sitting FEC commissioners. [Roll Call, 1/15/08]

- Club Asked FEC Permission to Run Ads without Disclaimer. In November 2007, the Club asked the FEC permission to run 10 and 15 second television ads without a disclaimer. In January 2008, the FEC issued an advisory opinion denying the Club’s request. [FEC Advisory Opinion, 1/18/08]

The Club for Growth’s unethical campaign activities and low-road campaign tactics are not surprising considering the group’s history and the history of its financiers.

- Club’s 2nd Largest Funder is Bob Perry, Chief Backer of Swift Boat Veterans for Truth. Perry contributed $4,450,000 to the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, making him the biggest underwriter of an advertising campaign denounced by Senator John McCain as “dishonest and dishonorable.” The allegations in the ads were themselves contradicted by military records and witnesses. [Center for Responsive Politics, Center for Public Integrity, Accessed: 5/15/08]

- Perry So Far Has Contributed $450,000 to Club for Growth in 2007-2008. Perry has also contributed $125,000 to the New Mexico State Republican Party.

- Swift Boat Backer Harlan Crow another Big Contributor. In 2004, Crow donated $25,000 to the Swift Boat campaign. He has given at least $300,000 to Club for Growth to date. [Dallas Morning News, 7/23/04]

- DeLay’s PAC Contributed $50,000. One of Club for Growth’s top donors in 2003 was disgraced Republican leader Tom DeLay, whose Political Action Committee contributed $50,000 to the Club.

Big name donors like DeLay, Perry, and Crow have allowed Club for Growth to spend lavishly to attack its opponents, spending early and often.

- Spent $7.4 Million During 2006 Cycle. During the 2006 election cycle, the Club spent $7,434,663. [Open Secrets, accessed: 1/17/08]

- Spent $15 Million During 2004 Cycle. In 2004, the Club spent $15 million on television ads alone.

- Directed $12 Million in Bundled Contributions. In 2004, the Club directed $12 million in bundled hard-money contributions to right-wing, conservative Republican candidates.

Club for Growth founder Stephen Moore is an ideological extremist who has consistently pushed opinions out of step with the majority of Americans.

- Moore Said Nation’s Seniors Are Selfish. In 2002, Moore said seniors are “selfish” for caring about Social Security and Medicare. “…the most selfish group in America today is senior citizens,” Moore said. “Their demands on Washington are: ‘Give us more and more and more.’” [The American Spectator, 11/01/02]

- Moore Called Anti-Fraud Legislation “A New Cancer.” In 2005, Moore called anti-fraud legislation “a new cancer.” The legislation was passed by a Republican-dominated Congress and signed into law by President Bush in the wake of the Enron and WorldCom corporate scandals. [The New Yorker, 12/12/05]

- Moore opposed the Patients’ Bill of Rights. In 1998, Moore opposed the Patients’ Bill of Rights, calling it camouflage for more government regulation over the health care industry. [Washington Times, 12/30/98]

Club for Growth is ideologically-driven to the point where even Karl Rove called their tactics in targeting moderate Republicans “stupid.” [New Republic, 9/04/06]

- Club for Growth Threatened Any Republican Not Promising to Support Bush. In May 2007, the Club warned GOP members that it would target any lawmaker who failed to sign a letter of support from the Republican Study Committee, which promised to support a veto of any spending bill that exceeded President Bush’s requests. [Congressional Quarterly, 5/18/07]

- History of Threatening Republicans to Vote Their Way. In 2003, Club founder Stephen Moore threatened to defeat Republicans that voted in favor of any tax hikes. [Ventura County Star, 11/10/03]

Udall Sets Record Straight Against Out Of State Pearce Allies

Bryan Barash — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:16:47 -0700

Domenici: Special Interest Group Spending Money to Distort and Influence Election

Albuquerque, N.M. – Congressman Tom Udall today released a new ad to set the record straight against negative attack ads funded by out of state special interest allies of Steve Pearce.

“The same ideological billionaires from Texas, New York and New Jersey are back with more fraudulent and misleading attack ads -- this time attempting to smear Tom Udall’s record of doing what’s right,” said Udall Campaign Spokeswoman Marissa Padilla. “Steve Pearce’s out of state accomplices, whose Swift Boat-style ads drove Senator Domenici to spurn their misleading and unfair attacks in the primary, are once again trying to prop up his struggling campaign and influence this election. New Mexicans won’t stand for it.”

The Club for Growth has an extensive record of egregious campaign ethics violations, including being hit with an FEC complaint in January for illegal coordination with a Maryland congressional campaign. The group has also been cited for making false statements about an Ohio congressional candidate by the Ohio Ethics Commission, which found that the group twice violated state election law.

During the primary, the Club for Growth spent more than $562,000 on Pearce’s behalf in an ugly battle against Congresswoman Heather Wilson. Their hundreds of thousands of dollars in ad buys in New Mexico on Steve Pearce’s behalf prompted retiring Republican Senator Pete Domenici to publically rebuke them and their radical right-wing agenda, which would only hurt New Mexico.

During the primary, Senator Domenici was quoted saying, “[O]ut-of-state special interest groups like the Club for Growth are spending hundreds of thousands of dollars unfairly distorting [Wilson’s] record and trying to influence this election....” [Wilson Press Release, June 2, 2008.]

Said Wilson, “Billionaires from New York and New Jersey are trying to buy Senator Domenici’s seat in order to satisfy their narrow ideological agenda, and they have found a perfect accomplice in Steve Pearce.” [Wilson Press Release, June 2, 2008.]

After spending over half a million dollars in the primary, Club for Growth has now placed an initial media buy of $150,000 for the general election on Pearce’s behalf for deceptive advertising against Tom Udall.

Research shows that the group is funded by right-wing ideologues with a history of using the worst smear tactics. The group’s second-largest contributor Texas billionaire developer, Bob Perry, who has given the group $450,000, was the chief backer of the ad for the so-called Swift Boat Veterans for Truth.

Perry is a confidant of both Karl Rove and President Bush, contributing almost $4.45 million to the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth. [Swift Vets, Top Contributors, 2004 Election Cycle, Center for Responsive Politics; Center for Public Integrity, The Washington Post, 8/9/05]

“White House senior adviser Karl Rove told Fox television’s Brit Hume this week that he’s known Perry for 25 years, and he was one of the few wealthy Texans ‘willing to write checks to support Republican candidates.’” [AP, 8/27/04]

According to the Center for Responsive Politics, “The group’s ads were denounced by Republican Senator John McCain of Arizona, a fellow Vietnam veteran, as ‘dishonest and dishonorable,’ and soon the allegations were themselves contradicted by military records and by witnesses to the events.” [Center for Responsive Politics; Center for Public Integrity, Accessed: 5/15/08]

“New Mexicans deserve better – we deserve the truth. Tom Udall has long backed an energy policy to put our nation on a path towards energy independence by doing it all, including increased domestic drilling, nuclear development, energy conservation and efficiency and a strong investment in renewables to create the jobs of the future. And Tom Udall has always fought for the people New Mexico, not special interest groups like Club for Growth which have aligned to open their checkbooks for their strongest ally, Steve Pearce,” concluded Padilla.

The text and facts behind Udall’s new 30-second ad, which will begin airing throughout New Mexico on Tuesday, are below. To preview “Now Tom”, visit www.tomudall.com/Now_Tom.

SCRIPT and FACTS

“NOW TOM” (:30)

Release Date – August 19, 2008

NARRATOR: A Washington special interest wants to pick our Senator.

FACT: The Club for Growth (FEC Comm. ID# C90009945), and the Club for Growth PAC (FEC Comm. ID# C00346536), both list 2001 L St. NW, STE 600, Washington, DC 20036, as their address in Federal Election Commission Reports. According to the FEC, the Club for Growth.net (FEC Comm. ID# C30000269), the Club for Growth's not authorized committee, spent $562,075.20 for electioneering communications against Rep. Heather Wilson and in support of Rep. Steve Pearce's candidacy for the U.S. Senate during the Republican primary campaign. In the general election, the Club for Growth.net has spent $150,000 on television ads attacking Rep. Tom Udall. ["Club for Growth," Federal Election Commission. FEC.gov.; "Club for Growth PAC," Federal Election Commission. FEC.gov; "Electioneering Communications Reports: Club for Growth.net" Federal Election Commission. FEC.gov, Retrieved August 18, 2008]

NARRATOR: First they falsely attacked Heather Wilson.

FACT: “The Club for Growth has been attacking Heather Wilson on New Mexico television for weeks in advertising that Senator Pete Domenici says is misleading. In a recorded statement released yesterday, Senator Domenici said, in part, ‘I voted for Heather Wilson because out-of-state special interest groups like the Club for Growth are spending hundreds of thousands of dollars unfairly distorting her record and trying to influence this election.’” [Wilson Press Release, June 2, 2008.]

NARRATOR: Now it’s Tom Udall.

FACT: “The right-wing Club for Growth is out with a new TV ad in New Mexico attacking Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Tom Udall and urging him to support increased domestic drilling. The group is spending $150,000 to run the ad for two weeks…. The group endorsed Pearce in the primary and spent $200,000 on an ad attacking his opponent, Heather Wilson as a spendthrift liberal. [“Club for Growth attacks Udall in new TV ad,” by Heath Haussamen, www.haussamen.blogspot.com. Accessed 8/18/08.]

NARRATOR: On energy, Tom Udall says do it all. More domestic drilling, including some offshore.

FACT: Tom Udall has voted to call on oil companies to increase domestic oil production on lands they have already leased. [HR 6515, Vote 511, 7/17/2008.]

FACT: According to the Albuquerque Journal: Rep. Tom Udall, a New Mexico Democrat who is running for the U.S. Senate, said he does not support lifting all bans on offshore drilling but would "not put myself in a category that I'm opposed to all future (oil and gas) development" either. Udall also said Congress must seek to increase refining capacity and crack down on speculators who, he said, are driving up the price of oil. ["Offshore Drilling OK With N.M. Delegation," by Michael Coleman, The Albuquerque Journal, 6/19/08.]

NARRATOR: Nuclear power.

FACT: Tom Udall voted for the final version of the 2007 Energy Bill that included a 114% increase in spending on nuclear energy research and development programs over FY 2007 level to $568 million. Nuclear power 2010, “a joint government/industry cost-shared effort to identify sites for new nuclear power plants, develop and bring to market advanced nuclear plant technologies, evaluate the business case for building new nuclear power plants, and demonstrate untested regulatory processes,” is increased 75 percent from FY 2006. [Vote 1177, 12/18/07] [“Sen. Jeff Bingaman Holds a Hearing on the F.Y. 2008 Budget for the Department of Energy,” Political Transcript Wire, February 9, 2007] [“Nuclear Power 2010,” U.S. Department of Energy. http://www.ne.doe.gov/np2010/neNP2010a.html]

FACT: Tom Udall voted for the 2005 energy bill that gave billions to oil, gas and nuclear industries. Tom Udall voted for the final energy bill that included an estimated $85 billion worth of subsidies and tax breaks for most forms of energy. The bill included $2 billion for "risk insurance" in case new nuclear plants run into construction and licensing delays. Also included a provision so that nuclear utilities will be eligible for taxpayer-backed loan guarantees of as much as 80 percent the cost of their plants. The bill passed 275-156. [Vote #445, 7/28/05; Washington Post, 7/30/05.]

NARRATOR: And alternative energy like wind and solar.

FACT: In 2008, Tom Udall voted for the ‘Renewable Energy and Job Growth Act’ that would revive or extend about $55.5 billion in tax breaks for individuals and businesses for one year, including extensions of existing tax credits for solar energy, wind energy, biomass, geothermal energy and certain coal projects. The bill passed 263-160. [CQ Weekly, 5/26/08; Vote 344, 5/21/08.]

FACT: In 2007 Tom Udall voted for the initial version of the House Energy Bill that would have rolled back $14 billion in subsidies and tax breaks for Big Oil and used the funding to promote renewable energy. The bill invested that money into clean renewable energy, energy efficiency and alternative fuels by shifting certain revenue from royalties and tax incentives for oil and gas companies into a reserve fund. [Vote #40, 1/18/07; New York Times, 1/19/07.]

FACT: In June 2007, Tom Udall voted against a $102 million reduction in funding for energy efficiency and renewable energy programs. [Vote 509, 6/19/07.]

NARRATOR: Steve Pearce voted against alternative energy nine times.

FACT: In 2008, Steve Pearce voted against a bill that would revive or extend about $55.5 billion in tax credits for solar energy, wind energy, biomass, geothermal energy and certain coal projects. The bill passed 263-160. [CQ Weekly, 5/26/08; HR 6049, Vote #344, 5/21/08.]

FACT: In February 2008, Steve Pearce voted against an $18 billion tax package "that would rescind a tax break for the five biggest oil companies and use the revenue to boost incentives for wind and solar energy and energy efficiency." The bill would have excluded oil and gas companies from a tax break given to U.S. manufacturers in 2004. The vote came just hours after crude oil hit a record high price of $102 a barrel. [Vote #84, 2/27/08; Washington Post, 2/28/08.]

FACT: In 2007, Pearce voted against legislation to move the United States toward greater energy independence and security, develop innovative new technologies, reduce carbon emissions, create green jobs, protect consumers, increase clean renewable energy production, and modernize our energy infrastructure. The bill set new efficiency standards for appliances, lighting and buildings, and created new programs to research infrastructure and delivery of alternative fuels. The bill also required oil and natural gas producers who did not pay royalties on leased federal land under existing law to either agree to renegotiate their leases or pay a new fee. The bill passed 241-172. [Vote #832, 8/4/07.]

FACT: In June 2007, Pearce voted to reduce funding for energy efficiency and renewable energy programs by $102 million. [Vote #509, 6/19/07.]

FACT: In 2005, Pearce voted against making producers of renewable energy eligible for federal grants to build renewable fuel production facilities. [HR 6, H.AMDT.92 Engle Amendment, Vote #125, 4/21/05.]

FACT: In January 2007, Pearce voted against the initial version of the House Energy Bill. The CLEAN Energy Act would have rolled back $14 billion in subsidies and tax breaks for Big Oil and used the funding to promote renewable energy. The bill invested that money into clean renewable energy, energy efficiency and alternative fuels by shifting certain revenue from royalties and tax incentives from oil and gas companies into a reserve fund. The bill required current offshore fuel producers who are not paying federal royalties to agree to pay royalties when fuel prices reach certain thresholds or pay fees based on how much fuel they produce. The bill would create a new renewable energy account and allow the money to be used to offset the cost of research into alternative energy sources and conservation measures contained in future legislation. [Vote #40, 1/18/07; New York Times, 1/19/07.]

FACT: In 2004, Pearce opposed an amendment to the energy and water funding bill to increase funding for renewable energy sources by $30 million - 10% more than what the underlying bill provided for solar, wind, biomass, geothermal and hydrogen renewable energy programs. The increase would have been offset by a decrease in the Advanced Simulation and Computing program. The increase was defeated 150-241. [HR 4614, Vote #321, 6/25/04.]

FACT: In 2005, Pearce voted against an amendment to the Energy Bill that would have required electric utility companies to reduce dependence on non-renewable energy sources. [HR 6, Vote #118, 4/20/05.]

FACT: In 2007, Pearce voted against comprehensive energy legislation that would lead to an increase in automobile fuel-efficiency standards for the first time in 32 years and require increased use of renewable energy sources to generate electricity. Democrats characterized the legislation as "a new direction" in U.S. energy policy away from dependence on fossil fuels. The bill would boost corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards by 40 percent, to an industry average of 35 miles per gallon by 2020, the first such action since 1975, when Congress first enacted the federal auto fuel economy requirements. The bill would expand the use of ethanol sevenfold to 36 billion gallons a year by 2022 with 21 billion gallons coming from cellulosic feedstock such as wood chips and prairie grass. [Vote #1140, 12/06/07.]

NARRATOR: That’s why he got hundreds of thousand dollars from Big Oil.

FACT: Steve Pearce, over his career, has taken over $210,000 from political action committees run by Big Oil corporations like ExxonMobil, Conoco Phillips, Shell Oil, British Petroleum, Koch Industries, Marathon Oil, and Halliburton. This is only a sample of the money that Pearce has taken from Big Oil. [http://www.opensecrets.org/pacs/index.php]

FACT: Steve Pearce took $615,874 from the oil and gas industry in campaign contributions during his federal election career. [“Steve Pearce: Career Profile.” The Center for Responsive Politics. http://opensecrets.org/politicians/industries.php?cycle=Career&cid=N0001.... 8/16/2008.]

NARRATOR: Tom Udall. The integrity to do what’s right.

TOM UDALL: I’m Tom Udall and I approved this message.

Week Two: Udall Continues State-Wide 'Doing Right By New Mexico Tour'

Bryan Barash — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 12:18:01 -0700

Albuquerque, N.M. – Today, United States Senate Candidate and Congressman Tom Udall, D-N.M., will begin the second week of his ‘Doing Right by New Mexico Tour’.

As a two-term Attorney General and five-term U.S. Representative, Udall has always been committed to doing what’s right by New Mexico. Now, with the economy suffering and the middle class being squeezed by failed Republican policies, we need a leader in the United States Senate who will put New Mexico’s interests first.

Udall’s schedule for week two is as follows. All listed events are open to the media and all times are local. Tour Updates, event video and schedules can be found at http://www.TomUdall.com/Tour.

Udall Campaign Agrees to Dates for Statewide Televised Debates

Bryan Barash — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 12:19:42 -0700

Albuquerque, N.M. – Congressman Tom Udall today announced that he has accepted three invitations for statewide televised debates.

Udall has committed to the following media outlets and organizations to participate in the following three debates:

October 15th, KOB-4
October 18th, KRQE-13 and AARP
October 26th, KOAT-7 and The Albuquerque Journal

On July 21st, Udall challenged his opponent, Steve Pearce, to participate in three statewide televised debates to help New Mexicans decide who to vote for in this historic election.

“New Mexicans deserve to see both of these candidates side-by-side, engaging in a vigorous exchange of ideas and discussing their very different visions for the direction of our state and nation,” said Udall Campaign Manager Amanda Cooper. “Tom Udall has been travelling the state, listening to New Mexicans who are desperate for a leader who will do the right thing and come up with solutions to fix our ailing economy, bring down skyrocketing gas prices, and take care of our veterans. We hope the Pearce Campaign will join us in an honest exchange of ideas to demonstrate who can best provide voters with solutions.”

On August 1st Udall also accepted an invitation to debate on NBC’s Meet the Press this fall.

“We look forward to determining the variety of formats with these organizations to best allow for maximum interaction with the people of New Mexico,” Cooper concluded.

Udall to Visit Deming, Silver City Tomorrow

Bryan Barash — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 12:14:04 -0700

Albuquerque, N.M. – Wednesday, United States Senate Candidate and Congressman Tom Udall, D-N.M., will continue his campaign’s ‘Doing Right By New Mexico Tour’ with visits to Deming and Silver City.

As a two-term Attorney General and five-term U.S. Representative, Tom Udall has always been committed to doing what's right by New Mexico. Now, with the economy suffering and prices for gas, food, healthcare and education climbing higher every day, New Mexicans need a leader in the United States Senate who will put our interests first.

For two weeks, Tom Udall will travel the state and exchange ideas with New Mexicans about how to get our country back on track. With a special emphasis on the 1st and 2nd Congressional districts, he will listen to New Mexicans and tell them why he'll always do right by New Mexico in the United States Senate.

Udall’s schedule is as follows. All listed events are open to the media and all times are local. Tour Updates, event video and schedules can be found at http://www.TomUdall.com/Tour.

Udall Launches New TV Ad and Website Focused on the Growing Middle Class Squeeze

Bryan Barash — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 09:46:03 -0700

Albuquerque, NM – As Tom Udall kicks off his “Doing Right by New Mexico Tour” where he will travel the state for two weeks and exchange ideas with New Mexicans about how to get our country back on track, his campaign today also launched a new television ad and interactive website demonstrating how the failed policies of Steve Pearce and George W. Bush have impacted New Mexicans.

“It’s time for New Mexicans to see just how we much we have been impacted by Steve Pearce’s lock-step support of the failed Bush Administration policies that have led to the growing middle class squeeze,” said Udall Campaign Manager Amanda Cooper. “New Mexicans need a United States Senator who will do right by them no matter what, instead of Steve Pearce, who has repeatedly voted against our interests and is now adding insult to injury by being dishonest about Tom Udall’s record.”

Udall’s ad and website showcase how Steve Pearce’s unwavering support of the Bush Administration has led to the severe middle class squeeze New Mexicans are facing today. On www.MiddleClassSqueeze.com, individuals are able to calculate just how much the rising costs of prescription drugs, health care insurance premiums, gasoline and food prices have impacted their pocketbooks.

Since being elected to Congress, Steve Pearce has voted with George Bush 91 percent of the time. He has rejected rolling back tax breaks for Big Oil and gas companies like ExxonMobil raking in record profits, despite $4 dollar a gallon gas for consumers.

He also rejected legislation that would lower prescription drug costs by allowing the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate lower drug prices for Medicare beneficiaries, which is already done on behalf of veterans.

And as health care premiums in New Mexico continue to rise, Steve Pearce was among a minority in Congress and the only member of the New Mexico delegation to vote against reauthorizing SCHIP which would negatively impact the NewMexiKids health insurance program for children.

Said Cooper, “It’s time New Mexicans knew the truth about Steve Pearce’s record. Go to www.MiddleClassSqueeze.com to see why New Mexicans can’t afford to elect him to the United States Senate.”

For the next two weeks, Tom Udall will travel the state and exchange ideas with New Mexicans about how to get our country back on track. He will listen to New Mexicans and tell them why he'll always do right by New Mexico in the United States Senate.

‘Doing What’s Right By New Mexico’ tour updates, event video and schedules can be found at www.TomUdall.com/Tour.

The text and facts behind Udall’s new, 30-second ad, which will begin airing throughout New Mexico on Tuesday, are below. To preview “Middle Class Squeeze”, visit www.MiddleClassSqueeze.com.

SCRIPT and FACTS

“Middle Class Squeeze” (:30)

Release Date – August 12, 2008

ANNOUNCER: George Bush and Steve Pearce. How much are they costing you? Go to MiddleClassSqueeze.com and use this calculator to find out.

FACT: Please see the below information for a complete analysis of the calculator.

ANNOUNCER: Steve Pearce voted 91% of the time with George Bush.

FACT: “From 2003 through 2007, Pearce voted with President Bush an average of 90.8% of the time. In Pearce’s first year in the House, he supported Bush 98% of the time.” [CQ Member Profile].

ANNOUNCER: Giving special deals to big oil …

FACT: Pearce Voted Against Rolling Back $14 Billion of Oil and Gas Tax Breaks to Fund Alternative Energy. In January 2007, Pearce voted against the initial version of the House Energy Bill. The CLEAN Energy Act would have rolled back $14 billion in subsidies and tax breaks for Big Oil and used the funding to promote renewable energy. The bill invested that money into clean renewable energy, energy efficiency and alternative fuels by shifting certain revenue from royalties and tax incentives from oil and gas companies into a reserve fund. The bill required current offshore fuel producers who are not paying federal royalties to agree to pay royalties when fuel prices reach certain thresholds or pay fees based on how much fuel they produce. The bill would create a new renewable energy account and allow the money to be used to offset the cost of research into alternative energy sources and conservation measures contained in future legislation. [Vote #40, 1/18/07; New York Times, 1/19/07]

ANNOUNCER: … and drug companies …

FACT: In 2007, Pearce spoke out against a bill to lower prescription drug costs for Medicare recipients by requiring the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate lower covered part D drug prices on behalf of Medicare beneficiaries. “This legislation requiring 'negotiations' amounts to government price controls in disguise,” Pearce said. And in 2007, Pearce voted against a bill to lower prescription drug costs for Medicare recipients by requiring the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate lower covered part D drug prices on behalf of Medicare beneficiaries [Pearce Press Release, 1/12/07; HR 4, Vote 23, 1/12/2007]

FACT: Pearce has voted four times to prevent millions of Americans receiving re-import U.S.-made prescription drugs from industrialized nations, including Canada, the European Union nations, Australia, Iceland, Japan, Norway and Switzerland. Some drugs cost as much as 1,000 percent more in the United States than they do in other countries that impose price controls and other limits on costs. [Scripps, 7/25/03; Los Angeles Times, 7/25/03; Vote #806, 8/2/07; HR 1, Vote #668, 11/22/03; HR 2673, Vote #624, 11/18/03;HR 2427, Vote #445, 7/25/03]

FACT: Steve Pearce voted for the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, that included the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Benefit program, legislation that led to an increase in U.S. pharmaceutical sales by $2.5 billion, or 1 percent, in 2006, bolstering earnings at Pfizer, UnitedHealth Group and other drug and insurance providers. Tom Udall voted against the legislation. [Vote 669, 11/22/2003] [Bloomberg News, 1/19/2007]

ANNOUNCER: …while we get four dollar a gallon gas…

FACT: “Gasoline prices reached a national average of $4 a gallon for the first time over the weekend, adding more strain to motorists across the country…. ‘This crisis really impacts those who are at the economic margins of society, mostly in the rural areas and particularly parts of the Southeast,’ said Fred Rozell, retail pricing director at the Oil Price Information Service, a fuel analysis firm. ‘These are people who have to decide between food and transportation.’ A survey by Mr. Rozell’s firm late last month found that the gasoline crisis is taking the highest toll, as a percentage of income, on people in rural areas of the South, New Mexico, Montana, Wyoming and North and South Dakota.” [Clifford Krauss. “Rural U.S. Takes Worst Hit as Gas Tops $4 Average.” New York Times, June 9, 2008.]

ANNOUNCER: … and health care costs through the roof.

FACT: According to a report by the Kaiser Family Foundation, from January 2001 to July 2008, premiums rose from $2,508 per individual to $4,497 per individual (179% increase) and $6,801 per family to $12,106 per family (188% increase). [“Kaiser Family Foundation Snapshot and Annual Survey 2007.]

TOM UDALL: I’m Tom Udall and I approve this message because it’s time middle class families came first. Not the special interests.

FACT: As a Member of Congress and Attorney General of New Mexico, Tom Udall has earned a reputation as a principled leader who has the integrity to do what is right for New Mexico. In the House, Tom wrote and passed a bill to establish a national renewable electricity standard, like we have in New Mexico, to create good jobs, reinvigorate our economy and reduce global warming. He has been a champion of expanding preventive health care. He voted against the Iraq War and has called for the responsible redeployment of our troops out of Iraq. Tom has also consistently championed tougher ethics laws both as Attorney General and in Congress where he voted to create an independent commission to investigate corruption among members of Congress.

Middle Class Squeeze Calculator: How it Works
Prescription Drug Costs Cost Calculator
Calculates how much your monthly prescription drug cost has increased during the Bush-Pearce era based on an average annual retail prescription drug cost increase of 7.5% from January 2001 through December 2006, even though cost estimates from July 2008 are greater than the increase the calculator is based on. [“Kaiser Family Foundation: Prescription Drug Trends, May 2007.” Kaiser Family Foundation. Available at: ]

Health Care Insurance Premiums Cost Calculator
Calculates how much your annual health insurance premium (for an individual or for a family) increased during the Bush–Pearce era based on a percent increase in average cost of premiums from January 2001 (Individual: $2,508; Family: $6,801) to July 2008 (individual: $4,497; family: $12,106). [“Kaiser Family Foundation Snapshot and Annual Survey 2007.” Kaiser Family Foundation. Available at: ]

Food Prices Cost Calculator
Calculates how much your monthly food costs have increased during the Bush-Pearce era based on the percent price increase for a month of a moderate-cost food plan for a family of 4 (a couple, 19-50 years old, and children 6-8 and 9-11 years old) from January 2001 ($717.70) and January 2008 ($918.40) in the United States Department of Agriculture’s “Food Plans: Cost of Food at Home at Four Levels, U.S. Average.”

[“Food Plans: Cost of Food at Home at Four Levels, U.S. Average: January 2001.” United States Department of Agriculture. Available at: ]

[“Food Plans: Cost of Food at Home at Four Levels, U.S. Average: January 2008.” United States Department of Agriculture. Available at: ]

Gasoline Prices Cost Calculator
Calculates how much your gasoline costs have increased during the Bush-Pearce era based on the percent increase in the average price of a gallon of regular grade motor gasoline between January 1, 2001 ($1.40 per gallon) and August 10, 2008 ($3.85 per gallon). [“American Public Transportation Association Survey, January 2001.” American Public Transportation Association. January 16, 2001. Available at: ]

[“Local Price Snap Shot.” New Mexico Gas Prices. Available at: on August 10, 2008>]

Tom Udall Raises Over $2.1 Million for U.S. Senate Campaign

steve olson — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 13:27:59 -0700

Albuquerque, NM – Congressman Tom Udall's campaign for United States Senate announced today that he raised over $2.1 million this fundraising quarter. Udall has consistently been the top fundraiser in New Mexico's Senate campaign.

"We are so grateful to Tom's strong, statewide base of committed supporters for making this our best fundraising quarter so far," said Udall Campaign Manager Amanda Cooper. "Because of their generous support our campaign is able to knock on thousands of doors, have a strong statewide presence, and dominate the airwaves with hard-hitting TV ads. Together, we're making sure that Tom Udall's stong record of accomplishment and doing what's right for the people of New Mexico resonates throughout the state."

Thanks to Udall's strong fundraising totals he has continued to own the TV airwaves, rotating five, issue-oriented spots statewide. The most recent is a powerful 30-second ad entitled "Tragedy" which invokes a New Mexico drunk driving accident that occurred during Udall's eight-year tenure as New Mexico's Attorney General. At the time, Udall had been fighting to lower the blood alcohol limit, shut down drive-up liquor windows and increase prison time for repeat offenders but faced major roadblocks until this devastating accident occurred. In "Tragedy" Udall shows that it should never take a tragedy for government to do what's right. To view the ad and view the facts behind it, visit http://www.tomudall.com/tragedy.

In each of the finance reporting periods during the primary election, Udall outraised both of his potential GOP opponents combined.

"Tom Udall is a leader with the integrity to do what's right for New Mexico and our nation. At a time when New Mexico's middle class is being crushed by escalating food and gas prices, Tom Udall will fight to protect our interests, not special interests," concluded Cooper.

Udall Protects New Mexico's Railways

Bryan Barash — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Congressman Supports Legislation to Reauthorize and Reform Amtrak and Preserve Key Southern NM Routes

WASHINGTON—U.S. Representative Tom Udall, D-N.M., today supported the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act, which authorizes funding for Amtrak, the nation's passenger rail service. More than 114,000 passengers used Amtrak stations in New Mexico in Fiscal Year 2007, and Amtrak payed almost $4 million in salaries to New Mexicans. Several Amtrak routes, including the Sunset Limited, the Texas Eagle and the Southwest Chief, run through New Mexico. Amtrak has not been reauthorized by Congress since 2002.

"Passenger rail service is more than a business," said Udall. "It is a lifeline for rural New Mexico communities like Raton and Deming. Rail service keeps these communities connected to the rest of the country and fuels local economic growth. To protect these communities, we must strengthen Amtrak."

H.R. 6003 authorizes $4.2 billion (an average of $840 million per year) to Amtrak for capital grants and $3.0 billion (an average of $606 million per year) for operating grants. This funding is crucially necessary to repair infrastructure that has suffered in recent years as Amtrak has been consistently underfunded.

Udall also voted against an amendment, offered by Representative Pete Sessions, R-AL, which would have cut all funding for the Sunset Limited route, which runs through southern New Mexico. The amendment would undermine Amtrak stations in Lordsburg and Deming, New Mexico, which served more than 1,000 New Mexicans and visitors last year. It would also hurt Union Station, along the Texas-New Mexico border, which served nearly 8,700 travelers during the same period. The Sessions Amendment was defeated in the face of bipartisan opposition, by a vote of 150 – 275.

The Department of Transportation Inspector General recently reported that if Amtrak achieved an 85 percent on-time performance outside the Northeast Corridor in fiscal year 2006, it would have saved Amtrak $136.6 million, or almost one-third of its operating budget. To address this situation, H.R. 6003 allocates an estimated $520 million over five years to prevent delays.

"Our past rail policy has been penny wise and pound foolish," said Udall. "We have chosen not to spend money on infrastructure and instead to pay a much larger price when delays result in losses to Amtrak, to rail passengers and to the economy. This legislation makes the kind of investments that will pay off down the line."

H.R. 6003 also allows the Surface Transportation Board to resolve disputes between commuter rail providers and freight railroads. Currently, no rules exist to mediate the different interests of passenger rail services and freight companies. The result is time-consuming and wasteful disputes that harm both rail passengers and the farmers, ranchers and businesspeople who rely on the railways to get their goods to market.

Said Udall, "New Mexico farmers and ranchers deserve a better system for reconciling the needs of freight companies with the needs of rail passengers. By allowing for fast, fair dispute resolution, this legislation will make our rail system more efficient for everybody who uses it."

While providing additional resources for Amtrak, H.R. 6003 would force the company to complete significant structural reforms. The bill requires that Amtrak expand its board to include an independent and bipartisan set of board members with the ability to oversee Amtrak's operations.

"This legislation gives Amtrak the resources to do its job and institutes reforms to make sure the job is done well," said Udall. "It is fair to those who rely on rail travel and strong in its efforts to change Amtrak's corporate culture."

Udall has consistently opposed Bush Administration efforts to shut down rail traffic in rural areas like New Mexico. A previous Bush Administration proposal would have eliminated federal support for Amtrak, possibly eliminating service in Colfax County. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Udall supported a $455 million increase over the president's proposal in fiscal year 2008.

"I will continue fighting for a better, more efficient Amtrak," said Udall. "New Mexico communities depend on this service, and I will do whatever I can to protect them."

Udall Backs Key Program to Curb Drug Trafficking in Mexico

Bryan Barash — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Legislation Would Provide $1.5 Billion to End Drug Trafficking and Related Violence in Mexico, Central America

WASHINGTON—U.S. Representative Tom Udall, D-N.M., today supported legislation to provide $1.1 billion for the Merida Initiative to end drug trafficking and organized crime in Mexico. The funding will be used to train and equip armed forces and law enforcement agencies in Mexico to better control drug trafficking. The measure, which also authorizes $450 million for counterdrug efforts to several countries in Central America, passed the House by a vote of 311-106.

Earlier this month, Udall received a Counterdrug Border Briefing by the New Mexico National Guard.

"The violence and destruction produced by drug trafficking and organized crime threatens the safety of New Mexicans," said Udall. "Law enforcement in Mexico is working diligently to curb the violence, but they need our assistance – through training and equipment – to ensure that the tide of violence does not sweep north and inundate our own cities."

H.R. 6028 includes provisions of H.R. 5869, the Southwest Border Violence Reduction Act of 2008, which Udall cosponsored to expand the resources provided for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Project Gunrunner initiative to identify, investigate, and prosecute individuals involved in the trafficking of firearms across our southern border. The bill also includes provisions intended to reduce the demand for narcotics in the United States and to protect human rights in Mexico and Central America.

Mexico's highest ranking drug enforcer, Edgar Gomez, was shot dead in his own home on May 8 – the tenth assassination of a Mexican federal police official in recent months. Alarmingly, in the past three years, drug cartels have been blamed for approximately 4,000 deaths. The growing drug violence near the Mexican capital has opened the possibility that Mexico's resource-strapped police force will reduce its activity near the U.S. border. This would undermine efforts to protect southern New Mexico.

"We cannot allow our border with Mexico to become a safe haven for drug traffickers," said Udall. "This legislation will ensure that Mexico can fight back against drug cartels and deny them access to the United States."