DeGette is still at home in House
By Bill Gallo, Special to the Rocky
Published October 6, 2008 at 12:05 a.m.
Photo by Linda McConnell / Special To The Rocky
U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette talks with supporters at a Rally For Hilltop Democrats in Denver on Sunday. The Denver Democrat, whose District 1 seat is considered safe, is running for re-election against Republican George Lilly and Libertarian Martin Buchanan.
Ask Diana DeGette about her six terms in the U.S. House and you get no hint of weariness, no old-hat.
"It may sound corny," the 51-year-old Democratic congresswoman says, "but I feel grateful every day that my constituents choose me to represent them. Whoever gets tired or frustrated in the job should move on. I don't feel that way. I wake up every morning happy to go to work."
A fourth-generation Coloradan, DeGette spent four years in the Colorado House before her 1996 election to the 1st District U.S. House seat vacated by 12-term congresswoman Pat Schroeder. She's vice-chairwoman of the powerful Committee on Energy and Commerce. Other assignments: Consumer Protection, Environment, Health and Oversight.
This year, her re-election campaign in what is generally regarded as a "safe district" dominated by Democrat-loaded Denver has simmered along on about $600,000 in contributions, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.
Recently, DeGette's been traveling the country to talk about her new book, Sex, Science, and Stem Cells: Inside the Right Wing Assault on Reason, which reflects her political stance and her focus on children's and adult health issues. She is an advocate of universal health care and a frequent antagonist to President Bush, who has twice vetoed her bills for expanded embryonic stem cell research.
Originally a supporter of Hillary Clinton for president, she now stands firmly in the Barack Obama camp. Last week, DeGette joined the Democratic majority in support of the Treasury Department's $700 billion financial bailout proposal.
The obvious priority in Washington now, she said, is stabilizing the economy.
"It's crucial that credit become more available for individuals and small businesses," she said. "As chief deputy whip for the Democrats, one of my jobs is to help count the votes, and I'm ready to put together a bipartisan task force so we don't have another debacle on the House floor."
When the next Congress convenes, DeGette said, economic issues will remain crucial. If re-elected, she will also press to finally get her stem-cell legislation passed: both major presidential candidates are ostensibly on board. Other priorities: work on comprehensive health care reform, address global climate change and consumer protection issues, firm up the Colorado Wilderness Bill.
A re-elected DeGette also would resume the grueling commute that most Western-states lawmakers face. She makes 35 or 40 round trips a year between Washington and Denver to stay in touch with family and voters.
"I can tell you one thing, though," DeGette said. "After the Democratic Convention in August, all my colleagues were really jealous that I get to live in a place like Denver. Many of them had no idea what a beautiful city this is and what a great lifestyle we have."
Any chance that DeGette might try to equal the 24-year House stint that Schroeder put on the books? She laughs at the prospect.
"I never really envisioned going to Washington in the first place," she said. "But now that I'm a senior member, and the only member of the Colorado delegation in leadership, I can make more of an impact, a real difference. I welcome that challenge."
Diana Louise DeGette
* Age: 51
* Born: Tachikawa, Japan
* Family: Husband, Lino Lipinsky; two daughters
* Residence: Denver
* Political biography: State House of Representatives, 1992-96; U.S. House of Representatives, 1996-present
* Web site: degette.com
10 things you didn't know about Diana DeGette
1. She says her greatest public accomplishment was the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, which she authored and was passed by the House and Senate.
2. Her biggest regret: President Bush's veto of the bill
3. Her greatest private accomplishment: the birth of her two daughters
4. Favorite musical groups: Van Morrison and Bruce Springsteen
5. Favorite movie: Dr. Zhivago
6. Favorite book: Remembrance of Things Past by Marcel Proust
7. Hobbies: Gardening, cooking, knitting, singing in the church choir, hiking and enjoying her new puppy, Charlie
8. DeGette says the three biggest challenges facing Colorado are ensuring equitable access and affordability of health care, the economy and protecting the environment, water and wildlife.
9. Her hero is Martin Luther King Jr.
10. She is co-chairwoman of the Congressional Diabetes Caucus.
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October 6, 2008
5:23 p.m.
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GeorgeLillyforCongress writes:
It is interesting to see a Congresswoman who has made her career one of fighting for stem cell research bills, suddenly become concerned with the economy. Rep. DeGette has had 12 years to see this crisis coming, and yet had done nothing. Doesn't that make you question her understanding of the $700 billion bailout? How informed was Diana DeGette when she voted "yes" on this bill, citing concerns about the economy if the bill was not passed? I'd be interested to see Diana DeGette debate her opponent, George Lilly, and stand up to some serious questions on the economy. If nothing else, Rep. DeGette may learn something.
---Sean Doherty
campaign manager for George "Lilly for Liberty"
www.GeorgeLillyforCongress.com
P.S. Does this article give you the impression that Diana DeGette has grown too comfortable and too at home in Washington?
October 7, 2008
10:16 p.m.
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UOASU0925 writes:
Diana DeGette sits on the energy and natural resources committee and has voted against any energy policy (H.R.6, 2003)that could very well have been enacted by now. Currently our energy policy is the driving force behind our economy as well as our foreign policies. She has helped to weaken this country by sitting idly by the last 12 years. In 2004 she voted against H.R. 2861 that would have created tax relief for the average working families. She is not good for the State of Colorado and certainly not good for the United States of America. She had her position basically handed to her and now she needs to move on. Especially after a bailout that really did not address the true problems of the economy. It had more pork money added to it before it was passed. Even though she wasn't thrilled about it she helped get it passed and voted in favor of it anyway. So much for standing behind what you believe, selling the vote is more important.
October 8, 2008
12:25 a.m.
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DRMyrup writes:
"Whoever gets tired or frustrated in the job should move on. I don't feel that way. I wake up every morning happy to go to work." Well of course Diana DeGette doesn't feel that way, because she doesn't do any work! Her constituents are fed up with her laziness, and obviously she doesn't care about representing them, either. Her vote in favor of the bailout proves it. Out of the dozens I know of who have called, faxed and e-mailed her, not one has gotten any response from her explaining why she voted in such stark contrast against the will of the people.
Diana DeGette is too chicken to debate her opponent, George Lilly, on cable access Denver channel 8, because she knows he'll wipe the floor with her. C'mon people, with the approval rating of Congress down at 11%, and possibly even lower after the bailout bill, it's time for a positive change in Congress. Vote for George Lilly, a dedicated constitutionalist chock full of honesty and integrity. Evict Diana DeGette out of her home in the House for good!: http://www.georgelillyforcongress.com/
October 8, 2008
10:05 a.m.
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SingleShot writes:
In every response I've gotten from DeGette's office - when one was forthcoming at all - she represented government to me. That is to say, she was not my representative to our government as she should be, but rather - she presented the government's position to me and essentially told me that "we know what's best for you".
That's a typical collectivist/statist for you, who (last I checked) was still a member of the "progressive caucus" which used to be linked (if I remember correctly) to the Democratic Socialists of America - www.dsausa.org. Not that such past or present memberships mean that much. Her continuing elitist, collectivist policies are what really matter.
Once again with this "Wall Street Bailout" - which is really a taxpayer bailout of our government because of bad fiscal (and might I say "progressive" or collectivist/statist/communist) policy which took the form of mandated loans (through Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) to unqualified borrowers, Diana DeGette-Lipinsky shows her real colors, which take the form of redistribution of wealth from the taxpayer - to the elite who have essentially robbed us at gunpoint once again, using the coercive power of government and the threat of martial law to extort our nation's wealth collectively and impoverish each and every one of us individually. For those of you who are unaware, the 3rd Infantry Divisions' 1st Brigade Combat Teams are now stationed here in the US, in the "NorthCom" "theater of operations" to do domestic "policing", something a Bolshevik of Degette's caliber no doubt has erotic dreams about. Police states are the means of promoting "social justice" by her ilk and combined with her vote in favor of the bailout of both the quasi-government mortgage hucksters and the pirates on Wall Street, plus her entire voting history, it should be obvious that DeGette -Lipinksy sides with the international Bankster elite who have just delivered a financial/economic death sentence to our once free and independent Constitutional Republic. When people are begging in the streets for crusts of bread and are willing to give up all their liberties to get them, DeGette and her fellow travellers will be more than happy to step in with really, really big government which we will come to understand as a personal experience with totalitarianism. The 3rd Infantry's troops are here on our soil in violation of Posse Comitatus - directly due to so-called "representatives" like Diana DeGette.
I really do hope you all get what you wish for. You deserve every bit of whatever DeGette will give you if you vote for her, like this latest bailout of these corporatist (fascist) criminals who have abused their power as "public/private partnerships" (fascist entities) and engineered the biggest transfer of wealth from the American people to these corporate criminals - in the history of our nation.
October 9, 2008
9:27 a.m.
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Doug4CityCouncil writes:
Does she realize she's bound by the Constitution and almost everything she does is treason? George Lilly takes the Constitution seriously. He will work for you instead of you working for him. www.GeorgeLillyforCongress.com
October 9, 2008
10:36 a.m.
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5280Voter writes:
It is almost comical how right-wing extremist George Lilly's supporters attack DeGette. DeGette is a leader in supporting the critical SCHIP program, which funds health care for children close to the poverty line (which Bush and Lilly oppose); science-based federal policies (which Bush and Lilly oppose); choice for women (which Bush and Lilly oppose); protection for wilderness in our state (which Bush and Lilly oppose); a sensible energy policy that includes protections for the environment; alternative energy; and an end to the war in Iraq. DeGette is back home in Denver every weekend and is responsive to the needs of her constituents.
Lilly and his "constitutionalists" should consider moving to El Paso County, where their message may be better received -- except that Lilly is too far to the right even for Focus on the Family country!
October 9, 2008
10:52 a.m.
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5280Voter writes:
Lilly's extremist views are breathtaking:
http://www.votesmart.org/bio.php?can_...
Ban abortion, even in the case of rape or incest; eliminate federal funding for medical research, national parks, scientific research, and public health; abolish the IRS; end all federal education programs; end all federal unemployment programs; establish English as the official language of the U.S.; end foreign aid; cut off federal funding for embryonic stem cell research; end affirmative action; etc.
This guy thinks he can get elected in Denver?
October 9, 2008
10:07 p.m.
Suggest removal
sweetiepiearts writes:
5280 Maybe YOU should move! To Cuba or North Korea!
You are a typical head stuck in the sand liberal! Painting all opposition with a broad brush stroke!
Not all George Lilly supporters are Republicans!
Not all George Lilly supporters are Pro-Life!
Not all George Lilly supporters "Right Wing"!
Not all George Lilly supporters are Christians!
Many George Lilly supporters are Democrats that are sick and tired of DeGette's lack of representation and progressive socialism!
ALL of George Lilly's supporters, weather they are Republicans, Constitutionalists, Libertarians, Independents or Democrats are American Patriots that hold the Constitution near and dear to their hearts!
Kelley Sands, Pro-Choice, Respect Life, Anti-Drug War, Libertarian, American Patriot who knows that the word "Democracy" is NOT mentioned once in Constitution because our form of government is a Republic, NOT a Democracy.
October 10, 2008
1:18 a.m.
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DRMyrup writes:
5280Voter, your dishonesty is glaring. You're implying George Lilly is not in favor of ending the war in Iraq, while the truth is he's a fiscal conservative who understands we can't afford to continue funding the war and it has to end. You're also claiming he's against "choice for women," when the truth is overturning Roe vs. Wade would turn the decision about the abortion issue back into the hands of the states where it belongs, just like the capital punishment issue is currently. Limiting the control of the federal government in our lives results in more choices for everyone.
It's not just right wing types who support George Lilly, not by a long shot. His common sense views we citizens know better than the federal government what's best for us, and we know better how to use our own money rather than being forced to hand it over the Uncle Sam in the form of excessive taxes, have earned him the respect and support of constituents from all over the political spectrum.
If it's true Diana DeGette is in Denver every weekend to respond to her constituents, she should've been available to debate George Lilly on October 4th. At the very least, she should've responded to my inquiry about why she was in favor of the bailout. Obviously, she thinks her way is the only way and doesn't care anything about my opinion. She's not interested in representing me at all. Why do you make excuses for her?
October 10, 2008
8:30 a.m.
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5280Voter writes:
Check out George Lilly's record. He has been arrested for violating women's Constitutional rights and supports a theocracy in this country. The supreme law of the United States is the Constitution, not the Bible, Mr. Lilly.
No one who supports a woman's right to choice, sound science-based public policy, or an energy policy that respects our environment could even consider voting for Mr. Lilly. Mr. Lilly wants to ban abortion in this country.
By the way, name the Denver Democrats who support Mr. Lilly. I'll be waiting.
October 10, 2008
9:38 a.m.
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DRMyrup writes:
5280Voter, you're being dishonest again. George regrets his involvement with Operation Rescue and says about the incident, "I subsequently determined that this was not the Biblical way to do things and I stopped after a year."
Just because George has made it clear he's a Christian doesn't mean he supports a theocracy. He's a defender of the constitution who wants our country to be run as the republic our founding fathers intended. In his own words: "it is not my intention to shove Christianity down anyone's throat because friendly persuasion is the only way, but you should know what my morality is based upon." I don't know about you, but I prefer a congressman with morals.
What is Diana DeGette's morality based upon? Does she have any morality? After seeing how she sold us out with her bailout vote, I don't think she does.
Check out the young man at :40 in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a47dpE...
He's protesting Diana DeGette's bailout vote, and he readily admits he's a democrat. I talk to people just like him every day as I run my errands wearing my "Lilly for Liberty" T-shirt. Don't underestimate the justified anger of Diana DeGette's constituents.
October 10, 2008
10:11 a.m.
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5280Voter writes:
From the Sept.-Oct. 2000 issue of John Andrews's "Andrews America" online magazine:
"Press for God’s civil and moral laws from the Bible to be honored and obeyed by the people and the government." --George Lilly, Denver CO.
George Lilly wants to impose Biblical law on our government. Perhaps this theocrat needs to re-read the First Amendment. Mr. Lilly is downright dangerous. I don't want to live in his version of Iran.
It sounds like you cannot name a single Democrat in the First C.D. -- not some anonymous figure on a YouTube video -- who supports Mr. Lilly. I challenge you -- name the Democrats in the First C.D. who support this theocrat.
October 10, 2008
12:15 p.m.
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DRMyrup writes:
5280Voter, where in that quote does George Lilly say he's in favor of a theocracy? Encouraging people and the government to be moral is not "imposing Biblical law." You're reading way too much into it.
I'm concerned about listing anyone's name without permission. I'll tell you what, you reveal your full name, and I'll ask the democrats whose names I know in CD1 who support George Lilly if they mind if I use their full names.
October 10, 2008
1:23 p.m.
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5280Voter writes:
"Press for God's civil and moral laws from the Bible to be honored and obeyed by . . . the government."
Sure sounds like a theocracy to me. I don't want the government to obey "God's civil and moral laws," particularly Mr. Lilly's interpretation of them.
Glad to hear that not a single Democrat in the First C.D. -- not one -- has publicly endorsed Mr. Lilly. That's what I thought.
October 10, 2008
2:16 p.m.
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DRMyrup writes:
5280Voter, I want the government to obey "God's civil and moral laws," especially George Lilly's interpretation of them, because a government whose public officers don't steal, lie, cheat, oppress, take bribes etc. would be a very fine government indeed! It certainly doesn't sound like a theocracy, which by definition would have to be oppressive. I would expect a loyal Diana DeGette supporter to prefer the dishonest and corrupt government we currently have.
If you would like to see firsthand the variety of supporters George Lilly attracts, please attend this event: http://www.jewishcolorado.org/page.as...
Diana DeGette is scheduled to be there too, that is, if she's brave enough to show her face, so you won't be alone, assuming you're not the only supporter she has left.
October 10, 2008
2:54 p.m.
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5280Voter writes:
It should be interesting when Mr. Lilly informs the Jewish community he believes our government should obey the laws of the New Testament.
By the way, thank you for admitting that Mr. Lilly believes the government should obey his interpretation of "God's laws." Too bad for him we don't have an opening for Ayatollah this year.
Rep. DeGette had 160,169 supporters the last time Mr. Lilly ran against her. He had 4,685 supporters in that election. If you think the numbers will reverse in 2008, in a Democratic year, I suggest you are engaged in self-delusion.
Again, I challenge you to identify a single Democrat in the First C.D. who publicly supports the theocratic Mr. Lilly.
October 10, 2008
10:50 p.m.
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DRMyrup writes:
5280Voter, the ten commandments (God's laws) are from the old testament, not the new testament. Are you really that ignorant when it comes to religion? George Lilly has been well received by the Jewish community.
I've noticed you're not willing to publicly endorse Diana DeGette. Why's that?
October 11, 2008
3:45 p.m.
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5280Voter writes:
Don't you know that the "Bible" includes the New Testament? Mr. Lilly didn't say he believes our government should be governed by the Ten Commandments -- he said it should be based on the "Bible."
Does he believe that the law of the United States must enforce a sabbath?
Who from the Jewish community in the 1st C.D. has publicly endorsed Mr. Lilly? Anyone?
October 11, 2008
4:04 p.m.
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DRMyrup writes:
5280Voter, Jesus didn't add any more commandments to the original ten. All George Lilly is doing is encouraging politicians be moral people. Obviously, you believe expecting our elected officials to refrain from lying, cheating, stealing, etc. is completely unreasonable. No wonder you seem to think Diana DeGette is a better choice in this race, even though you won't publicly endorse her.
Where did you get the idea George Lilly would believe the law of the United States must enforce a sabbath? That is utterly ridiculous! I'm beginning to think you don't know how to read. What part of "it is not my intention to shove Christianity down anyone's throat" do you not understand?
October 11, 2008
9:43 p.m.
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5280Voter writes:
Mr. Lilly didn't talk about "commandments." He said, "Press for God’s civil and moral laws from the Bible to be honored and obeyed by the people and the government." That's the entire Bible, Myrup. Nowhere on John Andrews's website did Mr. Lilly say he wouldn't "shove Christianity down anyone's throat." He clearly intends to do just that in banning abortion in this country. Nice try to make the Ayatollah look reasonable.
Besides, which version of the Ten Commandments does the Ayatollah intend to force down our throats?
Has anyone endorsed him publicly besides his college student "campaign manager" who doesn't even live in the 1st C.D.?
October 12, 2008
1:14 a.m.
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DRMyrup writes:
5280Voter, you seem to think you know more about George Lilly's positions than I do, so at this point I propose you go to the source: http://www.georgelillyforcongress.com...
Just ask George himself to clarify how his personal Christian practice will affect his decisions as a Congressman. You'll find I've been portraying him accurately, but obviously you won't take my word for it, and there's no reason why you should. He may also be more forthcoming than I with a list of names of democrats who support him. George has more than 40 volunteers on his staff, and some of them are registered democrats.
In sharp contrast to his opponent, George answers his e-mails and cares about the input from his constituents, and he will continue to care about his constituents' opinions as a Congressman, so expect a prompt reply.
That is, if you're brave enough to go straight to the horse's mouth. It seems to me you'd rather make assumptions and put words in his mouth than ask George, just to give yourself an excuse to continue to support the dishonest and corrupt Diana DeGette.
October 12, 2008
8:03 a.m.
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5280Voter writes:
It takes a lot of spinning to try to disavow Mr. Lilly's documented theocratic positions. Just check the Internet -- Mr. Lilly's Bible thumping is there for all to see.
How about this one from the American Constitution Party website -- after all, until recently Mr. Lilly belonged to that party:
"We affirm the God-given legal personhood of all unborn human beings, without exception. As to matters of rape and incest, it is unconscionable to take the life of an innocent child for the crimes of his father." I don't want Mr. Lilly cramming that religious belief down my throat. Mr. Lilly was arrested for stopping women from exercising their right to choose. He may be sorry now he was arrested, but his radical religious anti-choice beliefs haven't changed. The voters in the First C.D. will never support a candidate who takes such a radical position on choice.
Rep. DeGette is known for strong constituent service, her honesty, and her integrity. Too bad the facts don't support your name calling.
October 12, 2008
11:57 a.m.
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DRMyrup writes:
5280Voter, in other words, while the war rages on with no end in sight, the economy goes down the tubes and we lose our civil liberties at an alarming rate through legislation such as the Patriot Act, the Military Commissions Act and the Real ID Act, you're going to hone in on a single wedge issue and reject a candidate who might actually do something about the real problems facing this nation because you're too lazy and narrow minded to educate yourself about George Lilly.
If Diana DeGette were known for her strong constituent service, her honesty and her integrity, she would have honored the will of her constituents and voted against the bailout. Too bad the facts don't support your claims.
October 12, 2008
8:40 p.m.
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5280Voter writes:
True leaders vote their conscience, even if it may not be popular at the moment. DeGette was a profile in courage in voting to save the economy.
True "Christians" don't engage in baseless name-calling, like you and your ilk are doing in attacking a hard-working public servant.
True Americans don't break the law to violate the Constitutional rights of others. Mr. Lilly is a common criminal.
True students of the Constitution don't try to impose Biblical law on the United States. Mr. Lilly is a theocrat.
October 12, 2008
8:41 p.m.
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5280Voter writes:
. . . one more point -- I'll bet Ayatollah Lilly supports Amendment 48, too.
October 13, 2008
11:35 a.m.
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DRMyrup writes:
5280Voter, I never claimed to be a Christian. Just another example of your insistence on putting words in people's mouths that don't belong there. Abortion is not a federal issue for George Lilly, and he does not support any federal legislation making abortion illegal. George is opposed to the federal government having any interference in our lives. If you were willing to ask him yourself about his stance, you'd know that, but instead you self-righteously insist you know better than he does about where he stands on the issues.
It was immoral for Diana DeGette to shove the bailout bill down our throats, because taking money out of our pockets against our will is stealing, plain and simple. It doesn't matter that it's in the form of federal taxes: it's still stealing. Her conscious had nothing to do with it: she's bought and sold by lobbyists and special interest groups. If she had a conscious, she would've been honest about the effect the bailout bill will have on the economy and she wouldn't've sold out and abandoned her constituents.
And before you get all "holier than thou," it's not like I've been calling Diana DeGette a "b$%ch" or a "c@#t" or any other names for the matter. The adjectives I've been using are accurate, and even though I'm not a Christian, remember, Jesus himself called people on it when they exhibited immoral behavior.
October 13, 2008
2:17 p.m.
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5280Voter writes:
According to Project Vote Smart, Mr. Lilly believes "Abortions should always be illegal." The voters understanding his far-right agenda. You can't paint your candidate as a moderate -- particularly when he believes that federal taxation is "stealing" and our government should be run based on Biblical law. No reasonable elected official believes this nonsense.
You accused Rep. DeGette of being "dishonest" and "corrupt," and "being bought and sold by lobbyists and special interest groups." Yet you can't support this allegation with facts, except for a vote you disagree with.
It's people like you and Mr. Lilly who represent the worst of politics. You call your opponent names and lie about your own candidate's past statements.
October 14, 2008
12:42 a.m.
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DRMyrup writes:
5280Voter, now your hypocrisy is showing. You accuse George Lilly of being a "criminal" on one charge he regrets and a "theocrat" and an "Ayatollah" from one quote in John Andrews' magazine from eight years ago, and you outright refuse to contact George Lilly for clarification on his views. That's genuine name calling too, not just accurate description, and it's based on way less evidence than I have for accusing Diana DeGette being "dishonest," "corrupt" and "bought and sold by special interest groups." What did George Lilly ever do to you? Diana DeGette sold me out!
Just for the sake of argument, let's say Diana DeGette really did vote her conscience. She's still wrong! Her constituents were faxing, e-mailing and calling her office in a ten to one ration against the bailout. She's a representative! She's supposed to represent her constituents, not claim she knows better than they do and overide their decision.
For every economist who says the bailout was a good idea, you can find several more who say it will cause more problems than it will ever solve in the long run. Either she caved to special interests or she cared nothing at all about the opinions of her constituents and so neglected her duties as a representative. Either way, her vote is immoral.
George Lilly firmly believes the abortion issue should be decided on the state level, not the federal one, so the following scenerio would never, ever happen, but again, just for the sake of argument, let's say George was in office and a federal anti-abortion bill came along. Let's say his constituents were against it in a ten to one ratio and he voted in favor of it. Would you except the excuse "he voted his conscience?" Hell no! You'd be marching in the street in protest, and I would join you, being pro-choice myself.
So why should I except that excuse from Diana? The bailout bill is worse than any anti-abortion bill, which could be changed or repealed. Once our bucks are in greedy corporate hands, we can't get them back, and this can't be undone.
Diana DeGette's vote is unconscionable, but you know what? If she admitted she was wrong and apologized, I'd be willing to give her another chance. Not that I'm holding my breath. That's a whole lot more gracious than you're being toward George Lilly's involvement with Operation Rescue.
Oh, and you can say whatever you want about me, but don't you dare accuse George Lilly of calling his opponent names or lying about his past statements. His honesty and integrity are above reproach, and if you bothered educating yourself about him, you'd know that.
October 14, 2008
8:48 a.m.
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5280Voter writes:
Rep. DeGette was right about the financial services bill. There is no need for her to apologize about a courageous vote. We do not have a direct democracy. We elect representatives who exercise their discretion and judgment.
Plus, the calls to Rep. DeGette's office were overwhelmingly in favor of the financial services bill after the House initially turned it down.
Under your theory, Rep. DeGette should have voted for the PATRIOT Act because it was popular at the time. She did the right thing and voted against it, however. That is political courage. Or do you believe a vote against the PATRIOT Act was a sell-out to "special interests"?
I cannot believe that an alleged pro choice voter would ever support a candidate who was arrested for violating the Constitutional rights of women and who believes the United States should be governed by Biblical law.
Rep. DeGette will win this election at least two to one because she represents the First C.D. with courage, honor, and integrity.
October 14, 2008
10:33 a.m.
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DRMyrup writes:
5280Voter, you can not possibly compare the Patriot Act to the Bailout Bill. The Patriot Act is unconstitutional, so of course it should've been voted against whether or not it was popular. It is not only the duty of our elected officials to represent the people, but also to uphold the constitution, which George Lilly is 100% committed to doing!
October 14, 2008
4:51 p.m.
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5280Voter writes:
While the PATRIOT Act was bad public policy, no court has found it unconstitutional. The financial restructuring bill is constitutional unless one adopts a pre-New Deal interpretation of the Constitution. If the bill had failed, the credit markets would have dried up, harming consumers and small businesses.
Don't take my word for it. The Denver Post urged Congress to pass the restructuring bill:
http://www.denverpost.com/opinion/ci_...
So did the Rocky Mountain News:
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news...
So did the New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/30/opi...