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NPR profiles race between Teague and Pearce
Steve Pearce, left, and Harry Teague (Photos by Heath Haussamen)
The 2nd Congressional District race between Democratic incumbent Harry Teague and Republican challenger Steve Pearce pits the current, Democrat-controlled Congress against the previous, GOP-controlled Congress.
At least, that’s how NPR breaks things down in a new profile of the race.
That’s because Pearce, who held the seat before Teague, is running on a platform of change from the way things currently are. Teague, meanwhile, is betting voters will continue the mood for change that helped elect him in 2008.
“The independents are basically walking away from the policies of the Obama administration and of Nancy Pelosi,” NPR quoted Pearce as saying. “People are going to say this is not the direction we want the country. We want to see something for jobs; we want to see unemployment decrease; we want to have a sense of comfort about what the future might bring, and right now there’s deep anxiety about the future.”
Pearce said Americans blame President Barack Obama for their current situation “and they’re furious.”
Teague, on the other hand, was quoted by NPR as saying voters will remember how angry they were in 2008, the year the state’s congressional delegation shifted from three Republicans and two Democrats to five Democrats.
“I think a lot of people are going to have a good memory of how things were,” NPR quoted Teague as saying. “We went from losing a half a million (jobs) a month to having a positive increase every month. I think most people are aware of that and will vote accordingly.”
Fascinating profile. Listen to it or read it by clicking here.
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I’ve spent the past two years looking for a difference between Teague and Pearce – judging by Teague’s votes in the House, I can’t see where he differs from what Pearce would have done. Only the rhetoric is different. Teague’s past support of Pearce, against real Democrats, pretty much says where he stands. Both represent the oil and gas industry; makes no difference which one is in office.
When the floodwaters are raging out of control and the riverbanks are being breached, the luxury of time or money for extremist ideological pursuits is gone. Steer toward the center and you might survive the ride.
Finally here is a host of veterans groups and their rating of Mr. Pearce – not a pretty sight:
2006 In 2006 Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America gave Pearce a grade of C-.
2006 Pearce sponsored or co-sponsored 7 percent of the legislation favored by the The Retired Enlisted Association in 2006.
2005 Pearce supported the interests of the Disabled American Veterans 0 percent in 2005.
2004 Pearce supported the interests of the Disabled American Veterans 0 percent in 2004.
2004 Pearce supported the interests of the The Retired Enlisted Association 33 percent in 2004.
2003-2004 Pearce supported the interests of the Vietnam Veterans of America 38 percent in 2003-2004.
2003 Pearce supported the interests of the American Veterans 50 percent in 2003.
2003 Pearce supported the interests of the Disabled American Veterans 0 percent in 2003.
2003 Pearce supported the interests of the The American Legion 40 percent in 2003.
It is a pretty disgraceful record since Mr. Pearce is a veteran. However he is consistent he believes all entitlement programs lead to “waste in the bureaucracy.” Plus he is the typical partisan politician.
It is ironic that Bushite and Washington insider Steve Pearce, who served six “inglorious” years as our Congressman is now labeling Congressman Harry Teague a Washington insider on his Facebook pages.
Thanks in part to Mr. Pearce, the ultimate insider, who made millions as a Congressman through a lucrative oil business deal, the oil and gas companies have received more than $31.6 billion of our taxpayers’ money. Did these companies invest in the complex drilling equipment required to boost oil production. Well there are no checks and balances on these companies to ensure they act responsibly with our tax payer’s money. I don’t think Mr. Pearce even cares about any regulation.
Is this what New Mexicans want for their Congressman? Mr. Pearce simply accuses all opponents as socialists, etc. Just read his Facebook.
Pearce may have voted to help vets at times. but did the Republicans fund it? Vet suffering during the Bush regime is notorious. After a year and a half this is starting to be rectified due to Democratic leaders like Teague’s diligence. The Republicans make symbolic gestures but the Democrats take action.
What was disgraceful was the lack of support by Mr. Pearce for the needs of our veterans and servicemen and servicewomen. He had received a zero rating — out of a possible 100 — from the Disabled American Veterans for failing to support health care legislation for veterans. Veterans said they have met with Pearce before and received promises of help, but those promises were not fulfilled. Pearce said he does not support entitlements.
Hemingway,
Wrong. Harry Teague has not done more for veterans than Pearce has. The facts speak for themselves. Mr. Pearce is against waste and corruption…the same bureaucratic waste and corruption that hurts those same veterans.
As I showed, using facts, earlier, Pearce supported funding veterans services. He was not going to waste or fraud. Stopping waste and fraud still matters with EVERY bureaucracy.
Bottom Line: Pearce DID help fund veterans. Pearce SUPPORTED the troops fighting in the field by supporting the effort, unlike Teague.
To say that Pearce, a veteran himself, is openly hostile to vets and that he is a disgrace is the TRUE disgrace.
I sorry Harry Teague has done more for veterans than Mr. Pearce has ever done. Mr. Pearce is against entitlement programs even for veterans because of his rigid conservative ideology. Sadly Mr. Pearce supported the Bush administration plans to cut funding for veterans’ health care even as severely wounded troops returning from Iraq. Mr. Bush was using the cuts to help fulfill his pledge to balance the budget by 2012.
Hemingway,
And here we go again.
Mr. Pearce is NOT anti-Veteran. In fact, he is the ONLY veteran in this whole race.
ONCE AGAIN….let’s take a look at Pearce’s RECORD:
1. Supported and pushed legislation that ended the very unfair 100 year concurrent receipt policy that punished disabled veterans;
2. Sponsored the Wounded Warrior Retention Act to allow wounded combat veterans to continue their military service;
3. Sponsored the HEALTHY Vets Act which sought to increase access to local healthcare providers for veterans in rural areas instead of them having to drive hours to VA hospitals;
4. Supported the Veterans Benefits Act of 2003 which sought to increase benefits for disabled veterans and extend new benefits for the widows and dependents of veterans;
5. Supported the Veterans Improvement Act of 2004 which sought to also increase benefits for disabled veterans and extend new benefits to the widows and dependents of veterans;
6. Supported the Veterans Compensation Cost-Of-Living Adjustment Act which sought to increase disability compensation to veterans with service connected disabilities;
7. Supported the Fallen Patriots Relief Act which doubled the death benefits to survivors of veterans and made those death benefits tax free;
There is some waste within the VA bureaucracy and Pearce fights that waste, as he should. But to be labeled ‘anti-veteran’ by those who are angry because he won’t support a bad plan that doesn’t address waste, which is a legitimate issue, is wrong.
Pearce IS A VETERAN. He was a pilot in the Air Force and flew missions into Vietnam. He earned the Distinguished Flying Cross and TWO Air Medals.
I, myself, proudly serve my country in the armed forces.
However, I would never say that Harry Teague hates the military. So, why do you actually say that Pearce treated our military with disgrace. HE SERVED. HE SUPPORTED LEGISLATION TO HELP VETERANS. HE VOTED IN FAVOR OF BILLS TO CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE TROOPS WITH AMMO, ARMOR AND ETC.
So…..REALLY?! You are actually going to sit there and say that Pearce treats veterans and the military disgracefully. Are you really that blinded by partisanship?
Pearce did back our veterans and fought the waste in the bureaucracy that was hurting those very services that veterans need.
Once again, your facts need work.
Pearce just parrots talking points with no substantive policy positions. He is appealing to voters’ fears, anger, and hate. Too bad he’s not more interested in running on policies that might actually help fix this country’s problems.
Voting for a candidate like Pearce means a return to cutting taxes for the wealthy, sending middle-class jobs overseas, de-regulation of the oil & gas industry….and basically, giving the country back to the billionaire financiers and CEO’s that led us right into the economic pit we were in two years ago.
Forgetting the past means we’re doomed to repeat it…how can anyone in their right mind want a repeat of the disasters that happened to this country as a result of Bush/Republican policies?
In spite of everything else about 2008, its very likely Pearce would have beat Teague, who had instead an extremely weak opponent and huge influx of party money due to his chance to pick up a seat.
The election is Pearce’s to lose and that could happen, but it won’t be based on his voting record.
I’ve been watching politics for a few decades and I’ve worked cattle for a few decades. In both venues, you learn to judge the stock pretty well – in this case … both Pearce and Teague are good men and they care about the people of southern NM; both can be called ‘conservative’ – the difference is that Pearce has a real sense for public policy and Teague doesn’t … Pearce really wants to do it, and Teague doesn’t (his heart isn’t in it). He follows has followed the party lead on so many issues because he doesn’t know enough to do differently. Pearce is independent and Teague isn’t. I appreciate the litany of “NO” votes that Hemingway has provided, but does know what was really in those bills? Unlike the NM legislature, in which the content of a bill must (by the constitution) reflect the title … that isn’t true of Congress – I’m certain Hemingway knows that and THAT is disturbing. The 2nd Congressional District is best served by electing Pearce … which is just the view of an old political cattle watcher.
Mr. Pearce is against any compromise and treated with military with a lack of respect.
For instance former Congressman Pearce’s record with the veterans and health care was disgrace. Whether you are a Republican or Democrat this transcends politics. In 2003 instead of acknowledging that more money is needed for veterans health care, Steve Pearce told veterans in Tularosa, NM, on that problems with VA health care are the result of abuse by veterans and their families of an “entitlement” program. “It’s very difficult to get fraud and abuse out of entitlement programs. People sometimes don’t exist in the first place or they are passed away and someone is still drawing funds. I am very suspicious of entitlement action” even for veterans. This is what our veterans should expect from thisformer Bush hack! Former Congressman Pearce also refused to break with his Washington party leaders on the issue of “concurrent receipt” of disability and retirement pay for military retirees. When asked when he would sign a discharge petition to bring concurrent receipt to the House Floor,he said he would not sign it.
Mr.. Pearce’s response made no sense because his Republican leadership refused to allow any legislation on concurrent receipt to come to the House Floor.
In fact, there were inadequate resources for veterans health care and concurrent receipt because Mr.. Pearce and House Republicans had enacted hundreds of billions in tax breaks for the wealthy and special interests especially Pearce’s oil buddies. In 2003 Rep. Pearce also voted to prevent the House from even considering an amendment to add $2.2 billion in needed funding for veterans’ health care. [RV #450, 7/25/03]
Mr. Pearce then voted for a veterans funding bill that contains $1.8 billion less for VA health care than was budgeted earlier this year. [RV #456, 7/25/03]
“As a veteran himself, Steve Pearce should know that our veterans’ health care isn’t just another ‘entitlement program,’ but a promise to be kept to those who served our country,” As a loyal Bush politico, Pearce had decided that pleasing party leaders is more important than delivering for vets back in New Mexico. So Pearce voted for massive tax breaks instead of health care for veterans, and he had consistently refuses to give disabled military retirees the full benefits they’ve earned.
This is wrong!
Really? Not this again.
Ok, let’s get down to it.
The Tea Party backs limited government, less spending, lower taxes and etc. Let’s examine Pearce’s record:
1. FreedomWorks rated Pearce a high 85 rating for 2007 – 2008
2. Americans for Tax Reform rated Pearce 100
3. National Federation of Independent Business (small business lobby) rated him from an 85 to 100 throughout his career in congress.
4. Pearce voted AGAINST TARP;
5. Pearce voted AGAINST the bailouts of 2008;
6. Pearce was a member of ‘Waste Watchers’ in congress and repeatedly came into conflict with his own leadership over spending;
This attempt to try to drive a wedge between Pearce and the Tea Party so you can get Pelosi’s boy Teague re-elected is not going to work. Pearce’s record as a conservative stands.
As far as his votes against these so-called renewable energy bills you mentioned, let’s take a look:
First, most of us understand that oil is still here to stay. We must make it easier to drill and explore now while creating new opportunities for new energy sources. Pearce’s record stands on this true and common sense approach.
1. He voted for HR 6 in 2003 which provided for renewable energy funding;
2. He voted for HR 4503 in 2004 which
- Adjusts energy reduction goals and performance requirements for federal buildings and for many new commercial and consumer products.
- Provides funding for energy efficiency programs for public buildings and low-income communities.
- Reauthorizes the Renewable Energy Production program to include incentives for renewable resource production.
- Includes a renewable fuels requirement to add five billion gallons per year of ethanol and other renewable resources to the nation’s gasoline.
- Provides funding for existing and new coal-based research and development.
- Establishes a national center or consortium for clean power and energy.
- Creates a transportation fuel program involving alternative fuels for duel-fueled vehicles, fuel credits for medium and heavy duty dedicated vehicles, and lease condensates.
- Implements pilot programs that focuses on alternative fueled vehicles, fuel cell vehicles and hybrid vehicles.
- Allows for the construction of a natural gas pipeline from the Alaskan North Slope to the lower 48 States.
- Establishes energy production incentives that include natural gas production in the Gulf of Mexico and oil and gas leasing in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska.
- Sets guidelines to improve the operation and reliability of electric transmission networks.
- Expands FERC’s merger authority and requires review of elimination of duplication and onerous conditions under FERC’s merger review authority.
- Prohibits the use of methyl tertiary butyl in motor vehicle fuel by December 31, 2014 but gives the President the authority to nullify this prohibition by June 30, 2014.
I could go on…..
Pearce understands that we need a balance. We need to allow drilling now so we can focus on new forms of energy in the future.
What is wrong with this balance? Why is oil always ‘evil’ and the ‘enemy’. I was raised in the oil patch and we didn’t go outside everyday thinking, “Gee, how can I hurt the planet today?”
The only reason why those of y’all on the zealous left attack him on this is because you don’t want balance. Y’all just want your own agenda 100% with no room for compromise or etc.
Pearce’s record speaks for itself and it’s a good one for both Tea Party members and those who seek a true balance to our energy policy.
So it is all so simple, if you vote for Teague you are voting against Bush, and if you vote for Pearce you are voting for Bush. OK, got it, but wait where is Bush?
Former Congressman Pearce is trying to pretend he is Tea party member. In reality he has been a pawn to the oil and gas industry. Here is a snapshot of his voting record:
Voted NO on tax credits for renewable electricity, with PAYGO offsets. (Sep 2008)
Voted NO on tax incentives for energy production and conservation. (May 2008)
Voted NO on tax incentives for renewable energy. (Feb 2008)
Voted NO on investing in homegrown biofuel. (Aug 2007)
Voted NO on removing oil & gas exploration subsidies. (Jan 2007)
Voted NO on keeping moratorium on drilling for oil offshore. (Jun 2006)
In addition he made millions of dollars through a “strange” sale of his company Lea Fishing Tools, Inc. to the Texas-based Key Energy, in exchange for 542,477 shares of common stock. Directly because of this sale, Key Energy immediately had deep financial problems while Mr. Pearce made millions of dollars. It is very perplexing.
Does the Tea party want to support this 100% Bushite for Congress? Our economic recession and problems stem directly from his term in Congress and his support of Bush Administration policies. This is disturbing.