In a radio interview, Democrat candidate Larry Kissell let the listeners and voters in North Carolina's 8th District know that he is eager to join Washington's do-nothing Democrats and their efforts to block increased domestic oil production.  On WDYT Charlotte's "Think Mornings with Jon Robinson," Kissell emphatically and repeatedly answered "NO" when asked if he would represent the overwhelming majority of Americans who support offshore drilling as part of an "all of the above" strategy for achieving energy independence.

Click here to listen to the audio clip of Kissell's outright opposition to real solutions for bringing down North Carolina's record-high gas prices:

Jon Robinson:  You mentioned energy.  How about, would you support offshore exploration for natural gas off the North Carolina coast...

Larry Kissell:  (Interrupting) No.

Robinson: or oil refineries...

Kissell:  (Interrupting) No.

Robinson:  What's that?

Kissell:  No.

Robinson:  No?  But you want energy independence... This is the power of the United States.  What about oil refineries in the United States?

Kissell:  (Interrupting) We can get it without having to do that.  We do not have to sacrifice everything.

Robinson:  ANWR...

Kissell:   We do not have to sacrifice everything for the future, things for our kids ﾖ we've done enough of that already...

Robinson:  So, the taxpayers have to pay more money?

Larry Kissell and his fellow Democrats seem content to sit idly by while Americans continue to pay through the nose for gasoline. Kissell's refusal to ease North Carolinians' pain at the pump proves how drastically out of touch he is with their need for immediate relief.

North Carolinians are hurting from America's energy crisis and demand a solution that will keep them from emptying their wallets every time they fill up their tank. Unfortunately, Kissell is more interested in siding with Washington's do-nothing Democrat establishment than backing sensible energy policies aimed at providing relief for the people of North Carolina.

According to a story in Politico, Nancy Pelosi is featured in the latest issue of Harper's Bazaar for her dashing sense of style and luxurious wardrobe. Pelosi poses for photographs wearing a humble, salt-of-the earth $1,300 Armani coat as well as a typical, everyday Escada pantsuit while divulging riveting beauty secrets:

"'Since I was in my 20s, I've been giving my face 30 hot splashes in the morning and at night, and I keep thinking, "If it's 25, oh my gosh, I'm going to fall apart...."

"She also admits wants to get some pretty clothes for the convention....

"'Fashion and all that it implies - hair, makeup - is an art form. If you look organized and well presented, people think you're organized in your mind and you take pride in yourself. And besides, it's fun. Isn't it fun?" (Politico, 7/15/08)

When she's not busy splashing her face, Pelosi is anything but organized and well-presented in her role as the leader of the so-called party of America's ordinary working men and women. As Roll Call points out, this little side project includes such burdensome tasks as putting a full-on block on meaningful energy legislation:

"Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) appears intent on preventing votes on opening more areas to offshore drilling despite the stirrings of a revolt by rank-and-file Democrats after months of concerted efforts by House Republicans....

Democrats spent the week after the July Fourth recess with a shift to pro-drilling rhetoric after months of press conferences where they ridiculed the idea.

But the rhetorical shift wasn't matched by much in the way of policy, as Pelosi has maintained that no new acres be opened for drilling along the East Coast, West Coast, portions of the Gulf Coast or in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska." (Roll Call, 7/14/08)

Perhaps Nancy Pelosi is more interested in primping and posing than she is in passing legislation that would ease the pain of record-high gas prices. Unfortunately for American voters, Pelosi has once again proven herself to be an out-of-touch obstructionist, more concerned about her time in the spotlight than America's ongoing energy crisis.

Democrat leaders tried to pull a bait-and-switch move today, attempting to deflect attention away from their do-nothing energy policies by calling for expanded drilling in Alaska's National Petroleum Reserve, a neighbor to ANWR.

Unfortunately for Democrats, their proposal is full of holes. While the area has been under exploration for the last 25 years, NPR-A has failed to yield meaningful, accessible petroleum reserves, largely due to its remote location and lack of infrastructure.

While the proposed ANWR drilling area is only 75 miles from the Trans-Alaskan Oil Pipeline, much of NPR-A is virtually inaccessible and would require more environmentally invasive action than any drilling in ANWR's designated 10-02 region. ANWR is a proven petroleum source that will help lower gas prices across the country; NPR-A is a smokescreen embraced by Democrats who have little regard for the economic impact of high gas prices nationwide. See chart below for more information:

Today's edition of Roll Call describes how Nancy Pelosi and her Democrat wingmen are attempting to trick the public by talking a big game on lowering gas prices without taking any meaningful action:

"Democrats spent the week after the July Fourth recess with a shift to pro-drilling rhetoric after months of press conferences where they ridiculed the idea. But the rhetorical shift wasn't matched by much in the way of policy, as Pelosi has maintained that no new acres be opened for drilling along the East Coast, West Coast, portions of the Gulf Coast or in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska....

"At her press conference, Pelosi appeared to take credit for cutting oil prices by nearly $10 a barrel because of the suspension of oil purchases for the strategic reserves.

But by the end of the week, oil prices soared to new records, closing in on $150." (Roll Call, 7/14/08)

Democrats continue to obstruct meaningful Republican energy legislation while offering no solutions to record-high energy prices. Americans demand action to combat out-of-control gas prices and, unfortunately for Democrats, voters can see through the smokescreen once again.

Rep. Mike Rogers (R-MI) and his campaign hit the streets this July 4^th weekend to let Michigan voters know about his aggressive, common-sense plan to lower gas prices and achieve energy independence by the year 2015.

Rep. Rogers' extensive plan includes an increased push for alternative energy development, coal-to-liquid fuel technology, expanding nuclear energy capabilities in the United States, and extending tax credits to renewable energy projects.

The plan's details can be found online here but this picture sums them up nicely:

Rep. Rogers and friends marched in 4^th of July parades in Brighton, Gregory, and Mason, MI and received a tremendous response.

With Democrats ignoring the 75 percent of Americans that support expanding domestic oil production, Republicans are actively pushing pro-production energy legislation, aiming to force Democrats into action by the end of the month.

An article in today's edition of The Hill highlights the Democrats' failure to act on energy legislation that would lower the cost of gas and move the United States toward energy independence.

While Democrats attempt to claim victory for their failed sham legislation, they are also scrambling to backtrack on their misguided and unpopular energy stances. Despite promises to reintroduce their defeated "use it or lose it" legislation, Democrat leaders have left the bill off of the House calendar this week.

With time running out before Congress adjourns for its lengthy August recess, Democrats have relegated energy legislation to the committee level as America's demand for action grows louder in the face of constantly-rising fuel prices.

"'Right now, our strategy on gas prices is "Drive small cars and wait for the wind,"' said a Democratic aide." (The Hill, 7/7/08)

Click here to read the full article from The Hill.

The July 4^th holiday is a time for celebration and reflection as we observe our nation's founding with family and friends. It is important to take some time to think about what this holiday means to us and also remember that this country's great experiment in freedom and liberty was not a victory that was easily won. Our nation was founded on the most noble of ideals and earned its independence through the brave battles waged by our founding fathers both on and off the battlefield. Much blood was shed in our war for independence, but it was shed by men who knew that their actions would forever change the course of human history.

On July 3, 1776, the day after the Continental Congress adopted a resolution calling for independence and a day before the Declaration of Independence was formally approved, John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail with a keen sense of just how profound an impact our struggle for freedom would have on future generations:

The second day of July 1776 will be the most memorable epocha in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding generations, as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shews, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other from this time forward forever more...I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure that it will cost us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these states. Yet through all the gloom I can see the rays of ravishing light and glory. I can see that the end is more than worth all the means. And that posterity will triumph in that day's transaction, even although we should rue it, which I trust in God we shall not.

Have a happy and safe 4^th of July.

Facing heavy criticism from Republicans and voters across the country, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee attempted to deflect criticism for their do-nothing energy policy by running radio ads that attempt to pin the blame for high gas prices on Republican support for energy legislation that was passed by both houses of Congress in 2005.

But the DCCC failed to do its homework - the legislation in question passed with the support of 70 House Democrats, including half of Democrat leadership, as well as Democrat presidential nominee Barack Obama. It appears that the left hand doesn't know what the extreme-left hand is doing.

Once Democrats realized their gaffe, they scrambled to run for cover:

"[DCCC] spokeswoman Kyra Jennings said [North Carolina Rep. Robin] Hayes is still responsible for his 2005 decision.

'His voters deserve to know his entire record,' Jennings said. "These tax breaks are in place and continue to be in place. I think he still has to be held accountable.'

Two North Carolina Democrats - Reps. Mike McIntyre and Bob Etheridge - also voted for the tax breaks in 2005, as did Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama." (AP, 7/1/08)

The DCCC said it best: members should be responsible for their entire record. With no energy solutions to offer, Democrats have resorted to their usual blame tactics in order to take political cover from their repeated refusal to provide gas price relief despite an unmistakable demand for action by the American people.

Democrats can only run and hide for so long. How much higher must gas prices rise before Democrats take action?

Democrats continued to sit on their hands as Congress prepared to break for the July 4 recess, failing to pass a single significant piece of energy legislation as Americans continue to suffer from high gas prices. Despite their best efforts to push through the misleading "use it or lose it" bill, Democrats have failed once again at relieving pain at the pump for American motorists.

Instead, they have been up to their usual tricks, insulting the American people by introducing redundant sham legislation for political purposes in order to trick voters into believing that voting on energy legislation already passed last year is a suitable response to gas prices that reached a new record high today:

This fall's elections might have been a primary reason why Speaker Pelosi held a vote on a slightly revised version of a bill the House had already approved this Congress. Lawmakers could use that May 2007 bill if they want to conference with a Senate bill and try to make anti-price-gouging legislation law this Congress. (CongressDaily, 6/26/08)

But, while Democrats can't seem to pass any noteworthy energy legislation, they have proven once again that they are perfectly capable of throwing taxpayer money at a problem and hoping that it goes away:

So instead of a barrage of legislation aimed at knocking back the Republicans' gas price assault, Democrats will settle for a measure giving local transit agencies $850 million in each of the next two years to reduce prices and add routes, as well as a symbolic vote calling on President Bush to crack down on "excessive" commodity speculation. (Politico, 6/26/08)

With three-quarters of Americans demanding immediate action on gas prices, Democrats have left town tomorrow without taking any meaningful action on the nation's energy crisis. The Democrats' political smokescreen is thinning, while voters are only growing more impatient. America demands action, and this majority has demonstrated time and time again that the American people will always take a back seat to political games and big-government giveaways.

Republicans, however, have responded by taking the lead on energy. In the past three weeks, Republicans have offered real energy solutions to alarmingly high gas prices. Two weeks ago, Republicans pushed a bill focused on expanding domestic energy production. Last week, the focus was on building new refineries, which would be the first new refineries in the United States since 1976, and an "all of the above" alternative energy bill that would increase production of alternative American energy, encourage more conservation and efficiency, and promote the use of alternative fuels. Unfortunately, Democrats blocked all of these proposals, perpetuating America's energy crisis and leaving voters wondering how long they will be waiting for gas prices to fall.

Earlier this week, in an astonishing affront to the most basic of human liberties, Nancy Pelosi signaled that she refuses to bring Rep. Mike Pence's Broadcaster Freedom Act to the floor for a vote and supports reinstituting the so-called "Fairness Doctrine" in order to keep conservative voices off of the airwaves.

While the House voted in 2007 to place a one-year moratorium on the Fairness Doctrine, Rep. Pence's bill would permanently abolish it and guarantee the right to free speech for conservative and liberal commentators alike. Democrats, however, refuse to sign the discharge petition that would force a vote on Pence's legislation, demonstrating to the American people that they are much more interested in throwing away the constitution for political gain than protecting the most basic of American rights.

Pelosi is doing everything she can to make sure the Broadcaster Freedom Act dies in committee before it ever sees the house floor, and her rank-and-file stand with her as she attempts to redefine the very meaning of the word "fairness."

With conservative voices coming through loud and clear over the radio waves, Democrats are doing their best to throw aside the First Amendment for their own political gain.

Instead of siding with the majority of Americans who favor immediately expanding domestic oil production, House Democrats are attempting to deceive the American public by offering a do-nothing proposal that is already the law of the land. Not only is the Democrats' "use it or lose it" proposal a redundant ploy to escape from offering a sensible and useful energy plan, but it is simply bad policy.

The Department of the Interior already has the authority to invalidate any lease of federal land by energy companies, although Democrats would like voters to think otherwise. Yesterday, the scientific community offered its opinion on the Democrats' flawed bill by sending a letter to House Leadership detailing the long technical and legal process required before any drilling can even occur:

"Once a lease is awarded, geologists begin an intensive assessment. They collect new geological, geophysical, and geochemical data to better understand the geology in their lease area.... If there is no evidence of a suitable trap, the explorer will relinquish the lease and walk away."

Despite the knowledge that this long and time-consuming process must take place after land is leased but before it is drilled, Democrats are ignoring the facts in an attempt to further skirt their duties and provide real, sensible solutions to the nation's energy problems. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, meanwhile, has also put a dent in the Democrats' "use it or lose it" proposal because of problematic side effects, namely significant losses in federal revenue:

"CBO has determined that a bill sponsored by House Natural Resources Chairman Nick Rahall that would prohibit companies from having future oil and gas production leases unless they act in 'due diligence' toward producing on current leases, as defined by the Interior secretary, 'slows down the process' and would result in lost federal revenue, Rahall said." (CongressDaily, 6/24/08)

This Democrat-led Congress has long been at odds with a vast majority of Americans by refusing to face the reality of the nation's energy crisis, and it seems now that everyone except the Democrats has recognized the inane effects that this ill-conceived bill would have.

Click here to read the full letter from the American Association of Petroleum Geologists.

"House and Senate Republicans are leading an almost daily drive for legislation to lift the federal moratorium on offshore drilling, increase oil shale development in the Rocky Mountain West and open Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil exploration." (San Francisco Chronicle, 6/23/08)

Meanwhile, Democrats continue their failure of leadership on the matter:

"House and Senate Democratic leaders are unlikely ever to let these drilling proposals reach the floor." (San Francisco Chronicle, 6/23/08)

Key Democrats voted twice last week against debating a bill that would have lowered the cost of gasoline by increasing domestic refinery production, even though 75 percent of Americans are calling for just that (House Roll Call 423 and 435). Democrats are demonstrating how out-of-touch they are with Americans as week after week they block responsible and effective Republican solutions to America's energy crisis. Unfortunately for the Democrat-led Congress, the numbers don't lie. Americans are clamoring for lower gas prices and increased domestic energy production and Democrats have placed themselves directly at odds with the voting public. How much longer will the people have to wait for Nancy Pelosi's do-nothing Democrats to deliver results?

State Senator David Cappiello headed to the floor of the Connecticut State Senate today for a special session, leading a charge to make gas prices more affordable in the state which has the third highest gas prices in the nation. Equipped with over 26,000 petitions signed by the people of Connecticut, Cappiello is pushing for a bill that will end hidden gas tax increases. Meanwhile, his opponent, Rep. Chris Murphy, continues to stand idly by in Washington while people in his home district and across the country are feeling the hit of high gas prices.

Rep. Murphy is standing in the way of domestic energy exploration. Murphy has repeatedly voted alongside his Democrat leadership to block the House from debating amendments aimed at reducing the cost of gas. Meanwhile, David Cappiello is not taking Connecticut's $4.35 per gallon gasoline lightly - he's offering the people of Connecticut useful, real-world solutions, fighting to eliminate unfair taxes, and helping to relieve the taxpayers' pain at the pump.

Click here to hear David Cappiello's proposal to lower gas taxes in the Nutmeg State.

(Source: http://www.fuelgaugereport.com/sbsavg.asp)

• Ignoring the fact that the cost of gas has risen more than 71% since the Democrats took control of Congress, Democrats voted twice to block the House from debating any amendment aimed at reducing the cost of gas (House Roll Call 370 and 380).

• The Houston Chronicle editorialized that "Across the nation, school districts are limiting field trips and, in some cases, canceling classes one day a week because they can't pay the doubled cost of operating school buses," yet Democrats opposed allowing public schools to use funding to pay for burdensome energy costs that have risen more than 50% since January 2007 (House Roll Call 378).

• Finally, just before Congress recessed for a long weekend, Democrats voted against educating the public on the side effects of rising gas prices (House Roll Call 385).