TRACKING OUR LEGISLATORS SERIES - BOCCIERI: DIFFERS FROM OBAMA IN OPPOSING "CAP-AND-TRADE" - APRIL FOOLS? MAYBE IN APRIL, BUT NOT IN JUNE!

UPDATE: SUNDAY, JUNE 28, 2009 AT 9:00 PM

COMMENT

Rep. John Boccieri (D-OH): “‘My understanding from what I’ve heard is it’s going to cause a big increase in our utility bills.’ Boccieri said the White House has been lobbying him heavily, but, ‘in its present form, cap and trade would be devastating to Ohio.’” (Robert Wang, “Boccieri Holds Telephone Town Hall Meeting,” Canton Repository, 3/25/09)

And this Bone he's so grateful for makes cap and trade less 'devastating' to Ohio??? I pray for a candidate of integrity and principle to make Boccieri a one timer.

BeaReady

ORIGINAL POST

First, view this video.

Can you believe it?

Against Cap and Trade on April 9th. For Cap and Trade on June 26th.

What's more, in spinning (Boccieri must have learned this art form from his good friend Canton Mayor William J. Healy, II) there is not one single reference to "Cap and Trade."

Think that's an oversight.

No way, Jose!

The SCPR was skeptical that Congressman Boccieri would vote against the Obama position on a crucial vote that was close as the vote on Cap and Trade (219 for, 212 against).

A switch of 4 votes and the Obama initiative fails.

Yours truly has always been in favor of Cap and Trade. The hypocrisy is being highlighted because the SCPR believes that Boccieri never intended to vote against Obama especially in a context in which every vote truly counts, but was being disingenuous with 16th district voters.

If there was any doubt about about Boccieri's vote, the Obama people tossed him a bone. From Boccieri's press release:

Congressman John Boccieri, who voted for the bill, was particularly grateful for the inclusion of language he requested that will establish a $30 billion Manufacturing Revolving Loan Fund to assist small and medium-sized firms in retooling, expanding or establishing domestic clean energy manufacturing operations, and in becoming more energy efficient; and expand and focus Manufacturing Extension Partnerships (MEPs) on Clean Energy Manufacturing.

And this becomes the basis for justifying his flip-flop.

But that was not enough.

He had the president's people send out a press release to provide additional political cover for him, to wit:

Statement by President Obama on Rep. Boccieri’s Vote for the American Clean Energy and Security Act

“Rep. Boccieri’s courageous vote marks an historic step to break our dependence on foreign oil. The American Clean Energy and Security Act will create millions of new jobs and ensure America will continue to lead in the 21^st century global economy.

“For more than three decades, we've talked about our dependence on foreign oil, and today, Rep. Boccieri voted end that dangerous dependence. This is a very courageous vote from a true leader in Congress.”

There you have it folks.

John Boccieri proving that he is no different from any other politician!