Voters in Southwest Virginia face a critical decision Nov. 2 in the 9th Congressional District contest.
Incumbent Democrat Rick Boucher is being challenged by Republican Morgan Griffith, also the current House Majority Leader of the General Assembly, and by independent Jeremiah Heaton. Two of the three candidates in the so-called “Fightin’ Ninth” recently met with the Daily Telegraph’s editorial board where they were questioned on a number of topics of importance to the region, including the future of coal. Heaton canceled a scheduled appearance before the editorial board.
After much deliberation, the editorial board has voted to endorse Griffith.
Griffith has based his campaign around coal, and coal miners. He appears ready to fight against cap-and-trade measures in the House, and in support of coal miners and their families across the district. He isn’t deterred by the threat of a presidential veto.
Griffith says he will do whatever it takes to save coal mining jobs in our region. He notes he will work with both Democrats and Republicans to change the laws that empowered the Environmental Protection Agency to regulate carbon emissions. He also stands ready to defund the EPA if necessary.
Overcoming a presidential veto won’t be easy. But we like Griffith’s fighting spirit. We believe Southwest Virginia needs someone in Washington who is willing to take a vocal stand in support of coal and coal miners.
The fundamental issue in the 9th District race is coal, and Boucher’s vote in support of - and his continued defense - of the controversial cap-and-trade energy bill introduced in the House cannot be ignored.
There is no questioning Boucher’s record. He has been a loyal and steadfast supporter of Southwest Virginia. Through his successful Showcasing Southwest Virginia program, he has created many jobs for the 9th District. Boucher also has helped fund roads, broadband, water and sewer projects for our region, and a large-scale flood-proofing project in Grundy over the past decade.
However, he seems to be out of touch with his constituents on the much demonized —and rightfully so — cap-and-trade legislation. Boucher supported — and continues to defend — this legislation, which could be particularly harmful to the region’s coalfields.
In addition to threatening coal mining jobs, this legislation will also cause electric bills to increase. By Boucher’s own admission, the measure introduced in the House would have increased the average family’s electric bill by about $100 a year. Boucher compares the
increase to the cost of a postage stamp a day. But if you purchase a postage stamp for 44 cents a day for 365 days, the cost will definitely add up. Sadly, there are many families across our region who can’t afford to pay another $100 a year in their electric bills just because President Obama has decided that climate change legislation must be passed in Congress. Some families who are struggling to make ends meet can’t afford to pay another $10, $1 or even a nickel more on their electric bills.
And they certainly can’t afford to pay another $100 more.
For these reasons, we endorse Morgan Griffith for election in Virginia’s 9th Congressional District. We urge voters across Southwest Virginia to cast a vote in favor of Griffith, and in support of the region’s still vibrant coal industry.
Editorials
October 26, 2010
Endorsement: Va. 9th District House race — Morgan Griffith
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