Last night's blogger conference call with Judy Feder went well, I thought, although there were only three bloggers on the call - myself, Ben Tribbett, and Greg Bouchillon. Perhaps all the other ones floated away with the rains? Ha.A few highlights.
*Feder said she is proud of what she's accomplished so far, including outraising Frank Wolf and exceeding her fundraising goal. Apparently, the Feder campaign has now raised over $500,000!
*Feder said she's running because she has "too much energy to sit on the sidelines" and because "we need leaders to participate in the process" of sausage making...er, politics.
*Feder said she can beat Frank Wolf because Loudoun County is changing fast, and because voters want their politicians to focus on issues that really matter. They also want an "independent voice," which Feder says she will be in Congress, not someone like Wolf who votes 90% with President Bush.
*Feder cited "higher gas prices" as an issue that keeps coming up in her discussions with Loudoun County residents. Feder has a multi-pronged plan to deal with this situation, including renewables, energy efficiency, ethanol, a partnership with auto companies to develop more fuel efficient cars (in exchange for help on their health care costs), and a halt to "feeding the oil industry" with massive subsidies.
*Feder emphasized that, if elected to Congress, she would push for reinstatement of "pay as you go" budgetary rules.
*On Metro to Dulles, Feder definitely supports building the stations in Tysons' Corner underground, in large part so that the urban vision of Tysons can be fulfilled.
*If elected to Congress, Feder sees herself focusing on energy, health care, and transportation. She also sees herself as focusing on "getting the job done" and working with "well-meaning people regardless of party."
Thanks to Judy Feder for taking 45 minutes out of her busy schedule to chat with Ben, Greg and me. And, as I said last night, let me know whatever I can do to help you!