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#NVSen: Berkley Votes Against Jobs, Wants Higher Gas Prices, and Flip-Flops on Keystone
Last night, at the “other debate,” Senator Dean Heller and embattled Seven-Term Congresswoman Shelley Berkley squared off and once again Berkley was flailing about issuing misleading & inaccurate answers on her record and stances on issues.
Berkley’s Solution for High Gas Prices: Make Them Even Higher
(Las Vegas, NV) – Gas prices are soaring in Nevada, but Congresswoman Shelley Berkley’s only solution is to follow President Obama and Nancy Pelosi’s lead and drive costs even higher. Instead of working to actually lower prices, she attempts to distract Nevadans from her record on policies that will drive prices so high, Americans won’t be able to afford gas at all.
Shelley Berkley’s long record on energy has forced gas prices higher:
- Berkley has voted against increasing energy production as many as twenty times.
- Berkley voted for a national energy tax that even President Obama admitted would cause energy prices to “necessarily skyrocket.” Washington Democrats continue to admit lowering gas prices is not a goal for the Administration (“Pence Claims that Obama said Energy Costs Will Skyrocket with a Cap-and-Trade Plan,” PolitiFact.com, 6/11/2009)
- Berkley voted against the Keystone pipeline four times, which even former President Clinton said the country should “embrace.” The Keystone Pipeline would create 20,000 American jobs and invest $5.4 billion in the United States economy. (Darius Dixon and Dan Berman, “Bill Clinton: ‘Embrace’ Keystone XL,” Politico, 1/29/2012).
- Berkley has voted against streamlining regulations to help promote renewable energy sources like wind, solar and geothermal on federal lands. Just last month, Shelley Berkley voted against development of oil shale energy and opposed providing companies the regulatory certainty they need to hire.
- Berkley has opposed policies that could increase oil and gas production by more than 10 million barrels of oil per day and create 1.4 million more jobs by 2030.
Berkley Votes Against Jobs Bill for Lyon County
And Helps Her Campaign
Shelley Berkley likes to talk about “jobs, jobs, jobs” but when it comes to walking the walk, she would rather receive campaign support from an East Coast environmental special interest group than create jobs in a county that consistently struggles with the highest unemployment in Nevada.
Take a look at the facts:
- Shelley Berkley sponsors a Nevada jobs bill for Lyon County. Berkley signs on as a cosponsor to the Yerington Land Conveyance and Sustainable Development Act on February 15, 2012, which would have created nearly 800 jobs in Nevada.
- The League of Conservation Voters sends a letter to congressional offices stating that they are opposed to the bill that includes the Nevada jobs bill.
- Despite being a cosponsor, Shelley Berkley votes against the Nevada jobs bill (Roll Call Vote 387, June 19, 2012).
- Unemployment rate in Lyon County at the time of her vote: 14.8% – the highest in the state.
- On July 25, the League of Conservation Voters begins running political ads against Dean Heller, spending a total of $242,928.
- On September 19, the League of Conservation Voters begins a phone program promoting Shelley Berkley.
- On September 25, 2012, the League of Conservation Voters releases a poll it commissioned for Shelley Berkley. Notably, it’s the only public poll that shows the seven-term Congresswoman ahead.
- The League of Conservation Voters is now running an absentee ballot program for the Nevada U.S. Senate race.
Flip-Flop Alert: Berkley Claims Support For Keystone Pipeline
But she voted to kill the measure and send jobs to China
Seven-term Congresswoman Shelley Berkley has long demonstrated she has little concern about the truth, and her alleged support for the Keystone pipeline is no different.
Shelley Berkley has already voted against the Keystone pipeline FOURT times: (H.R. 1938, CQ Vote #650); (H.R. 3630, CQ Vote #923); (H.R. 3408, CQ Vote #71); (H.R. 4348, Roll Call Vote #170)
Votes that sent jobs to China:
- “Canadian government officials, meanwhile, have boosted support for westward-flowing pipelines in order to diversify toward Asian markets. That effort accelerated after the White House earlier this year rejected a big pipeline-expansion project, TransCanada Corp.’s Keystone XL, which would have sent more Alberta crude south of the border. … Mr. Harper and other Canadian officials have said they want to open up new markets for Canada’s resources in China and Asia, instead of relying on the U.S. as its biggest buyer.” (Edward Welsch, “With $5 Billion Pipeline Project, Canada Looks to Bypass U.S. For Asia,” The Wall Street Journal, 4/12/12)
And drive gas prices higher.
- Shelley Berkley has opposed domestic production as many as twenty times, causing gas prices to rise for Nevada families and businesses.
- Shelley Berkley voted for a national energy tax that would raise taxes and increase cost of gasoline, heating oil and other energy. (House Vote 477, H.R. 2454, Greenhouse Gas Emissions – Passage; June 26, 2009)
- National Association of Manufacturers Study estimated the national energy tax would increase gas prices by 26% by 2030 and destroy 2.4 million jobs.
(“State-by-State Analysis of Waxman-Market Cap and Trade Legislation Paints Dour Picture for Nation’s Economy,” National Association of Manufacturers, 8/12/2009)
- National Association of Manufacturers Study estimated the national energy tax would increase gas prices by 26% by 2030 and destroy 2.4 million jobs.
#NVSen: New SurveyUSA Poll Shows Sen. Dean Heller (R) 47%, Shelley Berkley (D) 39%
From TPM:
Polls: NV Senator ’12
Conducted by SurveyUSA from 10/03/2012 to 10/08/2012.
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Release information available from SurveyUSA.
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±2.9 margin of error.
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1222 Likely Voters were polled by automatic survey.
From LVRJ:
U.S. Senate — Dean Heller (R; incumbent) and Shelley Berkley (D)
SurveyUSA interviewed 1,600 Nevada adults Oct. 3-8, 2012. Of the adults, 1,373 were registered to vote. Of the registered voters, 1,222 were determined by SurveyUSA to be likely to vote on or before Election Day.
(Margin of Sampling Error: +/-2.9%)
U.S. Senate poll – October 2012
Previous U.S. Senate poll – Aug. 23, 2012if you were filling out your ballot right now, would you vote for (choices rotated) Dean Heller, the Republican? Shelley Berkley, the Democrat? Or some other candidate?
All Gender Age <50 / 50+ Race Male Female 18-34 35-49 50-64 65+ 18-49 50+ White Black Hispanic Asian/
OtherDean Heller (R) 47% 51% 43% 42% 47% 48% 53% 45% 50% 51% 14% 43% 53% Shelley Berkley (D) 39% 36% 41% 37% 37% 41% 40% 37% 40% 35% 69% 41% 32% Other 8% 8% 8% 11% 7% 7% 6% 9% 6% 8% 5% 6% 8% Undecided 6% 5% 7% 9% 8% 5% 2% 9% 4% 5% 11% 10% 7% Likely Voters 100% 52% 48% 24% 28% 28% 19% 52% 48% 61% 8% 20% 11%
Phone Party Affiliation Tea party member Ideology Union member Military/veteran Cell Phone Landline GOP Dem Ind Yes No Cons. Mod Lib Yes No Yes No Dean Heller (R) 33% 51% 88% 13% 50% 80% 44% 83% 37% 14% 47% 48% 58% 41% Shelley Berkley (D) 41% 38% 6% 73% 27% 13% 42% 11% 46% 71% 44% 38% 33% 42% Other 6% 8% 3% 6% 15% 6% 8% 4% 9% 8% 8% 7% 5% 9% Undecided 20% 2% 3% 9% 7% 1% 7% 2% 8% 7% 1% 7% 5% 7% Likely Voters 24% 76% 33% 40% 25% 8% 90% 32% 40% 19% 20% 78% 38% 62%
Education Income Region HS Some Coll Coll <$40k $40k-$80k >$80k Las Vegas Rest of
Clark Co.Washoe
CountyRest of
NevadaDean Heller (R) 43% 48% 47% 40% 48% 51% 46% 43% 52% 61% Shelley Berkley (D) 38% 37% 42% 42% 36% 40% 41% 40% 39% 28% Other 10% 9% 6% 9% 7% 7% 11% 7% 6% 5% Undecided 9% 7% 5% 9% 8% 2% 2% 10% 3% 5% Likely Voters 19% 42% 39% 32% 42% 26% 23% 48% 16% 13%
All Gender Age <50 / 50+ Race Male Female 18-34 35-49 50-64 65+ 18-49 50+ White Black Hispanic Asian/
OtherFavorable 28% 28% 28% 21% 26% 32% 33% 24% 32% 25% 56% 26% 25% Unfavorable 48% 53% 41% 47% 47% 45% 51% 47%48% 51% 17% 47% 50% Neutral 19% 15% 24% 26% 21% 16% 13% 23% 15% 19% 23% 19% 20% No Opinion 5% 4% 6% 5% 5% 7% 3% 5% 5% 5% 4% 7% 4% Likely Voters 100% 52% 48% 24% 28% 28% 19% 52% 48% 61% 8% 20% 11%
Phone Party Affiliation Tea party member Ideology Union member Military/veteran Cell Phone Landline GOP Dem Ind Yes No Cons. Mod Lib Yes No Yes No Favorable 29% 27% 7% 52% 17% 12% 30% 9% 33% 52% 36% 26% 26% 30% Unfavorable 40% 50% 77% 19% 57% 73% 45% 75% 41% 21% 44% 49% 55% 43% Neutral 24% 18% 11% 24% 22% 8% 21% 11% 22% 23% 16% 20% 14% 22% No Opinion 7% 5% 5% 5% 4% 7% 4% 5% 4% 4% 4% 5% 5% 5% Likely Voters 24% 76% 33% 40% 25% 8% 90% 32% 40% 19% 20% 78% 38% 62%
Education Income Region HS Some Coll Coll <$40k $40k-$80k >$80k Las Vegas Rest of
Clark Co.Washoe
CountyRest of
NevadaFavorable 25% 26% 32% 32% 27% 28% 28% 30% 26% 19% Unfavorable 40% 52% 46% 40% 51% 51% 47% 44% 52% 55% Neutral 26% 16% 19% 21% 19% 18% 18% 20% 20% 19% No Opinion 9% 5% 3% 7% 4% 3% 6% 6% 2% 7% Likely Voters 19% 42% 39% 32% 42% 26% 23% 48% 16% 13%
All Gender Age <50 / 50+ Race Male Female 18-34 35-49 50-64 65+ 18-49 50+ White Black Hispanic Asian/
OtherFavorable 38% 43% 32% 31% 37% 40% 45% 34% 42% 40% 18% 37% 40% Unfavorable 35% 34% 35% 32% 33% 38% 37% 33% 37% 33% 53% 38% 28% Neutral 21% 18% 24% 28% 22% 18% 14% 25% 16% 21% 16% 18% 27% No Opinion 7% 5% 9% 9% 8% 5% 4% 9% 4% 6% 12% 8% 5% Likely Voters 100% 52% 48% 24% 28% 28% 19% 52% 48% 61% 8% 20% 11%
Phone Party Affiliation Tea party member Ideology Union member Military/veteran Cell Phone Landline GOP Dem Ind Yes No Cons. Mod Lib Yes No Yes No Favorable 24% 42% 70% 13% 37% 72% 35% 69% 30% 12% 40% 37% 47% 32% Unfavorable 37% 34% 9% 59% 30% 11% 37% 12% 40% 60% 36% 35% 29% 38% Neutral 30% 18% 18% 18% 28% 15% 21% 16% 24% 19% 18% 22% 18% 23% No Opinion 9% 6% 3% 11% 5% 2% 7% 3% 7% 9% 6% 6% 6% 7% Likely Voters 24% 76% 33% 40% 25% 8% 90% 32% 40% 19% 20% 78% 38% 62%
Education Income Region HS Some Coll Coll <$40k $40k-$80k >$80k Las Vegas Rest of
Clark Co.Washoe
CountyRest of
NevadaFavorable 31% 38% 40% 30% 40% 41% 39% 32% 42% 53% Unfavorable 39% 32% 36% 40% 33% 32% 31% 37% 39% 26% Neutral 19% 23% 20% 21% 21% 22% 21% 24% 16% 17% No Opinion 11% 6% 5% 10% 6% 5% 9% 8% 3% 4% Likely Voters 19% 42% 39% 32% 42% 26% 23% 48% 16% 13%
All Gender Age <50 / 50+ Race Male Female 18-34 35-49 50-64 65+ 18-49 50+ White Black Hispanic Asian/
OtherDean Heller (R) 43% 48% 38% 37% 43% 45% 49% 40% 47% 46% 13% 43% 48% Shelley Berkley (D) 38% 36% 40% 39% 34% 40% 39% 36% 40% 34% 73% 40% 32% Not Sure 19% 16% 22% 24% 23% 15% 11% 23% 14% 20% 14% 16% 20% Likely Voters 100% 52% 48% 24% 28% 28% 19% 52% 48% 61% 8% 20% 11%
Phone Party Affiliation Tea party member Ideology Union member Military/veteran Cell Phone Landline GOP Dem Ind Yes No Cons. Mod Lib Yes No Yes No Dean Heller (R) 29% 48% 82% 12% 44% 84% 39% 80% 31% 14% 44% 43% 54% 36% Shelley Berkley (D) 43% 36% 6% 71% 27% 12% 41% 11% 47% 66% 41% 38% 32% 43% Not Sure 28% 16% 12% 18% 29% 4% 20% 9% 22% 21% 14% 19% 14% 21% Likely Voters 24% 76% 33% 40% 25% 8% 90% 32% 40% 19% 20% 78% 38% 62%
Education Income Region HS Some Coll Coll <$40k $40k-$80k >$80k Las Vegas Rest of
Clark Co.Washoe
CountyRest of
NevadaDean Heller (R) 37% 45% 43% 35% 44% 50% 43% 39% 47% 56% Shelley Berkley (D) 39% 36% 41% 41% 38% 39% 34% 43% 38% 25% Not Sure 24% 19% 16% 25% 19% 11% 22% 18% 15% 19% Likely Voters 19% 42% 39% 32% 42% 26% 23% 48% 16% 13%
All Gender Age <50 / 50+ Race Male Female 18-34 35-49 50-64 65+ 18-49 50+ White Black Hispanic Asian/
OtherDean Heller (R) 41% 48% 35% 41% 38% 41% 47% 40% 43% 42% 17% 45% 48% Shelley Berkley (D) 37% 35% 38% 35% 34% 40% 38% 34% 39% 34% 64% 38% 30% Not Sure 22% 17% 27% 24% 28% 19% 15% 26% 17% 24% 19% 17% 22% Likely Voters 100% 52% 48% 24% 28% 28% 19% 52% 48% 61% 8% 20% 11%
Phone Party Affiliation Tea party member Ideology Union member Military/veteran Cell Phone Landline GOP Dem Ind Yes No Cons. Mod Lib Yes No Yes No Dean Heller (R) 29% 45% 75% 12% 44% 78% 38% 74% 31% 17% 43% 41% 52% 35% Shelley Berkley (D) 36% 37% 6% 68% 28% 14% 39% 10% 46% 65% 42% 35% 30% 41% Not Sure 35% 18% 19% 20% 28% 9% 23% 16% 23% 18% 15% 24% 18% 24% Likely Voters 24% 76% 33% 40% 25% 8% 90% 32% 40% 19% 20% 78% 38% 62%
Education Income Region HS Some Coll Coll <$40k $40k-$80k >$80k Las Vegas Rest of
Clark Co.Washoe
CountyRest of
NevadaDean Heller (R) 36% 44% 40% 35% 42% 46% 41% 38% 43% 53% Shelley Berkley (D) 35% 32% 42% 36% 35% 40% 37% 39% 38% 26% Not Sure 29% 24% 17% 29% 23% 14% 22% 23% 19% 22% Likely Voters 19% 42% 39% 32% 42% 26% 23% 48% 16% 13%
All Gender Age <50 / 50+ Race Male Female 18-34 35-49 50-64 65+ 18-49 50+ White Black Hispanic Asian/
OtherDean Heller (R) 45% 52% 37% 45% 43% 45% 46% 44% 46% 47% 23% 42% 51% Shelley Berkley (D) 26% 25% 27% 25% 22% 27% 31% 23% 28% 22% 53% 30% 21% Not Sure 30% 23% 37% 30% 35% 28% 23% 33% 26% 31% 24% 28% 28% Likely Voters 100% 52% 48% 24% 28% 28% 19% 52% 48% 61% 8% 20% 11%
Phone Party Affiliation Tea party member Ideology Union member Military/veteran Cell Phone Landline GOP Dem Ind Yes No Cons. Mod Lib Yes No Yes No Dean Heller (R) 30% 49% 73% 19% 49% 73% 42% 70% 39% 20% 44% 44% 49% 42% Shelley Berkley (D) 26% 26% 5% 50% 16% 9% 27% 10% 28% 50% 35% 24% 26% 26% Not Sure 45% 25% 22% 32% 35% 17% 31% 20% 33% 29% 21% 32% 25% 32% Likely Voters 24% 76% 33% 40% 25% 8% 90% 32% 40% 19% 20% 78% 38% 62%
Education Income Region HS Some Coll Coll <$40k $40k-$80k >$80k Las Vegas Rest of
Clark Co.Washoe
CountyRest of
NevadaDean Heller (R) 36% 42% 50% 36% 44% 55% 46% 40% 52% 51% Shelley Berkley (D) 32% 24% 26% 29% 24% 26% 25% 30% 21% 16% Not Sure 33% 34% 24% 35% 32% 19% 29% 30% 27% 32% Likely Voters 19% 42% 39% 32% 42% 26% 23% 48% 16% 13%
All Gender Age <50 / 50+ Race Male Female 18-34 35-49 50-64 65+ 18-49 50+ White Black Hispanic Asian/
OtherDean Heller (R) 41% 47% 35% 39% 40% 41% 45% 39% 43% 43% 12% 41% 52% Shelley Berkley (D) 30% 29% 31% 25% 31% 31% 33% 28% 32% 27% 62% 28% 27% Not Sure 29% 24% 34% 36% 29% 28% 21% 32% 25% 30% 27% 31% 20% Likely Voters 100% 52% 48% 24% 28% 28% 19% 52% 48% 61% 8% 20% 11%
Phone Party Affiliation Tea party member Ideology Union member Military/veteran Cell Phone Landline GOP Dem Ind Yes No Cons. Mod Lib Yes No Yes No Dean Heller (R) 29% 45% 74% 12% 45% 69% 38% 70% 32% 16% 43% 41% 51% 35% Shelley Berkley (D) 31% 30% 5% 60% 16% 13% 32% 9% 37% 56% 36% 29% 27% 32% Not Sure 40% 25% 21% 28% 39% 18% 30% 21% 31% 28% 21% 30% 22% 32% Likely Voters 24% 76% 33% 40% 25% 8% 90% 32% 40% 19% 20% 78% 38% 62%
Education Income Region HS Some Coll Coll <$40k $40k-$80k >$80k Las Vegas Rest of
Clark Co.Washoe
CountyRest of
NevadaDean Heller (R) 37% 43% 40% 34% 41% 47% 43% 37% 45% 48% Shelley Berkley (D) 30% 29% 33% 32% 31% 30% 31% 32% 30% 20% Not Sure 33% 28% 27% 35% 28% 22% 26% 31% 25% 32% Likely Voters 19% 42% 39% 32% 42% 26% 23% 48% 16% 13% Statement of Methodology
About the Poll: This poll was conducted by telephone in the voice of a professional announcer. Respondent households were selected at random, using Random Digit Dialed (RDD) sample provided by Survey Sampling, of Fairfield CT.
All respondents heard the questions asked identically. The pollster’s report includes the geography that was surveyed; the date(s) interviews were conducted, the number of respondents who answered each question and the theoretical margin of sampling error for each question. Where necessary, respondents were weighted using the most recent U.S. Census estimates for age, gender, ethnic origin and region, to align the sample to the population. In theory, one can say with 95% certainty that the results would not vary by more than the stated margin of sampling error, in one direction or the other, had the entire universe of respondents with home telephones been interviewed with complete accuracy.
There are other possible sources of error in all surveys that may be more serious than sampling error. These include: the difficulty of interviewing respondents who do not have a home telephone; the refusal by some with home telephones to be interviewed; the order in which questions are asked; the wording of questions; the way and extent to which data are weighted; and the manner in which specialized populations, such as likely voters, are determined.
It is difficult to quantify the errors that may result from these and other factors. Research methodology, questionnaire design and fieldwork for this survey were completed by SurveyUSA of Clifton, NJ.This statement conforms to the principles of disclosure of the National Council on Public Polls.
Nevada Jobs or Money for Her Flailing Campaign: What is More Important to Berkley? #NVSen
(Reno, NV) — Shelley Berkley likes to talk about “jobs, jobs, jobs” but when it comes to walking the walk, she would rather receive campaign support from an East Coast environmental special interest group than create jobs in a county that consistently struggles with the highest unemployment in Nevada.
Take a look at the facts:
- Shelley Berkley sponsors a Nevada jobs bill for Lyon County. Berkley signs on as a cosponsor to the Yerington Land Conveyance and Sustainable Development Act on February 15, 2012, which would have created nearly 800 jobs in Nevada.
- The League of Conservation Voters sends a letter to congressional offices stating that they are opposed to the bill that includes the Nevada jobs bill. (Letter attached).
- Despite being a cosponsor, Shelley Berkley votes against the Nevada jobs bill (Roll Call Vote 387, June 19, 2012).
- Unemployment rate in Lyon County at the time of her vote: 14.8% – the highest in the state.
- On July 25, the League of Conservation Voters begins running political ads against Dean Heller, spending a total of $242,928.
- On September 19, the League of Conservation Voters begins a phone program promoting Shelley Berkley.
- On September 25, 2012, the League of Conservation Voters releases a poll it commissioned for Shelley Berkley. Notably, it’s the only public poll that shows the seven-term Congresswoman ahead.
- The League of Conservation Voters is now running an absentee ballot program for the Nevada U.S. Senate race.
“Shelley Berkley has received her payback, on the back of Lyon County’s unemployed. While she may dismiss these events as pure coincidence, the fact that the seven-term Congresswoman is currently under ethics investigation raises a question that must be asked, ‘Did Congresswoman Berkley sell out her vote and her state for political gain?’ While we hope this is not the case, Congresswoman Berkley did a complete 360 degree turn on an issue for no reason at all,” said Chandler Smith, Heller for Senate spokeswoman.
#NVSen: TheTeaParty.net Poll Shows Sen. Dean Heller Leads Democrat Challenger Rep Shelley Berkley 51-38
The poll surveyed 400 likely voters in Nevada from Sep. 27-30 with live calls giving the results a 4.9% margin of error. More details are available at http://tpnn.com/index.php/breaking-nv-poll-romney-52-obama-43/.
Poll Also Has Mitt Romney Leading Pres. Barack Obama 52-43
A poll commissioned by TheTeaParty.net (website: TheTeaParty.net) showed Sen. Dean Heller (R-NV) opening up a sizeable lead over his opponent Rep. Shelley Berkley (D-NV). The poll, conducted by Utah-based NSØN, Inc., shows Heller up 51-38 in Nevada.
“With the mainstream media’s polls showing results literally all over the place, it was important for us to commission a poll that we knew we could trust,” said Dustin Stockton, Chief Strategist for TheTeaParty.net. “We’re very excited to see a strong lead for Sen. Heller.”
The poll also shows Mitt Romney leading Pres. Barack Obama 52-43 and tracked the favorability for the candidates for President, Vice-President and U.S. Senate in Nevada.
Romney’s favorability rate in Nevada is 57.5% with 40.8% of Nevada voters holding an unfavorable view of the former Massachusetts governor. Meanwhile, Dean Heller enjoys a favorable view among 53.8% of Nevada voters and an unfavorable view among 36.5% of the state’s electorate. The Republican nominee for Vice-President, Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI), has a favorability rate of 52.5% and is viewed unfavorably by 38.3% of Nevada voters.
These are significantly more favorable numbers than the Democrats enjoy in Nevada with Obama viewed favorably by only 46.5% of the electorate compared to an unfavorable view among 52.5%. Berkley’s favorability rate is merely 37.1% with 54.8% viewing her unfavorably. Vice-President Joe Biden has the lowest favorability rate of the candidates with only 44.5% and 49.3% viewing him unfavorably.
The poll surveyed 400 likely voters in Nevada from Sep. 27-30 with live calls giving the results a 4.9% margin of error. More details are available at http://tpnn.com/index.php/breaking-nv-poll-romney-52-obama-43/.
#NVSen: New Ad Highlights Heller’s Bipartisan Record
Builds on Heller’s Long Record of Cooperation with Both Parties
(Las Vegas, NV) – Today Dean Heller released a new ad demonstrating his commitment to doing what is in the best interest of Nevadans, even if it means breaking with party lines. His message of bipartisanship strikes a stark contrast to that of his opponent, who has voted with the party line and Nancy Pelosi 95% of the time.
Heller’s Bipartisan Legislative Highlights Include:
Dean Heller worked with women from across the aisle to champion a mobile mammography program that allows women to receive care in underserved areas:
- While serving in the House of Representatives, Dean was the original author of the Mobile Mammography Promotion Act. Democrat Melissa Bean (D-IL-8) was the original Democratic cosponsor of that bill.
- Dean reintroduced the Mobile Mammography Promotion Act in the 112th Congress (H.R. 879) along with current DNC Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman-Schultz as the original Democratic cosponsor of that bill.
Heller was the lead Republican on legislation also sponsored by Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and Sen. Tom Udall to crack down on drug smugglers using ultralight aircraft. The President signed this bipartisan legislation into law.
- Led efforts with Gabby Giffords in the 111th Congress and Tom Udall in the 112th Congress to pass legislation increasing penalties for using ultralight aircraft for illegal drug smuggling (Ultralight Aircraft Smuggling Prevention Act, S. 1974).
Heller was the only Republican Senator to vote for the Democratic Balanced Budget Proposal: “Sen. Dean Heller of Nevada was the lone Republican to support a balanced budget amendment offered by Democrats.” (Peter Urban, Heller is lone Republican on Democrat-backed budget plan, Las Vegas Review-Journal, 4/1/12)
Heller’s “No Budget No Pay” legislation has been embraced by Democrats and Republicans:
- Introduced bipartisan legislation that would prevent Members of Congress from being paid unless the budget and appropriations bills for a given fiscal year are passed before the start of that fiscal year (S. 1981)
- Legislation was adopted into plan by non-partisan group No Labels as one of twelve proposals to Make Congress Work.
- Companion legislation was introduced in the House by Representatives by Jim Cooper (D-TN, H.R. 3643).
- “This is a truly non-partisan issue, one that pits every taxpayer in the country against the 535 members of Congress themselves — regardless of their party affiliation. The idea is a simple one, as evidenced by the bill’s official title: the ‘No Budget, No Pay Act.’” (Chris Weigant, “The No Budget, No Pay Act,” Huffington Post, 3/15/2012)
Heller breaks from his party on renewable energy:
- “In break from GOP, Dean Heller goes green: Sen. Dean Heller is taking the road less traveled among GOP candidates: The Nevada Republican says he’s better for clean-energy interests than his chief Democratic rival…Heller’s message puts him in contrast with other Republicans, who are distancing themselves from any past support for clean energy and instead are embracing an “all of the above” message that stresses expanded domestic drilling.” (Alex Guillen, “In break from GOP, Dean Heller goes green,” Politico.com, 3/6/12)
Heller proposed a compromise to close tax loopholes for big oil companies:
- The Gas Price Relief Act closes loopholes on tax breaks for the largest oil and gas companies and puts that money toward reducing the gas tax and the highway trust fund. The bill also increases oil drilling and construction of the Keystone XL oil pipeline.
(Press Release, “Heller Introduces Gas Price Relief Act,” March 28, 2012) - The bill is a “common-sense, all-of-the-above strategy to provide for the development of our domestic energy resources.”
(Karoun Demirjian, “Dean Heller files amendment that repeals tax breaks for oil companies,” Las Vegas Sun, March 28, 2012)
Heller was one of few Senators to push his GOP colleagues on the payroll tax cut extension:
“Dean Heller to House GOP: Pass the payroll tax cut extension: Republican Sen. Dean Heller of Nevada today scolded his fellow Republicans in the House for refusing to support a bipartisan package to extend payroll tax cuts and unemployment insurance, saying while he agreed with them in principle, playing politics with such an important issue was unacceptable.” (Karoun Demirjian, “Dean Heller to House GOP: Pass the payroll tax cut extension,” Las Vegas Sun, December 19, 2011)
- “Obama, Boehner square off in payroll tax fight: Meanwhile, five mostly moderate Republican senators have called for the House to support the Senate’s two-month extension. The group consists of Sen. Scott Brown of Massachusetts, Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins of Maine, Sen. Richard Lugar of Indiana and Sen. Dean Heller of Nevada.
(Tom and Alan Silverleib, “Obama, Boehner square off in payroll tax fight,” December 21, 2011)
Heller has repeatedly broken with his Republican colleagues in supporting the extension of unemployment benefits:
- Dean Heller has consistently supported efforts to extend unemployment insurance. (H.R. 2642 6/3/2008; H.R. 6867 11/21/2008; H.R. 3548 11/6/2009; H.R. 3326 12/16/2009; H.R. 4851 4/15/2010; H.R. 5618 6/29/2010; H.R. 5418 7/1/2010; H.R. 4213 7/22/2010; H.R. 3630 2/17/2012)
- Dean Heller has repeatedly introduced legislation to extend unemployment benefits (H.R. 5453, May 2010; (H.R. 5647, July 2010); (S. 1885, November 2011).
- In July 2010, Las Vegas Review Journal’s Steve Sebelius praised Dean Heller, saying he “crossed party lines on Thursday to vote for an extension of unemployment benefits for more than 1 million people in America, including thousands here in Nevada,” after Heller’s own legislation to extend benefits was unsuccessful (Steve Sebelius, “In Praise of Dean Heller,” Las Vegas Review-Journal)
- Additional Bipartisan Efforts in the Senate
- Original Republican cosponsor of a bill authored by Senator Wyden (D-OR) to support growth in utility scale geothermal power, distributed on-site power generation, and heating for buildings and commercial processes, while using clean and renewable American energy (Geothermal Tax Parity Act, S. 1413).
- Lead Republican cosponsor of legislation with Senator Tester (D-MT) that would allow the American Legion to accept credit card payments for membership dues (S. 1639). . This legislation was passed by Congress.
- Authored a bill with Democratic Senators Klobachar from Minnesota and Begich from Alaska to alleviate the wait times at some embassies and consulates for U.S. travel visas (International Tourism Facilitation Act, S. 1653).
Additional Bipartisan Efforts in the House:
- Coauthored bill with Democratic Representative John Lewis to end the federal telephone excise tax that was originally intended to help fund the Spanish-American War in 1898 (H.R. 428 in the 111th Congress).
- Original Republican cosponsor of Democrat Caucus Chairman John Larson’s (D-WA) Energy Efficient Commercial Roofs Act, which would provide a tax incentive to make roofing more energy efficient.
- Advocated and voted for a renewable energy portfolio standard to require electric suppliers, other than governmental entities and rural electric cooperatives, to provide 15 percent of their electricity using renewable energy resources by the year 2020 (110th Congress).
- Lead Republican on legislation with Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA) to provide seven year depreciation for motorsports facilities (Motorsports Fairness and Permanency Act, H.R. 1974 in the 111th Congress).
- Coauthored legislation with Representative Mike Thompson to repeal provisions that took geothermal royalty sharing away from counties (H.R. 4060, 111th Congress).
- Authored the bipartisan Nellis Dunes National Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area Act to create a specific area on BLM land for OHV activities.
Heller has repeatedly broken with his Republican colleagues in supporting the following proposals:
- Prescription drug reimportation, which would introduce more competition in the pharmaceutical market and lower costs for seniors and other Americans who depend on medication.
- In 2007, Heller voted for stem cell research, which promises meaningful breakthroughs in medical science.
- In 2007, voted for severe penalties for gasoline price gouging – a proposal that was vocally opposed by oil and gas companies.
#NVSen: Reid Front Group Launches More False Attacks
Heller a Leader on Health Care for Women, Particularly Women Facing Breast Cancer
(Las Vegas, NV) – The latest ad from Reid front-group Patriot Majority completely disregards Dean Heller’s long record fighting for health care for women, including legislation he introduced with DNC chairman Debbie Wasserman-Schultz to expand preventive services for breast cancer. Even worse, Shelley Berkley and her Washington allies are trying to make the case that the government should be making health care decisions for women and all Nevadans.
“This ad is nothing but a false attack and further proof that Shelley Berkley and her Washington allies have no concern for the truth. Dean Heller has introduced bipartisan legislation to make sure women have access to services and has in fact championed mobile mammography programs.
“In a desperate effort to attack Dean Heller and talk about anything but her own record, Shelley Berkley and her allies are boasting support for a plan that puts Nevadans’ health in the hands of the federal government. Shelley Berkley wants the same massive bureaucracy that has run up a $16 trillion debt that has 24 programs dedicated to information technology, 100 programs for surface transportation and 82 programs for teacher quality making decisions about Nevadans’ health. Dean Heller believes those decisions should be made by doctors,” said Chandler Smith, Heller for Senate spokeswoman.
Dean Heller’s record fighting for women includes:
Dean has championed a mobile mammography program that allows women to receive care in underserved areas:
- While serving in the House of Representatives, Dean was the original author of the Mobile Mammography Promotion Act. Initially introduced in 2009 as H.R. 2964, this bill gained the support of more than 70 bipartisan cosponsors. Democrat Melissa Bean (D-IL-8) was the original Democratic cosponsor of that bill.
- Dean reintroduced the Mobile Mammography Promotion Act in the 112th Congress (H.R. 879). Current DNC Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz was the original Democratic cosponsor of that bill.
- In October 2011, Dean sent a dear colleague letter asking other Senators to join him in support of the Mobile Mammography Promotion Act (S. 84) to help ensure continued access to breast cancer screening.
Dean Heller cosponsored the Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Act (H.R. 1157):
- Dean cosponsored legislation that encourages greater research into the factors contributing to breast cancer. The President signed this bill into law on October 8, 2008.
Dean Heller supports funding that would help women detect cancer early:
- Dean supported and voted for the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program Reauthorization Act (H.R. 1132), which was signed into law in April 2007. This legislation authorizes $1.3 billion for the NBCCEDP over the next five years.
Dean Heller has worked to improve care for patients facing a variety of cancers:
- Dean was a member of the House Cancer Care Working Group.
- Dean has supported legislation to convey public land to the Nevada Cancer Institute. This would allow for construction of a new facility to expand research and care facilities that will provide more access to care for Nevadans.
#NVSen: New Berkley Ad, Old False Attacks
Berkley Continues to Mislead Nevadans on Important Issues
(Las Vegas, NV) – In last night’s debate, Dean Heller said it best, “My opponent’s motto seems to be ‘it’s not a lie if I can convince enough Nevadans to believe it.’” Her latest ad misleading Nevadans on a range of topics such as creating jobs, energy and trade further proves the point.
“Has Shelley Berkley completely forgotten she voted to raise taxes on small businesses just a few months ago? Or that her support for the bank bailout, trillion dollar stimulus, and ObamaCare is not only stifling job growth in Nevada, she has essentially sent Nevada tax dollars to China? This ad is nothing but more false attacks from a fourteen-year Congresswoman desperate to hold on to power. If Congresswoman Berkley were so concerned about shipping jobs to China, she wouldn’t be borrowing from China to fund her outrageous spending habits,” said Chandler Smith, Heller for Senate spokeswoman
Fact: Shelley Berkley has repeatedly voted to raise taxes on small businesses, including twice in the last several months as Nevada continues to lead the nation in unemployment.
- As recently as July, Shelley Berkley voted to raise taxes on job creators and small businesses, which could cost Nevada 6,000 jobs. (H.R. 8, House Roll Call Vote #545)
- On April 17, 2012 Congresswoman Berkley voted against the Small Business Tax Cut Act. The bill would give a 20% tax cut that will help 22 million hard-working small businesses retain and create more jobs. The legislation would ultimately provide $46 billion in tax relief to small businesses and could affect as many as 45,000 small businesses in Nevada with between 1-500 employees.
Fact: Shelley Berkley voted for the $700 billion Wall Street bailout, the trillion dollar stimulus and the $2.6 trillion government run health plan that has run up the federal debt by $16 trillion, more than $1 trillion of which is borrowed from China. (“China Vs. The Fed: Who Owns More of Uncle Sam’s Debt?” Wall Street Journal, January 18, 2012)
Fact: Shelley Berkley has voted to send jobs to China, four times when she voted against the Keystone pipeline. (H.R. 1938, CQ Vote #650); (H.R. 3630, CQ Vote #923); (H.R. 3408, CQ Vote #71); (H.R. 4348, Roll Call Vote #170)
Fact: All of which have forced potential American jobs to China.
- “Canadian government officials, meanwhile, have boosted support for westward-flowing pipelines in order to diversify toward Asian markets. That effort accelerated after the White House earlier this year rejected a big pipeline-expansion project, TransCanada Corp.’s Keystone XL, which would have sent more Alberta crude south of the border. … Mr. Harper and other Canadian officials have said they want to open up new markets for Canada’s resources in China and Asia, instead of relying on the U.S. as its biggest buyer.” (Edward Welsch, “With $5 Billion Pipeline Project, Canada Looks to Bypass U.S. For Asia,” The Wall Street Journal, 4/12/12)
Fact: Dean Heller voted against a rash, unilateral approach to China’s currency manipulation because it would incite a trade war, which President Obama agreed would happen:
- “My main concern … is whatever tools we put in place, let’s make sure that these are tools that can actually work, that they’re consistent with our international treaties and obligations,” Obama said. “I don’t want a situation where we’re just passing laws that are symbolic knowing that they’re probably not going to be upheld by the World Trade Organization,” he said.
(Doug Palmer, Matt Spetalnick, Obama hits China on trade; cautious on currency bill, October 7, 2011)
Fact: Attempts to artificially increase taxes on Chinese goods could raise prices here in Nevada and incite further trade wars:
- “If President Obama thought he could pander to his domestic political base without any consequences abroad, he needs to think again. Beijing’s response to the tire tariffs Mr. Obama announced late Friday evening is a warning that America’s trading partners won’t take protectionism lying down.” (Doug Palmer, Matt Spetalnick, Obama hits China on trade; cautious on currency bill, October 7, 2011)
#NVSen: Dean Heller Clear Victor in 1st Debate
It wasn’t even close… embattled Congresswoman Shelley Berkley looked frazzled while stumbling around for answers and repeating the same tired liberal talking points. If I’m not mistaken Berkley’s response to every question included lying about Paul Ryan’s budget and ridiculously trying to tie Dean Heller to ”Big Oil” and some mysterious cabal she kept referring to as “The Big Guys.”
I tweeted my reaction after the debate ended
It was clear from the start that Barack Obama & Harry Reid’s Handmaiden was more interested in demonizing and lying about her opponent than giving thoughtful, responsible answers… and Nevada does deserve better than Shelley Berkley!
The Heller campaign sent the following statement after the debate:
Heller Campaign Declares Victory
(Reno, NV) – Tonight’s debate between Dean Heller and seven-term Congresswoman Shelley Berkley provided a clear contrast between Heller’s pro-growth, pro-middle class policies and Shelley Berkley’s big-government agenda.
“Thank you to Mitch Fox and PBS for hosting the debate. Tonight, Dean Heller provided a clear path forward for a stronger middle class and greater economic prosperity, and how he will continue his work to bring Democrats and Republicans together to create a better future for Nevada.
“On the other hand, Shelley Berkley resorted to partisan talking points and misleading attacks without providing any vision for future generations or creating long-term, sustainable jobs for Nevadans. It has become increasingly clear that Shelley Berkley has spent her fourteen years in Washington bailing out special interests on Wall Street and in Detroit, and continues to follow her party leaders and support policies that are crushing the middle class in Nevada.
“This election has enormous consequences for Nevada and the country. It’s clear that Nevadans cannot afford Shelley Berkley’s big-government, burdensome-regulation, high-tax agenda anymore,” said Chandler Smith, Heller for Senate spokeswoman.
#NVSen Factcheck: Dean Heller Fights to Keep Nevadans In Their Homes
Fact: Dean Heller continues to fight for Nevada’s middle class families and provide solutions to keep Nevadans in their homes.
Fact: Senator Heller joined Democrat Debbie Stabenow as lead Republican to introduce the Mortgage Relief Act.
- This bill ensures mortgage relief in not taxed as income. It makes sure that underwater homeowners, who owe more on their mortgages than their homes are now worth, would not be soaked with additional income tax if a part of their mortgage loan is forgiven. Bill was introduced March 29, 2012.
- Homeowners would normally be required to pay these additional taxes when they refinance or sell their homes in what are commonly called “short sales.”
Fact: Senator Heller introduced the HOME Act, which allows families who have been foreclosed on to stay in their homes.
- The Keeping Families in Their Home Act would allow banks, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac to enter into a lease for up to five years, including lease with an option to purchase, with the prior homeowner or any individual. (S. 2080, 2/9/12)
- The Keeping Families in Their Home would also reduce the number of houses coming into the housing inventory which will help stabilize home prices and restore economic values in our hardest hit neighborhoods. Additionally, allowing foreclosed and distressed properties to be leased rather than remain vacant will reduce blight and reduce crime.
Fact: Senator Heller has introduced legislation to hold banks accountable to homeowners seeking to short sale. Introduced the Stopping Ongoing Lender Delays (SOLD) Act which requires mortgage servicers to respond to a short-sale offer within 30 days, and make a final decision on acceptance within 60 days of receiving purchase offers.
- Bring all short-sale decisions in line with the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s (FHFA’s) April 17th announcement that loan servicers that collect payments for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mae must review and respond to short-sale requests within 60 days.
- Awards homeowners a $1,000 monetary award per violation, if a loan servicer fails to make a decision within 60 days.
Fact: Senator Heller was an outspoken bipartisan leader for initiatives that would spur home sales.
- Supported the first-time homeowner tax credit.
- Twice introduced legislation to try and extend and expand eligibility to any purchaser of a primary residence, not just first-time homebuyers. (H.R. 802, 2/3/2009 / H.R. 3902, 10/22/09)
Fact: Senator Heller has been a strong advocate in ensuring that Nevadans who receive mortgage forgiveness are not hit by a massive tax bill.
- Voted for the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act which waived homeowners’ tax liability for any mortgage debt that was forgiven through modified loans, short sales or foreclosure. (House Vote 948, H.R. 3648, 10/4/2007)
Fact: Senator Heller crossed party lines to support more stringent regulations on the mortgage industry to protect consumers.
- Dean voted for Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act which would have required federal registration for mortgagers, establishes standards for mortgage origination, and imposes liability on companies that do not abide by those standards. (House Vote 1118, H.R. 1728, 11/15/2007)
Senator Heller supported a national housing plan that would mitigate mortgage foreclosures, facilitate and include fairness in housing recovery, and combat mortgage fraud.
- Supported the Fairness in Housing Recovery Act which would have helped troubled borrowers to refinance into loans that better meet their family budgets.
- Included in the bill were provisions to grant flexible authority to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to insure refinanced mortgages for homeowners, expand HUD-approved mortgage counseling services, and provide additional resources for the FBI and Department of Justice to combat mortgage fraud. (H.R. 1295, 3/4/2009)
#NVSen Factcheck: Berkley Policies Hitting Hispanic Middle Class
(Reno, NV) – Shelley Berkley’s economic policies have failed Nevada’s Hispanic community and have forced unemployment higher for this community than the rest of the state.
Fact: The unemployment rate among the Hispanic community in Nevada has remained consistently higher than the general population.
Fact: The average unemployment rate for the Hispanic community in Nevada was 14.5% with 44,000 Hispanic Nevadans out of work. In July, unemployment among Hispanic adults was 10.3%, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said, while the overall nationwide unemployment rate was at 8.3%. (“Employment Situation News Release,” Department of Labor, August 3, 2012)
Fact: The collapse of the housing market and a foreclosure wave continues to hit Latino homeowners disproportionately hard. (Devin Dwyer, “Obama ’08 NALEO Promises Still Works In Progress,”ABC News, 6/22/12)
Fact: Since President Obama took office, the unemployment rate for Hispanics increased from 10.0 percent to 10.3 percent. (Bureau Of Labor Statistics, Accessed 8/9/12)
Fact: Under Berkley and Obama’s policies, the median income for Hispanic households fell 2.3 percent. (“Income, Poverty, And Health Insurance Coverage In The United States, 2010,” US Census Bureau, 9/13/11)
