I'm Debbie Holmes, and I'm running against Mike Simpson as the Democrat in Idaho's Second Congressional District. I encourage you all to read 'Earnest Earmarks', co-written by Senator Larry Craig and Representative Mike Simpson several years ago, as well as the response from Reason Magazine. I agree with Congressman Simpson that earmarks have a place in our system. And I notice that Craig and Simpson concede that some reform is necessary. But they continue to tear down every possible mechanism of reform as 'unconstitutional', effectively upholding unlimited and unregulated earmarking as the only legal option.
This is how Congressman Simpson has passed himself off as a moderate, by occasionally acknowledging the need for reform, but usually failing to take the initiative to make reform happen. On alternative energy, Simpson acknowledges global warming, but states that we will be using oil and coal as primary sources of fuel for the foreseeable future. He then fails to provide funding for strong alternative energy programs. On earmarks, he acknowledges the need for reform, but is clearly content with the unacceptable status quo. That's not moderation, that's triangulation, and it's not what Idaho needs.
You can visit my campaign's website here and donate at ActBlue.