CASPERSON OFFERS TO SUSPEND CONGRESSIONAL CAMPAIGN
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 6, 2008
Contact: Cori Johnson, Campaign Manager
(906) 789-3417
Fresh off a convincing Primary Election victory, Tom Casperson has
offered to suspend his congressional campaign. Casperson, running for
U.S. Representative in Michigan's First District, said that he is
extending such an unusual offer because the urgent nature of the energy
crisis calls for immediate action.
Casperson declared "Michigan's woeful economy and the hardships caused
by gas and energy prices are critical issues facing Michiganders. As I
toured my district in preparation for the primary election, one message
came across loud and clear: do something about energy costs. Congress
has an opportunity to take immediate action and help ease the pain at
the pump by allowing for offshore energy exploration. Consequently, I am
willing to suspend my campaign to allow Mr. Stupak an opportunity to
turn his attention away from our campaign and instead focus his efforts
on convincing his leader, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, to interrupt their
summer vacation and bring Congress back to vote on permitting domestic
exploration. The people deserve to have their representatives vote,
including Mr. Stupak. I am not trying to tell him how to vote, but I
think it is a disservice to the voters to deny them their voice in
Congress. Ms. Pelosi, Mr. Stupak and their colleagues are not letting
the people speak. If Mr. Stupak returns to Washington now along with his
colleagues for a vote, I will suspend my campaign to allow him to focus
his undivided attention on the vote to secure energy reform.”
According to Casperson, one week ago, reportedly with the votes
necessary to permit offshore energy exploration, Congress took a pass
and instead packed its bags for the summer so that members could go home
to campaign. On July 31st, with pressure mounting to take a vote on
domestic drilling, the House voted 213-212 to adjourn, with Mr. Stupak
casting arguably the deciding vote.
"Certainly I wish Mr. Stupak would have joined the 17 fellow Democrats
who voted against adjourning. However, since my grassroots candidacy
apparently compelled Mr. Stupak to come home to campaign, it is my hope
that my assurance to do no campaigning if he returns to Washington to
take the vote now that constituents of the First District not only
deserve, but desperately need, will permit him to reconsider his vote"
Casperson said.
Going on to say that he recognizes it will be difficult, Casperson
believes that through the close connection Mr. Stupak has worked so hard
to build with his Leader, he does believe there is a real chance that
Mr. Stupak can convince her to reconvene. "I recognize that Ms. Pelosi
told Politico that she will not permit a vote on domestic energy
production because she is 'trying to save the planet' but I am confident
that with his outstanding relationship with her, Mr. Stupak can point
out just how unwise, illogical and unpopular her position is."
From Casperson's perspective, there is no justification to delay the
vote or domestic exploration any longer. "We are again hearing from the
naysayers that if we begin production immediately, it will not result in
any relief at the pump. Congress has used that same, tired excuse since
Mr. Stupak took office nearly two decades ago. If they would have acted
at any time during his sixteen years in office, we would not find
ourselves facing this crisis. In fact, since President Bush lifted the
Executive Ban on offshore production on July 14th, the price per barrel
has fallen over $27.00 on the mere threat of introducing more supply.
Imagine what would happen if we actually increase domestic production!"
Casperson concluded by saying that although many issues separate him
from his opponent, he is hoping he and Mr. Stupak can come together on
an issue that is ravaging pocketbooks. "The consequence of energy prices
necessitates us to put politics aside and focus on good sound policy. It
is my hope that by offering to suspend my campaign, Mr. Stupak will be
able to do exactly that and stand up to his leader, Ms. Pelosi and
secure the vote American's desperately deserve."