New polling shows George Fearing (D) is within 5% of unseating incumbent conservative Doc Hastings! The poll by Bainbridge Media Group reads:

On the question of whom to support, 52.5% would vote for Doc Hastings; 47.5% would chose George Fearing… The data demonstrate that there is little question Democratic Congressional Candidate George Fearing may defeat 14-year incumbent Republican Congressman Doc Hastings.

We anticipated that George was close and we are now making a final push to remove Doc Hastings from office.

Please go online right now and give a donation to help George win. The Fearing Campaign is buying their weekend media blitz tomorrow and needs your help.

The State Republican Party is terrified of losing this seat and is using every trick in the book to keep George’s message from the airwaves. They are violating our first amendment rights and demanding that the local cable company pull George’s ads. The Republicans know how close the race is!

Every $1000 will buy 100 radio ads. You need to know that you can really make this race happen, so please go online right now to help!

When radio ads cost $10 and TV ads cost $25, your money will make a huge difference. Please donate just $10 or $25 today.

Thank you for your support and good luck to everyone on election day!

• My Congressman and the Saturday Morning Massacre

• My Congressman, Indentured Servitude, and Jack Abramoff

• My Congressman and the Shutdown of the House Ethics Committee


The first essay, My Congressman and the Saturday Morning Massacre , narrates how Doc and a handful of colleagues held a vote open on a Medicare bill until 5:51 AM to strong-arm, threaten and bribe representatives to switch their vote to favor lobbyists and the prescription drug industry in what became the longest House vote roll call of all time.

The second essay, My Congressman, Indentured Servitude, and Jack Abramoff expands upon the relationship between Doc Hastings, Jack Abramoff and his lobbying firm, and Doc’s public support of the human rights violations perpetuated by the working conditions in the Northern Marianas Islands.

The third essay, My Congressman and the Shutdown of the House Ethics Committee , explores Doc Hastings’ intentional negligence as Chair on the Ethics Committee in order to play partisan politics and keep corrupt colleagues safe from investigation.

Thanks to George’s top-notch legal standards and practices, all three essays contain extensive citations in order to establish the veracity and credibility of the charges. Please share this information with everyone you know. The records and actions of Rep. Doc Hastings are not only essential knowledge for the citizens of Central Washington, but for all citizens of the United States of America. Congressmen represent their district, but they serve us all.

Help us restore credibility and leadership to Washington’s 4th Congressional District by Sending George Fearing to Congress. Thanks for your continued support.

Prices at the pump have almost tripled since Bush took office. To know where Rep. Hastings’ allegiances lie, one has only to look at his record. He has voted for billions of dollars in tax subsidies for big oil, at the same time these oil companies have posted record profits for each consecutive year under the Bush Administration. Last year Exxon Mobil posted the highest profits of any American company in history. Hastings has also received more than $63,000 in campaign contributions from the oil and gas sector.

Furthermore Doc Hastings has voted against legislation which would require the Justice Department to hold OPEC and oil companies accountable for price fixing or limiting the supply of oil (HR 6074), even though consumers are desperate for relief at the pump. As further evidence of Hastings’ allegiance to the oil companies, he was the only Washington Congressman to vote against the federal Price Gouging Prevention Act, designed to prevent consumers from being gouged at the pump.

Hastings also recently voted against “Use it or Lose it” legislation to require Big Oil companies to drill on the 68 million acres of public lands they are currently stockpiling under oil leases here in the US before being allowed the opportunity to acquire new oil leases, thereby effectively hoarding more domestic supply and further driving up prices. Over 80% of federal land leased to oil companies is sitting idle. The total unused acreage is equal in size to the state of Colorado.

These existing leases contain 80% of all federal oil deposits. Oil companies are already leasing 33 million acres off-shore as well, and, again, 80% of all off-shore oil is already open for exploration. In addition, big oil already has drilling access to the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A) which sits next to ANWR, the Arctic National Wildlife Reserve. The NPR-A was set aside specifically for oil and gas exploration and is larger in size than ANWR. This petroleum reserve has been open to the oil companies for exploration for the last 26 years, but they have only drilled 25 wells here. Even though Exxon found oil here, they chose to cap these wells and sit on them, presumably for future development, while they continue to complain they need drilling rights in ANWR, too. Only one private well has been drilled in ANWR and the results of this well have never been publicized.

It is estimated that the 68 million acres of leased, inactive federal land would produce 4.8 million barrels of oil and 44.7 billion cubic feet of natural gas each day. That would nearly double total US production of oil, and also increase natural gas production by 75%. .It is also estimated that the development and production from this 68 million acres would cut US dependence on foreign oil imports by one-third. 4.8 million barrels of oil equals more than six times the estimated peak production from ANWR, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Furthermore, results from drilling in ANWR will not be seen for 10 years, and after 20 years would only result in a saving 2 cents per gallon

George Fearing also joins Congressional Democrats in calling on President Bush to immediately open up a small portion of the SPRO, the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, in order to reduce gas prices immediately, particularly for small businesses and consumers who are suffering serious hardships. Neither Doc Hastings nor President Bush has shown any interest in utilizing a small portion of these SPRO reserves, even though the US is dangerously dependent on foreign oil.

Republicans have criticized the ‘Use It of Lose It’ legislation saying that the oil companies cannot afford to actively step up drilling efforts on the 68 million acres they now lease. They also point out that not all of this 68 million acres contains oil anyway. Well, it must be of considerable interest to the oil companies, or they would not bother to lease it from the government in the first place. Secondly, a recent government sale of oil leases this spring, in March, 2008, produced $3.8 billion in sales. When we see big oil companies like Andarko, Exxon and Chevron plunk down $300 or $400 million dollars for more oil leases, it’s hard to believe that they can not afford the cost to drill for oil here on the lands they’re already leasing, both in the continental United States and off-shore.

The oil lobby also argues that they should be allowed to acquire more oil leases because they have brought billions of dollars of revenue into state and federal treasuries. While this is true, it is also true that they have evaded paying billions of dollars in royalties. Both federal and state governments have maintained large auditing departments for decades, whose sole job is to track down unpaid oil royalty revenues. A report filed by the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, found that auditors collected an average of $176 million per year in these unpaid revenues between 1989-2001.But during the Bush Administration these collection efforts have been cut by almost 75%, down to $46 million recovered each year, and the Bush Interior Department has also revoked auditors’ rights to subpoena oil company records. Numerous federal auditors have filed suit over the past several years to expose the Department’s practice of shielding oil companies from investigation.

Although, Hastings says we need to expand our new sources of energy, he voted against the Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act (H.R. 6049) and H.R. 5351, and many similar renewable energy bills.

When asked to comment on Hastings’ continual support for Big Oil, Fearing said: “The record is clear that Doc Hastings has consistently sided with Big Oil and against the average consumer. The ANWR issue has been fabricated to deflect public attention away from the oil companies’ continual pattern of hoarding supply and driving up prices. They are seeking a complete monopoly of America’s domestic oil supply, and refuse to spend their windfall profits on developing the 80% of all federal oil lands they already control. It’s shameful.”

Fearing also added, “While I support a ‘Use It or Lose It’ policy and would push to see it implemented as soon I am elected, I also realize drilling alone can never make America energy independent and energy independence is a matter of national security. After all, America is sitting on only 2% of the world’s oil supply, but our country accounts for 25% of the world’s oil consumption. Right now we must force Big Oil to drill on the 68 million acres it is currently leasing, which will eventually reduce our dependence on foreign oil by one third. At the same time we must begin manufacturing more fuel efficient cars, reduce oil consumption and develop alternative sources of energy. As we look to the future, with increased oil demand driven by China and India, it only makes sense for us to develop cheaper sources of fuel and cut our over-dependence on oil altogether. I know this doesn’t make the big oil companies happy, but it is simply a fact of life.”

Fearing further questioned Doc Hastings’ sincerity in claiming to be concerned about energy issues, noting, “Even though the Tri-Cities is recognized as a world leader in energy production and research, Doc Hastings has consistently refused to show leadership and serve on the House Energy Committee. As a member of Congress, I will make seeking a seat on the Energy Committee one of my top priorities.”

Fearing notes the unfairness and irrationality of allowing reimbursement to a facility owned by a large for-profit corporation, headquartered in another state, while denying reimbursement to a facility owned by local medical practitioners. The federal government should encourage local ownership of health care facilities.

“We are in absolute agreement on this issue,” noted Fearing. “The question is who will work better in the Democratic Congress to ensure it stays protected.”

Hastings has attempted to protect the Wenatchee Valley Medical Center for months, but has been unable to pass any legislation to help the clinic.

Alternatively, Senator Patty Murray, a member of the Appropriations Committee and the Senate Democratic leadership, has taken steps to ensure the clinic remains open. She secured a special dispensation to help Wenatchee Valley Medical Center. This bill recently passed in the Senate, and will come up soon in the House.

On June 8th, the New York Times reported that Senator Murray’s assistance was essential to protect the hospital. Without the Senior Senator from Washington’s help, the hospital may have been forced to either close its doors or sell 60 percent of its stock.

“The real issue here is who can get results for Central Washington,” commented George Fearing. “Mr. Hastings has been working on this issue for a long time and has gotten nothing accomplished. Working with the Democratic Congress and our strong Senators, I know we can protect the Wenatchee Valley Medical Center for a long time.”

Democratic congressional candidate, George Fearing, today criticized Doc Hastings for being “missing in action”, and failing to support the 21st Century GI Bill which updates college education benefits for combat veterans serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Congressman Hastings first voted against the GI Bill last May and now has a chance to change and support this bill, which awaits another vote in the House following Senate action two weeks ago.

“Honoring our troops means honoring them when they come back home, not just when they are serving on a battlefield in Iraq,” said Fearing. “After standing up again and again to serve under the most terrible conditions, I call on Doc Hastings to stand up and give them a chance at a first rate education. Helping our GI’s get through college is the best investment our country can make, for their future and ours. We know that a college graduate earns at least $500,000 more in their lifetime, and with our economy in a downturn, we need a highly skilled and educated workforce to lead us out of recession.”

Fearing cited a l988 Congressional study which found that every dollar spent on educational benefits under the original GI Bill added seven dollars to the national economy in terms of productivity, consumer spending and tax revenue. Fearing also noted, “the original GI Bill, first signed into law in 1944 by President Franklin Roosevelt, is credited with building America’s strong middle class following WW II. Today there are seven current US Senators and many members of Congress who received their college education because of the GI Bill.”

Although the original GI bill paid full tuition, housing and living costs for some 8 million vets, over time it has been scaled back to the point where the maximum a veteran can receive is $9,000 per year, which covers a little more than half the costs of attending a four year public university.

Under the new GI Bill, members of the military, including guards and reservists, who have served on active duty since 9/11 are eligible to receive education benefits equaling the highest tuition rate of the most expensive in-state public university, along with a monthly housing stipend which is to be determined by geographical area. It also creates a dollar-for-dollar match for contributions from private educational institutions that have higher tuition rates than those covered under the bill.

Fearing criticized Republicans who have opposed the GI Bill on the grounds it will hurt re-enlistment and retention rates. “Denying college benefits to our veterans because you are afraid they will not re-enlist for combat is cruel and unfair. Divorce rates for these military personnel are up 65% and their suicide rate is twice as high as the national average. After serving their fourth or fifth tours of duty, they have earned the right to stay home, graduate college and begin earning a decent living for themselves and their families. It’s the least we can do for them.”

Fearing also cited a current report by the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office stating that any loss in troop retention and re-enlistment would be balanced out by an equal increase in new recruits attracted into the military by the prospects of college education.

Republican Senator John Warner, who supports the new GI Bill compared this legislation to “putting a big piece of cheese out there, which will induce more qualified people to join just to get this. It should be a tremendous incentive for recruitment.”

Some Republicans have asserted that these new GI Bill college benefits are too costly, although this bill appropriates only $2.5 billion per year, roughly equivalent to what we are now spending for just one week in Iraq.

President Bush has signaled he will veto the new GI Bill and Hastings is expected to stand with the President in any attempt to override this veto, as Hastings has a record of voting with Bush over 90% of the time. Fearing is calling upon veterans and concerned citizens to call or write Hastings’ office in Pasco at (509) 543-9396, Yakima (509) 452-3243, or Washington DC (202) 225-3251, and urge him to support this bill.

The 21st Century GI Bill, first introduced by Senator Jim Webb, was co-sponsored by Republican Senators Chuck Hagel and John Warner. It is widely endorsed by veterans’ organizations, including the non-partisan Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). Currently Republicans have offered up a water-down GI Bill in the Senate, which excludes many service members by allocating the most generous benefits to soldiers who have served at least 12 years. The Webb-Hagel-Warner GI Bill would provide full college benefits to combat veterans after 3 years of service.

Congressman Richard Hastings has spent his political life engaging in partisan conflict, and our children are paying the price.

On June 4, The Star Online ran a press release from Congressman Hastings on his failure to have Congress adopt two amendments he proposed to an education bill related to the federal government’s responsibilities under the Impact Aid program. Hastings would have us believe that his amendments were blocked because the Democratic Congress does not want to fund education.

This explanation is absurd on its face. Democrats have fought long and hard to fund education because we know it is important to prepare our children to compete in a global society. The explanation is especially preposterous in light of the fact that the bill in question was to authorize $20 billion of federal spending for school construction and maintenance.

The truth is that the reason the House Leadership won’t listen to Hastings has nothing to do with ideology, and everything to do with Hastings’ long history as a partisan politician. Since his election to Congress in 1994, and during his tenure as a state representative before, Hastings built his entire career on partisan politics. Hastings has never built alliances with anyone on the other side of the aisle. He prides himself on practicing politics as a perpetual partisan attack.

Doc Hastings almost always votes with his party’s leadership. After he votes with his party, he blames the Democrats.

Hastings’ quotes in your June 4 article about his failure to get his amendments passed were more partisan attacks. Hastings was successful with this unproductive behavior with Republicans in the majority, but now that they are not, central Washington pays the price. That’s why it’s time for a change. Democrats are in the majority in Congress, and will be in the extended future. Doc Hastings’ partisan ways will thus continue to harm our district.

Unfortunately, Hastings never accomplished anything even when his party controlled Congress. His ability to accomplish anything is even worse now. As long as Congress continues to be controlled by the Democrats, Hastings is going to continue to be ignored. His failed amendments related to the Impact Aid program are just another example of his inability to adequately represent our interests.

States with an income tax automatically can deduct their state taxes from their federal income taxes. The sales tax deduction that passed Congress is targeted towards states like Washington who do not have an income tax. This deduction saves Washington families itemizing their deductions more than $350 million each year on their federal income tax returns. That money results in an estimated $530 million in economic activity.

George Fearing, who is challenging Hastings for Congress, was dismayed by the incumbent’s move. “This is clear evidence that Hastings succors off-shore corporations, not the middle class. It’s an aristocratic mentality, and it’s time we change.”

Offshore corporations were once American companies but now base their business in other countries to pay their workers less and to avoid U.S. taxes. Apparently, Doc Hastings thinks they deserve additional tax breaks too.

“It’s dishonorable to reward corporations who are moving jobs overseas with tax breaks in America,” said Fearing. “Even more, it’s disgraceful that he would vote for these corporations over helping taxpayers right here in Central Washington. This is another example of how Doc has the wrong priorities for us.”

George Fearing is the Democrat running for Congress against Doc Hastings. He is the only candidate endorsed by Democratic organizations in Central Washington.

Today, George Fearing denounced long-time Congressman Doc Hastings’ (R, WA-4) role in opposing independent Congressional ethics reform. Congress is currently considering a bill that would grant an independent office, comprised of non-lawmakers, the power to investigate members of Congress. According to The Hill, Doc Hastings is acting as the spokesman in opposing the bill. The bill passed last night by a 229 – 182 vote.

George Fearing, Democrat, is challenging Doc Hastings this fall and praised final passage of the bill. He stated “an independent body is essential to investigate charges of corruption in Washington since Congressmen ‘protect their own.’” Fearing noted that Doc Hastings served as chair of the House Ethics Committee from 2005 – 2006. During that time Rep. Bob Ney (R-OH), Rep. Duke Cunningham (R-CA), Rep. Tom Delay (R-TX) and Rep. Mark Foley (R-FL) left Congress for corrupt or lewd behavior, while Hastings shut down the committee, with his firing of committee staff and the attempted appointment of his friend and staffer, Ed Cassidy, as the committee’s chief counsel. When the committee resumed operations, Chairman Hastings refused to address charges against Tom DeLay stating he considered the charges to constitute a “political vendetta.” Delay, who appointed Hastings to chair the committee, currently faces a criminal indictment.

Jack Abramoff, whose donations to Hastings refused to return, is now serving a six-year sentence after pleading guilty to conspiracy, fraud and tax evasion. Fearing added that Hastings’ attack on ethics reform is a disgrace, because Hastings’ closure of the House Ethics Committee, in order to protect his friends, created the need for an independent body. “The courts and public pressure brought these members to justice, not Doc Hastings,” continued Fearing.

George Fearing also lamented the fact that the nonpartisan group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics has named Doc Hastings  one of America’s 22 most corrupt Congressmen. The group’s list contains Republicans and Democrats. Hastings made the list for inappropriate contact with U.S. Attorney John McKay.

George Fearing is an attorney in Kennewick, who has worked to end fraud and corruption in institutions. For more information on George, please visit www.georgefearing.com. He served on the Washington State Bar Association Disciplinary (Ethics) Board in 2002-3.