Democratic congressional candidate George Fearing picked up a passionate and potentially influential advocate this week when former GOP Congressman Pete McCloskey of California joined him on a campaign swing.

McCloskey, who switched to the Democratic Party in recent years, is a fiery critic of Fearing’s opponent, seven-term incumbent Doc Hastings, R-Pasco. He’s particularly critical of Hastings’ tenure as chairman of the House ethics committee.

“They put him as chair of the ethics committee for a purpose,” McCloskey said. “They knew he wouldn’t allow any investigation of Republicans.”

Read the whole article here.

George and Son:

George is also on local television! The ad focuses on one of George’s greatest skills — listening to those around him. As cheesy as that may sound, everyone who’s met George knows how true it is. George has a true talent and passion for considering and caring for his community, and he shows it in his abilities as a public servant.

Listening - Tri-Cities TV:

Check out our Media page to watch and listen to other ads.

We can achieve independence and affordability through our 4-point plan:

• Increase Domestic Drilling and Refining Capacity – Drilling on existing oil leases could capture up to 5 billion barrels a day. We must also increase our refining capacity. 300 refineries have closed in the past 25 years.
• Alternative Energy – As a long-term investment in our energy security, the United States must invest aggressively in all forms of alternative energy, including those we currently use in the 4th Congressional District: nuclear power, wind, solar, and natural gas.
• Release Oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve – Just as we released oil from the reserve during the first Gulf War and following Hurricane Katrina, we must free some of our reserved resources again today.
• Conservation – Conservative use and passing measures that provide tax credits and encourage investment in energy remodels, efficient automobiles, and retrofitting of existing equipment and physical plants is an essential step in controlling our energy production and consumption.

Drill Now and Drill Responsibly

We need to drill, and we need to drill now. But we must drill responsibly.

That’s why George supports the “Use it or Lose it” Bill proposed by the Committee on Natural Resources. “Use it or Lose it” means that oil companies must act to produce from the American land they already lease, or let it go.

Oil companies currently lease 68 million acres of American land. Much of the land is leased because the land has proven rich oil deposits. Unfortunately, instead of developing drilling operations as expected, many companies have chosen to sit idle and simply ask for more. This is unacceptable.

There is no need to expend federal lands, like the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), or additional offshore territories until we have capitalized upon our currently leased land. We need to tell Big Oil, “Use it, or Lose it.”

Increase Refining Capacity

1998, our nation operated at over 95% refining capacity. Today we operate at 88% capacity. We are operating at our lowest refining capacity since 1992. Increasing our refining capacity will increase the available oil on the market as well as assist in driving down prices.

Research and Develop Alternative Fuel Sources

America’s economy is dependent on oil. With sky-high fuel costs, increasing worldwide demand and an accumulating ecological impact, insurmountable evidence proves the need to explore new fuel sources.

Central Washington is a pioneer in the energy sector. One of America’s largest hydroelectric power plants was constructed here, and operates more than 60 years after FDR cut the ribbon at Grand Coulee Dam. We have wind farms and plans for solar collectors, and a legion of scientific innovators in the Hanford community. Hanford could again become a leader in nuclear power; by recycling spent nuclear fuel rods into safe and clean electricity. Central Washington is in a unique position to provide decisive American leadership toward a sustainable and independent future.

Renewable energy is ideal; wind and solar resources can be infinitely tapped with little ecological damage. But although its potential is great, wind and solar are not yet able to generate enough electricity to meet the needs of our nation. We must continue to diversify our energy sector with development of cleaner and more efficient nuclear and biofuel industries, including clean-burning natural gas, as well as maintain and continue to develop current energy sources such as hydroelectric, wind, solar, geothermal, and wave power.

George wants to ensure we play a key role in planning for America’s energy future, so he will seek a seat on energy-related committees such as the Energy and Commerce Committee, Science and Technology Committee or the Committee on Natural Resources.

Release approximately 70 million barrels from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve

Our government has stockpiled the largest emergency petroleum reserve in the entire world. As of July 28th, 2008, our current inventory includes 706.8 million barrels. If we released about 70 million barrels now, we would relieve some of the financial pressure so many hard-working Americans are facing, as well as smooth the transition to an increase of responsible domestic oil production. We have tapped our reserve in the past to a positive effect, and we can and should again.

Stop Oil Company Price Gouging and Windfall Profits

In recent years, oil companies have raked in record-breaking profits. In 2006 ExxonMobil had a total profit of more $40 billion, and in the 2nd quarter of 2008 they broke their own record for the biggest quarterly profit ever reported by an American company. Despite these extraordinary sums, Congress hands out billions in tax subsidies to oil corporations every year. George advocates standing up to Big Oil, curbing the practice of price gouging, and passing along savings to the American people.

Prioritize Personal Conservation

A generation ago, the President and Congress sought aggressive tax benefits for consumers to invest in energy efficiency for their homes. Even George W. Bush supported a two-year energy tax credit plan, where homeowners could gain tax credits for insulating their homes, installing energy-efficient windows and tankless hot water heaters, and purchasing hybrid cars. Unfortunately, Doc Hastings voted to allow this program to expire, and homeowners are now on their own to make investments in their energy usage.

Tax write-offs and investment credits are an enormous boost to our economy, locally and nationally. As we have discovered, the United States spends more than $700 billion annually in foreign oil. If instead America were to invest in upgrading our factories, our stores, our homes and our vehicles, businesses small and large would benefit, construction and specialty workers would be engaged, and sales taxes would support our local economies instead of OPEC nations.

Where does Doc Hastings stand on the issues?

Hastings voted against “Use it Or Lose it.” He has voted to open ANWR to and to drilling offshore, even in areas opposed by local residents, without first asking oil companies to drill in areas they currently control.

Hastings is the only member of the Washington State congressional delegation to vote twice against federal bans on price gouging. He has also received more than $63,000 in campaign contributions from the oil and gas sector. It’s clear where his priorities lie.

Doc Hastings has failed to lead on any energy-related committees, unlike our three previous Representatives in the 4th Congressional District before him. Hastings often piggybacks on progressive legislation passed by Senators Murray and Cantwell, neglecting to lead but available for the photo op. It’s time for a change.

When reached for comment, David Cortinas of La Voz said: “Our newspaper has been serving the Columbia Basin and surrounding areas for 14 years, and by helping get the Latino community registered to vote we are continuing that service.”

In response, George Fearing issued the following statement: “Democracy in its ideal form includes full citizen participation. I applaud La Voz and David Cortinas’ efforts in promoting civic involvement. All community news outlets have a shared interest in an informed and active readership. I encourage other publications in Central Washington to follow suit.”

George represented the Latino community following the 2000 census after Franklin County gerrymandered its county commissioner districts to weaken the voting strength of Latinos.

Voter registration is a nonpartisan effort. The Fearing Campaign expects and encourages the support of increased registration from all candidates and organizations in Central Washington. It’s too late to register for the August 19th primary, but there is plenty of time before the October 4th deadline to register for the general election.

For more information on the community outreach by La Voz, other voter registration efforts in the Columbia Basin and how to increase registration in your community, contact the following:

David Cortinas, Publisher and CEO of La Voz
Phone – 509-543-9932
E-mail

George Fearing Campaign and Tri-Cities Democratic Headquarters
Phone – 509-420-4463
E-mail

Steve Lee, Field Organizer for Barack Obama’s Campaign for Change – 8th, 16th and 9th Legislative Districts
Phone – 509-420-4463
E-mail

Washington State Office of Secretary of State
Phone - 360-902-4151
E-mail

“Highlights” focuses again on high gas prices and the economic crunch America has faced in part to poor judgment by the Bush Administration and congressmen like Doc Hastings. At the end of the ad, George outlines his plan to lower gas prices. Keep a look out, the comprehensive plan to lower gas prices will be available here on the website very shortly!

Highlights Spot:

This ad featuring Tomas Villanueva is not currently on the air, but we wanted to share it with you. The spot is in Spanish, and is intended for distribution in the Latino community. Tomas founded the United Farm Workers of Washington State. He has been a community leader and activist for many years in the Yakima Valley. We’re proud to stand beside him and grateful for his support.

Tomas Spot:

The third ad is also a Spanish language ad, and is up on the air now!

George en Español:

Keep listening for George Fearing radio ads, coming to a frequency near you!

• 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.

Dot Miller glanced at the business card 4th Congressional District Democratic candidate George Fearing handed her after he spoke Wednesday afternoon at Pasco’s Tri-Cities Retirement Inn and cracked a joke.

“I like that name Fearing because we’re all fearing you won’t get in there,” she told him.

The lifelong Pasco resident says she’s ready for a change come November’s election, not just for herself but for her family’s younger generations.

“As far as I’m concerned, I’m not worried about me,” she said. “I’m worried about these kids.”

Fearing, who is running against Republican incumbent Doc Hastings, told about a dozen people Wednesday that he’s ready to provide that change. But he said it won’t be as big a change as some believe if he’s elected.

“We sometimes think of Central Washington as being a Republican area. It’s Democrats who built Central Washington,” Fearing said, citing the region’s irrigation districts and dams.

“This is Democratic territory and we need to remind our friends and relatives of that sometimes,” he added.

Fearing said if he’s elected he will try to serve on both the House energy and agriculture committees.

“This election is about having someone who will serve what our nation needs and what Central Washington needs,” he said. “It’ll be my role to do what’s best for you. Not what’s best for me.”

Those at the retirement home event said they want a representative who will come to them and listen to their needs and concerns.

“That is one of the reasons I want to be your congressman,” Fearing said. “We need to listen to you more than you listen to us. A nation is in part judged on how well it treats its elderly.”

Two 60-second spots have hit the airwaves across Central Washington. The first addresses rising gas prices, and the “Use it or Lose it” bill, which pushes for oil companies to use the land they already have before receiving new leases offshore and elsewhere.

In order to really work towards energy independence, we need to aggressively pursue domestic renewable energies as well as become less dependent on foreign oil resources. Rep. Hastings and his friends claim leasing new land for drilling will solve this solve this problem. But instead of handing over more land, why aren’t they more effectively capitalizing on the oil-rich leases they already have? That’s what “Use it or Lose it” is all about. Read our press release here and take a listen to the radio spot:

“Use it or Lose it” Spot

Our second spot is a biographical piece about George. It introduces George through his background, his career and his motivation for running for Congress. Pass along this excellent snapshot of George to your friends and family!

George’s Biographical Spot

Keep your radio dials scanning the airwaves for more messages from the George Fearing Campaign! And join the grassroots communications team to do your part to get our voice heard!