Heller On Drugs?

Dean Heller recently voted against H.R. 3093. It was an appropriations bill for the Departments of Commerce and Justice. The bill, with slightly increased funding over the previous year, would have allowed for more money to be granted to local law enforcement to combat the methamphetamine drug problem. Now, if Heller was a Representative from Utah, where there is virtually no problem with the drug, I would be perfectly fine with him being against the extra spending.
However, he is the United States Representative from Northern Nevada. And as we all know, there is a huge meth problem in Reno, Elko and surrounding areas. Thanks, Dean, for watching out for your district. This is yet another example of our Representative playing as the lapdog of the Bush Administration.

"Highly addictive drugs aren't a problem in this country," -Dean Heller (not actually a quote.)

You know, if he is so against funding these laws, maybe he has something to hide. Someone want to check his basement?

Cross posted at My Silver State

Anti-Iraq Protest at Heller's Office Tomorrow

Email from Americans Against Escalation in Iraq:

“ Iraq Summer” Campaign to Dean Heller: “We will not be ignored.”

Heller Continues to Ignore Invitation to ‘Iraq Summer’ Campaign’s ‘Take a Stand’ Town Hall on August 28th, Which Provides the Congressman a Golden Opportunity to Explain to Nevadans Why He Continues to Vote in Support of President’s Failed Iraq Policies

Reno, NV – Americans Against Escalation in Iraq will be joined by the Molly Ivins Pots and Pans Brigade on July 24th, 2007 at 11AM outside of Rep. Dean Heller’s constituent office to send a very, very loud message to the Congressman that they will not be ignored. On July 12th, the “Iraq Summer” Campaign delivered a formal letter to Rep. Heller’s office inviting him to attend a town hall with hundreds of fellow Nevadans to explain his position on the war in Iraq – an invitation which the Congressman has to date ignored. That same day, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a binding timeline to safely and responsibly redeploy troops out of Iraq -- but Dean Heller rejected the wishes of the people of Nevada and voted to continue enabling Bush’s failed policy of endless war. The Responsible Redeployment from Iraq Act [HR 2956] passed with bipartisan support without Heller’s support and requires a responsible redeployment of U.S. troops beginning within 120 days of enactment and ending by April 1, 2008.

“Congressman Heller’s vote for endless war was a slap in the face to the people of Nevada who overwhelmingly oppose President Bush’s costly, irresponsible and failed policy of endless war in Iraq,” said Jacki Ramirez, spokesperson for the Nevada chapter of the "Iraq Summer" campaign. “But, what’s worse is that the Congressman doesn’t even have the courage to meet with his own constituents to explain himself. He thinks that by ignoring the concerns of Nevadans, they’ll simply go away. But, he’s sorely mistaken. We’re going to continue to hold rallies; we’re going to keep calling, emailing and writing the Congressman over and over again until he does the right thing and votes to bring the war in Iraq to a safe and responsible end.”

“Iraq Summer” has dispatched nearly 100 organizers to 15 states and 40 congressional districts to turn up the heat this summer on Republican members of Congress who have opposed setting a timeline to bring a responsible end to the war in Iraq . The intense10-week program is modeled on the “Freedom Summer” civil rights project.

What: “ Iraq Summer” to send loud message to Dean Heller: “We will not be ignored”

Who: Americans Against Escalation in Iraq; Molly Ivins Pots and Pans Brigade

Where: Rep. Dean Heller’s constituent office
Bruce R. Thompson Federal Building
400 South Virginia Street
Reno , NV 89501

When: TUESDAY, JULY 24TH at 11AM

Heller: All for it until he voted against it?

Cross posted at Blue Sage Views:
Nevada Representative Dean Heller (R-NV2) is pleased as punch to announce he got funding for water and energy projects in Nevada; [Heller] but perhaps not so ready to announce he voted against H.R. 2641, the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations for FY 2008. [roll call 641] l Rep. Jon Porter (R-NV3) also voted against the bill, which passed 312-112. So, how does that work? The Congressman crows about securing funding for water and energy projects in a bill he voted against?

AWOL Heller Makes it to Utah

We've been reporting frequently on Dean Heller being AWOL at Helluva Heller. It seems his unavailability for the press is not limited to Nevada. Utah's Deseret Morning News took a look at how Mormon members reacted to Mitt Romney's candidacy for President. A few have endorsed him, most have not done so yet. But all the members' offices managed to comment or call back.

All but one:

Calls to the office of freshman Rep. Dean Heller, R-Nev., were not returned.

So Heller disses Utah reporters as well. Wow.

Cross posted at My Silver State.

It All Depends on Whose Calls You Take

The pressure is building on Rep. Dean Heller to change his stance on Iraq. But, what do you know, Heller continues to stand by President Bush:

Heller was unswayed. Despite the anti-war sentiment being sent his way, he said his constituents stand by his decision to continue supporting the troop surge at least until September, when the top commander in Iraq delivers a progress report to Congress.

"The phone calls I'm getting are, 'You're doing a good job, do what you think is right, don't try to be influenced by some left - wing organizations,' " Heller said.

I suppose it all depends on whose calls you take.

Cross posted at My Silver State.

Heller Wants Every Child To Be Like Him

Uneducated.

As we all know, Dean Heller would do anything to limit government spending. He has constantly voted to pour billions of dollars into an unnecessary war, but stands against funding our schools. Heller recently voted against FY 2008 (H.R. 3403). This bill included state grants for improving teacher quality, invested in recruiting good science and math teachers, and set aside money for extra-curricular activities. What was wrong with this bill? Nothing.

Representative Dean Heller gets an 'F' for failing America's children.

-Jennifer Crider, Communications Director of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee

Appartently 10 Billion a month in a pointless war is way more important than 5.7 Billion, one time, to improve our nation's education system.


Cross posted on My Silver State

Heller Now Employing Porter's Daughter?

Essentially, there is nothing more interesting than candidates' campaign reports filed with the Federal Election Commission (FEC). You think you've seen it all, you think nothing will surprise you anymore and then you'll take a look at another FEC report and, whoop, there it is.

Today, I took a look at Dean Heller's 2nd quarter report. Before I get to the main point of this post, I'd like to point you to the fact that the address for the "Heller for Congress" committee is 7840 Red Leaf Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89131. That would be in Nevada's 1st congressional district, Shelley Berkley's district, and clearly outside of Heller's 2nd CD. This leads to the curious statement on the FEC website that Heller runs for office in Nevada's 1st district. Now, when you search for candidate's in Nevada's 2nd district on the FEC's searchable database, you won't even find Heller.

Interestingly enough, "Porter for Congress" uses the same address.

Now, to the fun part. In Heller's 2nd quarter report, his disbursements show that his campaign has paid $11,809.74 in expenses to a Nicole Porter of Henderson, Nevada - $10,625 for consulting, $600 for catering, $256.74 for travel, and $328 for postage.

Here's what we know: Jon Porter has a daughter named Nicole. And that Nicole Porter was reimbursed by a congressional campaign in 2006 - by her father ($747 for office supplies, postage, and travel).

Now, are these two Nicole Porters one and the same? Is Porter's daughter Nicole now making a big career in consulting? Does Dean Heller really employ Jon Porter's daughter?

cross posted at My Silver State

Heller: For the Record

Perhaps someone ought to ask for a receipt? U.S. Representative Dean Heller (R-NV02) has raised a total of $501,000 for his re-election bid in 2008, gathering $233,000 during the second quarter. [RGJ]

Thus far, here's what Heller's accomplished during his tenure in Congress:

Bills introduced:

H.R. 2246 introduced on May 14, 2007, to validate conveyances from the Union Pacific RR Company to facilitate construction of transcontinental railroads. No co-sponsors. Last major action: Referred to House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands on May 14, 2007. No further action.

H.R. 2299 introduced May 14, 2007, to direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey Federal land located in the city to Henderson, NV. Last major action: Referred to House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forest and Public Lands on May 18, 2007. No further action.

H.R. 2326 introduced May 15, 2007, to approve the settlement of water rights claims by the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of Duck Valley. Last major action: Referred to House Subcommittee on Water and Power, May 18, 2007. No further action.

H.R. 2515, introduced on May 24, 2007, to authorize appropriations for the Bureau of Reclamation to carry out Lower Colorado River multi-species conservation program. Last major action: Referred to House Subcommittee on Water and Power May 31, 2007. Hearing scheduled for July 24, 2007.

H.Amdt 229 to H.R. 1100 to delete language in the bill which authorized the use of federal funds to acquire land for the expansion of the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site. Introduced May 23, 2007; Not agreed to by a vote of 183-243, May 23, 2007.

Five legislative measures introduced, one defeated, one scheduled for a hearing, and no action on the remaining three -- a record perhaps predictable for a Congressman with a power ranking of 435th in the Congress, and 199th in the Congressional GOP. [Cong.org]

Heller and Porter Vote Against Troop Withdrawal

Dean Heller

Jon Porter

The House voted Thursday on a bill that calls for a withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq to start 120 days after enactment of the law. Representative Dean Heller (R-NV) voted against the bill preferring to leave the troops where they are. Jon Porter voted against the bill as well. Shelley Berkeley didn’t vote. [Reno Gazette-Journal]

The bill that passed 223-201. Americans Against Escalation in Iraq are running a campaign in Nevada to get Heller to give up his support for the war. The group marched into Heller’s office to deliver a letter urging him to oppose the war. He refuses irrespective of the fact a large majority of his constituents want the withdrawal and the voters last fall wanted the withdrawal. But Heller ignores the wishes of his constituents.

Introducing My Silver State - A Community Blog for Nevada

Nevada's blogosphere is diverse and bigger than one might assume. However, thus far there has not been a community blog for Democrats and progressives. This is about to change.

Today, My Silver State has been launched. My Silver State is a community blog for progressive Nevadans. Think Daily Kos, only in small and silver/blue.

Anyone who wishes to help elect Democrats in Nevada and anyone who would like to advance progressive causes in Nevada is welcome to register, comment and write diaries.

In the end it's up to you to make both My Silver State and Nevada your Silver State.

Dean Heller on the Iraq Troop Surge

The House of Representatives debated a non-binding resolution expressing disapproval of President Bush's buildup of U.S. forces in Iraq - February 2007.

[ Footage attributed to C-SPAN, encoded and posted by ArmyOfOne.org ] (more)

"Nevada Congress members react to Libby decision" - Except for Heller

We reported on Heller getting spanked by Jane Ann Morrison, recently. She was asking Nevada's congressional Republicans what they thought about a possible Libby pardon. Naturally, Dean Heller was once again AWOL.

Today, the LVRJ had another story up with the reaction of the entire congressional delegation on Bush's decision to commute Libby's 30 months in jail. Everyone could be reached for comment, even if Sen. Ensign declined to do just that. The only one who could once again not be reached was Heller:

Rep. Dean Heller, R-Nev., could not be reached, and his office was unable to supply his view.

Yup, that's your Congressman at work.

LTE - "Nation was never a threat to the U.S."

A letter to the editor published in today's Reno Gazette-Journal:

I recently wrote to Congressman Heller urging him to support legislation calling for a withdrawal of our troops from Iraq. In his response, he wrote:

"I want to begin by stating that most Americans, regardless of their opinion of the situation in Iraq, recognize the need to defeat threats to the United States."

Now there's a statement demonstrating true verbal sleight of hand. Yes, most Americans are against threats to their country. But what does that have to do with Iraq?

Iraq never was a threat to the United States. Unlike Afghanistan, it did not harbor terrorists. It had nothing to do with 9/11.

People are finally seeing this un-American war of aggression for the disaster it was destined to be. A poll last month found that 52 percent of Nevadans opposed plans to send more troops to Iraq.

I'm not saying it's time for Congressman Heller to listen to the majority, because it was the majority that cheered on the invasion. I'm saying history will judge how long it took people to come to their senses. The congressman is way too late to be in the first wave. I hope he isn't in the last.

Ed Cohen, Reno

Heller's Response to DW Email

If you take action on the Defenders of Wildlife's Heads in the Sand web site, Representative Heller will send you a letter in response. The meat of the letter is as follows:

"I share your desire to reduce harmful emissions. Obviously, steps should be taken to ensure that human progress does not have an unnecessary negative impact on the environment. For this reason, I support the investments of federal dollars in alternative energy research and the development and creation of tax credits for hybrid vehicles, solar panels, and other forms of alternative energy. The scientific community continues to debate the extent and causes of changes in climate. I am proud to say that Nevada is one of the leading states with regard to using renewable energy.

Please be assured that I will work with my colleagues to develop an energy policy that properly balances human development and progress with sound environmental protections in a scientific, evidence based manner."

Aside from the fact that the scientific community isn't really debating the existence and cause of global warming anymore, Heller seems to want us to believe he is working hard to figure out a solution to the global climate crisis. But, don't expect to see him at Live Earth this weekend. He is much more likely to be working to vote against the next Clean Energy Act that comes before him. Although he claims to support pro-environmental legislation, he lists no such legislation as either sponsored or co-sponsored.

Keep the excuses coming Congressman but until you pull your head out of the sand, you continue to endanger Nevada.

Will Presidential Caucus Aide in Defeating Heller?

Republicans are afraid that a Democratic candidate could defeat their freshman Dean Heller in 2008 as we reported here. Five days after Helluva Heller reported Heller's inclusion in the Republicans' "Regaining Our Majority Program", the Las Vegas Review-Journal picked up the story today:

Heller represents the usually reliable Republican 2nd Congressional District of rural and Northern Nevada. But he beat Democrat Jill Derby last November by only a 50 percent-45 percent tally and Republicans are bracing for more tight races in 2008.

"The Democrats have put a target on Heller, and we will do whatever we can to help him," said Amos Snead, press secretary for House minority whip Rep. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., who put the Nevadan in the help category.

An aide said Heller was traveling on Friday and could not be reached.

While Porter clearly is in their sights, Nevada Democrats do not appear to have focused on Heller. But state party spokeswoman Kirsten Searer said Democrats hope their new early presidential contest will help them in the 2nd Congressional District.

"We have been using the presidential caucus as a way to organize areas where we haven't been strong in the past in CD2," she said.

Not surprisingly, Dean Heller is once again AWOL. Quite interesting though, is the believe among the Nevada State Democratic Party that the caucus might help a Democratic candidate in NV-02. The series of mock caucuses organized around the district, the latest in Elko, might be a sign for this. Now, if they would just work on recruiting a candidate.

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Want a capable representative in Congress? Join the Helluva Heller - Defeating Dean Heller in 2008 group at the Democratic Party's PartyBuilder social networking site!

Appreciation on Paper?

On Friday the 13th -- April, 2007 Nevada congressional representative Dean Heller (R-NV02) paid a visit to the Nevada Department of Public Safety's Records and Technology Division to present a certificate to the office for "tireless dedication in supporting law enforcement in service and protection of Nevada's citizens and visitors." [DPS] Apparently, this paper is to make up for the potential loss of funding from federal sources as the Bureau of Justice Statistics takes a $10 million cut in the Administration's FY 2008 budget, noted a month earlier by AFSCME?

State Justice Statistics Program for Statistical Analysis Centers and other elements of the Bureau of Justice Statistics, didn't fare very well in the Bush budget for FY 2008: "The Bureau of Justice Statistics is also slated for a funding shortfall of $10 million. The important national Crime Victimization Survey, which is the only accurate census of crime victims, and is the nation's primary source of information on criminal victimization, is not funded at a level sufficient to carry on this important work. This information provided by the survey is invaluable to the national Crime Prevention Council, community groups and law enforcement agencies." [AFSCME] [House Dem Budget Analysis pdf]

Since we've not heard anything, or seen anything in print, from Rep. Heller about the budget cuts to the Bureau of Justice Statistics -- could we assume the "certificate of appreciation" is all the paper Nevada's Records and Technology division can expect from the Administration which worked so hard to get Rep. Heller elected?

To Conservatives Dean Heller Simply Doesn't Exist

Have you ever heard of "Conservapedia?" Me neither. That is until this week, when Lewis Black made fun of it on The Daily Show. See, Conservapedia is supposed to be the alternative to the "liberal" bastion known as Wikipedia (btw, here's the Wikipedia entry on Dean Heller).

Conservapedia's motto: "A conservative encyclopedia you can trust. The truth shall set you free."

The truth being that to Conservapedia our very own Congressman Dean Heller doesn't exist:

click to enlarge

"Conservapedia, the trustworthy encyclopedia"