2011.07.18
Carrico backs Griffith on light bulb vote
Bill Carrico
Del. Bill Carrico, R-Grayson, who would like to be state Sen. Bill Carrico after this fall’s election, sends out a release in which he backs Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-Salem, on his recent vote on light bulbs.
Not familiar with the light bulb bill? We have background here.
Here’s what Carrico — who is seeking the seat that Bill Wampler, R-Bristol, is retiring from — has to say:
Delegate Bill Carrico, a candidate for the Virginia State Senate in the 2011 election, voiced his support today for Congressman Griffith’s difficult vote to support a state’s right, under the 10th amendment, to ban the use of incandescent light bulbs if they see fit. The bill in question responds to a soon to be implemented federal ban on traditional light bulbs, but goes a step further in restricting the states’ ability to implement the same restrictions. Congressman Griffith has co-sponsored legislation to directly repeal the aforementioned ban while leaving 10th Amendment rights intact.
“Congressman Griffith made a tough vote today against a bill that had good intentions on the surface, but ultimately set a precedent of overreaching the Constitutional limits of the federal government. Decisions regarding the legality of a particular type of light bulb are far outside of the purview of federal government, but are well within the rights of each state. That principle should apply to both sides of the debate. Congressman Griffith consulted with members of the Virginia State Legislature in making the best decision, and while we agreed that banning traditional light bulbs in Virginia would be bad for businesses and consumers, we also agreed that this was a decision best made by Virginians, in Virginia,” said Delegate Carrico.
“I am proud to have a U.S. Congressman that is willing to think through the tough votes, and make the best decisions on principle, every time. It is this kind of leadership that we need at all levels of government, and it is this kind of leadership that I intend to bring to the Virginia State Senate. The people of Virginia have a history of holding our elected officials accountable, but it is always best when we can trust our leaders to do the right thing even when we are not watching so closely.”
For more information about Bill Carrico for Senate, please visit www.billcarrico.com or follow “Bill Carrico for Senate” on Facebook.
Of note: So far, Carrico is unopposed.
This is the fourth statement I’ve seen alluding to a “tough” vote. What was so tough about it?
Really, big picture – what’s the political fallout of voting no on a bill that strips the States of the Right to determine what is the best policy for their State, with regard to what lighting products are permissible?
Comment by Edward of Huncote — July 18, 2011 @ 10:40 am
It’s refreshing to see legislators acting on principle! This EPA nonsense is a power grab that has nothing to do with any real threat to the environment. It’s good to see the congressman not being too hasty though, and actually making sure to protect the constitution in the process!
Comment by Stephen Cool — July 18, 2011 @ 10:57 am
Duhhhhhhhhhh. Politicians have always been dumb and cheesy, but I swear within the past 2-3 years they have become the dumbest of the dumb. Nobody is threatening the freakin’ incandescent lightbulb. “Idiot” would be an understatement on this one. More boneheads like Griffith and Carrico will be elected to Congress by their numbskull constituents though, I’m sure.
Comment by Josh — July 19, 2011 @ 11:11 am