Fellow Dem: Kagen's Energy Tax Vote Will Lead to Political Peril

Fellow Dem: Kagen’s Energy Tax Vote Will Lead to Political Peril
Kagen Knows the Score, but Will He Be Able to Stand Up to Nancy Pelosi?

Washington- Steve Kagen (D-WI) is under heavy pressure from Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other Democrat leaders as they try to push through their job-killing National Energy Tax. As Pelosi applies the pressure, rank-and-file Democrats are feeling the heat back home. Even one of Kagen’s colleagues acknowledged the political danger of voting for a bill that will kill jobs, increase costs for American families, and blunt economic recovery. According to freshman Congressman Eric Massa (D-NY):

“’Most of my constituents are saying that if you vote for this, you won’t return to Congress,’” said Massa. ‘This is 80-20 back home.’” (Lerer, “It’s Not Easy Being Green,” Politico, 6/25/09)

“It’s clear that Steve Kagen realizes that his vote for the Democrats’ National Energy Tax would amount to political poison, but does he have the fortitude to say ‘no’ to Nancy Pelosi and his party leaders?” said NRCC Communications Director Ken Spain. “During these tough times, Wisconsin voters demand results. Unfortunately, with Pelosi applying heavy pressure, it appears that Steve Kagen will once again cave to his Democrat leaders at the expense of middle-class families in Wisconsin.”

Steve Kagen is feeling the pressure from all sides, but the question remains: will he bow to Nancy Pelosi at the expense of his constituents? The consequences are clear, but history says that the people of Wisconsin will lose once again.