Citizens in Colorado District 4 (Longmont, Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Fort Morgan, Lamar, etc) were given another reason to be proud of their elected representative Betsy Markey. Just like the porkulus bill she voted for earlier this year (see my earlier piece " Local representatives: apologies expected"), she's once again put her signature on a bill she probably didn't bother to read at all. What did I refer to her and her ilk before, oh that's right, rubber-stamping chimpanzees.

This time it's the "cap and trade" bill, probably one of the biggest tax increases in history, but wasn't that said about the porkulus bill? They just can't stop outdoing themselves, these tax and spend types - at least they're fitting the stereotype.

This from Face The State:

During an appearance on 9News' "Your Show," hosted by political reporter Adam Schrager, Markey said her approach to voting is to "read the bill, talk to staff and people on the committee and then go to constituents and listen to what they have to say." But given that over 300 pages of amendments were introduced to the 1,200 page bill at 3 am before the final vote, it seems that not a single member of the House could have read the bill in its entirety. Insiders say even if a member wanted to review the legislation, a complete copy of the bill was hard to come by before the vote.

Markey's "yes" vote has pitted her against fellow Democrats and her Republican challengers. Rep. John Salazar, D-Manassa, ultimately voted against the bill, citing his fears the legislation could raise energy costs and particularly hurt the coal industry in his largely rural district.

"Well if you read the bill, there's no way you would vote for it," said state Rep. Cory Gardner, R-Yuma, who is seeking the GOP nomination to challenge Markey. "Her vote represents the special interests that got her elected, but not the interests of the fourth congressional district. To disarm our economy and choke out investment in this country's businesses is just irresponsible."

The bill narrowly passed the House by 219-212, after hours of tense negotiations. If passed by the Senate in similar form as in the House, the bill would mandate a 17 percent cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 and a 83-percent cut by 2050. It also requires that 20 percent of electricity comes from renewable sources by 2020.

Multiple calls to Markey's office were not returned.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Ms. Markey is on a tear, she must really be proud of her financial destruction for future generations. Like the above article says, she didn't return calls, and it's pretty clear she only talks to friendly media. She probably won't talk to YOU if you disagree with her abysmal go-along-with-the-mother-party voting record (for the most part). But you can try calling her at (202)225-4676 or fax (202)225-5870. Someone who called her office was told Ms. Markey read the 1,200 page bill. Odds are someone there is lying.

You shlubs in Longmont who fell for her tactics (can't say you weren't warned) can't go to District 4's Longmont office because it doesn't exist anymore. But I'm sure she thanks you for your misguided vote. It was Larimer County who put her over the top, and she keeps offices in Ft. Collins and Greeley.