| This is the second post providing links to articles and information on Montana's Democratic House candidates...check out the post on Melinda Gopher...
Tyler Gernant:
His Act Blue page...Campaign website...his Twitter feed...his Flickr photostream...and his Facebook page.
Bio: (garnered from his website): Gernant's "great grandfather homesteaded near Whitetail," and both his grandfathers were working stiffs (one drove a truck in Great Falls, the other worked in the Anaconda smelter). Gernant's parents moved to Idaho Falls in the 1980s. A graduate of Georgetown, Gernant later worked for Senator Max Baucus and Representative Dan Baird, and worked on John Edwards' 2004 [not '08 -- JS] presidential campaign. After the campaign, Gernant "returned to Idaho Falls and spent time substitute teaching" before attending law school in Missoula, where he co-found the Rural Advocacy League.
Issues: Gernant's main plank revolves around a Green economy. He advocates "incentives for businesses and entrepreneurs who are ready to invest in Montana's clean, renewable, and sustainable energy resources," promotes investing in a "smarter, more efficient power grid," and invest in primary and secondary education to create "clean and sustainable energy jobs that will last beyond our limited natural resources."
Gernant also advocates an Afghan mission that's "limited in time"; financial reform that builds consumer protection and "eliminate[s] predatory lending"; simplifying the tax code and closing loopholes; reinstating the Congressional "pay-go" system to prevent further national debt spending; a Constitutional amendment that protects Americans' privacy; and implementing a Rural Investment Tax Credit that would spur investment in rural areas.
Blogs:
Gernant on 4 and 20 blackbirds, Left in the West, and Intelligent Discontent.
From "Tyler Gernant for Congress," by jhwygirl: "I've had the opportunity to meet and speak with Tyler on more than a few occasions. Gernant is one hard working candidate (I'm betting he's crisscrossed this entire state nearly twice already). He'll meet with anyone, and I'm thoroughly impressed with his dedication.
"Tyler's smart, he's knowledgeable about tax law and tax code and I believe he will go to Washington seeking forward-moving change."
From "Tyler Gernant Answers Policy Questions," on Intelligent Discontent: (Gernant answering a question about Rehberg's self-imposed moratorium on appropriating earmarks for Montana) "Rehberg's pledge is an empty political gesture that's more about party politics than what is right for Montana. In fact, shortly before making this pledge, Congressman Rehberg discussed the federal budget deficit and earmarks, stating 'earmarks are not the problem.' This is just another example of Rehberg marching lock-step with his party at the expense of helping people in Montana."
Articles:
Democrats campaign for U.S. House seat: "Gernant said he is running for office because he sees firsthand how the problems plaguing the nation are impacting his clients, friends and neighbors, and he wants to do something about it.
"'I had seen a bunch of my friends lose their jobs and leave Montana, and a few of the businesses that I represented lost their lines of credit due to the credit crunch, and ended up having to close down,' Gernant said. 'I really felt like there is a lot we ought to be doing to help those people succeed. That's what drove me into the race.'"
Candidate Statements - U.S. House seat - Tyler Gernant: "First of all, we need to stop writing IOUs to the Social Security and Medicare trust funds. The government doesn't let us raid our retirement accounts for frivolous spending; why let our government get away with it?
"We also need to end the use-it-or-lose-it budget system in Washington. Federal agencies are encouraged to spend every penny they have because, if they don't, they'll get less money next year. We need to change this system so agencies are encouraged to spend wisely and save for the future, just like we do in our own households.
"And, finally, we need to focus on getting Montana's economy moving again. The best way to do that is by investing in the new energy economy. I recently went on a New Energy Tour throughout Montana, visiting with business people who are already putting solar, wind and bio-fuel technology to efficient, profitable use. As a congressman I'll work to promote the growth of this industry, which can bring hundreds of millions of dollars and tens of thousands of sustainable jobs to Montana and Butte in particular."
House Race: Dems hoping to unseat Rehberg stake out issues: "'I helped create a corporation that turns bull crap into energy,' he said. 'If you can turn bull crap into energy, just imagine what you can do in Washington.'"
Gernant Outraises McDonald in Latest Reporting Period: "...Gernant doubled McDonald's total contributions for the latest reporting period, collecting about $21,550 to McDonald's nearly $10,500.
"However, McDonald's $18,000 loan the past seven weeks boosted his total campaign receipts for the period to about $28,450. For the entire campaign, McDonald has loaned his campaign more than $27,800, compared with Gernant's previous loan of more than $1,800."
Democrats running for the House
Gernant pushes renewable energy, budget reform
Video below the fold |
