*Media Backgrounder* Darcy Burner 2.0 Remarkably Similar to 1.0: Negative, Partisan Attack Mentality, Inexperienced

Statement

Today, September 25, 2008, marks the first negative, partisan, false attack ad from Darcy Burner this campaign cycle. Today Burner released her new negative television ad, calling Dave Reichert "ineffective", attacking his record in Congress, and shamefully distorting his record for partisan political gain. Not only are her claims outrageous - they are untrue. Since being elected to Congress in 2004, Dave Reichert has passed 8 bills, 9 amendments, and 2 resolutions - with 5 of those bills and 5 amendments being passed as a member of the minority party. It is shameful that Darcy Burner would disparage a member with a proven record of working across the aisle to serve the Eighth District and the American people.

Darcy Burner's campaign is using the rating system put together by Congress.org to make this accusation. Each year, Congress.org attempts to measure the "power rankings" of members of Congress using a formula, however, this formula is flawed. When Reichert was in the majority he received a relatively high ranking because he benefitted from being the Chairman of a Subcommittee which the formula weights heavily. (However, it does not even take into consideration his most significant accomplishment: reforming FEMA after the failed response to Hurricane Katrina, because after he authored the bill, he allowed the Chairman and Democrat ranking member to attach their names to assure its passage. More on that below). Now that Democrats are in the majority, Reichert is a "Ranking Member" of a Subcommittee - the leading Republican. While certainly a Ranking Member does not have the same power as a Chairman, the change in power rankings is not consistent with the influence that a Ranking Member still holds in pushing legislation through a committee. Further, the formula searches for and weights legislation that bears the name of a member of congress. What it does not take into consideration is authoring legislation that is then added to another bill, or "given" to a chairman to ensure its passage. In other words, the Congress.org ranking system rewards members who do not reach out to other members to work together, but rather keep their names on the top of bills. This flawed ranking system penalizes members like Dave Reichert - those who are more interested in seeing good legislation become law, regardless of who gets the credit.

Unsurprising, then, that the Burner campaign would issue such a negative attack based upon this formulation of "power." They have consistently attacked Reichert's bipartisan approach, alleging his votes with Democrats don't really count, implying he should not vote with both parties on a given issue or bill but should instead take a more ideological, dogmatic approach. Burner refuses to state whether she would join the moderate Democrat caucus called the "Blue Dogs" in Congress. In fact, she has consistently gone in the opposite direction - insulting the Blue Dogs and saying "we need more - and better - Democrats". Clearly this attack illustrates that her approach would be one of "me first" and "only my team can win" partisanship. While that might earn her headlines, cocktail invitations in Washington, DC, money for campaigning, and celebrity among the extreme left-wing "netroots", it will not serve the people of the Eighth District. In fact it does a disservice to the district, for it is precisely exactly the opposite approach - pragmatic, bipartisan problem-solving - that is needed to be effective in Congress.
Today, Congress is mired in a partisan quagmire that has prevented it from creating solutions to the very real challenges facing our nation. It is precisely Darcy Burner's poisonous brand of hyper-partisan negativity that has brought Congressional approval ratings to an all-time low, and insulted the very foundational values of our democracy: respectful disagreement on the issues, with an understanding that Americans should respect one another and work together to address the challenges we face.

Reichert Accomplishments

* Since being elected to Congress in 2004, Dave Reichert has worked tirelessly on behalf of the people in the Eighth district of Washington to grow our economy and create jobs, to honor our veterans, provide access to quality healthcare and education, ensure our safety and security, and to preserve our environment. He has consistently reached across the aisle, working with members of both parties to create solutions to the challenges we face.

110TH CONGRESS

* H.R. 358, Veterans Grave Markers: Introduced measure to expand and make permanent the provision of government-furnished grave markers and headstones for veterans buried in private cemeteries, at no cost to their families. Endorsed by the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Military Order of the Purple Heart. (H.R. 358, 1/9/07, 67 cosponsors)
SIGNED INTO LAW; Public Law 110-157, the Dr. James Allen Veteran Vision Equity Act of 2007, Section 203 (12/26/07). (Voice Vote, 12/11/07)

* H.R. 593, Children's Health Insurance Promotion (CHIP) Act: Introduced measure to provide $100 million in grants over the next two fiscal years to encourage states, schools, and community organizations to implement innovative outreach programs in order to cover more eligible, uninsured children in Medicaid and SCHIP. The legislation included a 10% set-aside for outreach to Native American children. H.R. 593, 1/19/07, 3 cosponsors, PASSED HOUSE AND SENATE; H.R. 3963, Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act, Section 2113. (RC#1009, 10/25/07) (Sen. #403, 11/1/07)

* H.R. 1632, Improving Veterans' Reemployment Act: Introduced measure requiring the agencies responsible for protecting veterans' employment rights - the Departments of Defense, Labor, Justice, and the Office of Special Counsel - to coordinate their sharing of and reporting on complaint data filed by veterans facing difficulties being rehired. It also requires them to specifically track employment concerns caused by service-connected disabilities. (H.R. 1632, 3/21/07, 10 cosponsors) PASSED HOUSE; H.R. 1315, Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act, Section 4. (Voice Vote, 7/30/07)

* H.R. 1695, Preventing Radicalism by Exploring and Vetting its Emergence as a National Threat (PREVENT) Act: Introduced legislation to establish a National Commission on the Prevention of Violent Radicalization and Ideologically Based Violence. The purpose is to proactively get ahead of the radicalization problem before it becomes widespread within the United States. (H.R. 1695, 3/26/07, 1 cosponsor) PASSED HOUSE; H.R. 1955, Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act. (RC#993, 10/23/07)

* H.R. 6098, The PRICE of Homeland Security Act: Introduced and passed legislation that would give state and local officials the flexibility to use Homeland Security Grant Program funds for fusion center analysts and hiring counterterrorism staff without limitations. This legislation would prevent cuts to intelligence analysis at the Washington State Joint Analytical Center. (H.R. 6098, 5/20/08, 9 cosponsors) PASSED HOUSE; H.R. 6098, the PRICE of Homeland Security Act. (Voice Vote, 7/29/08)

* H.Amdt.254 - Intelligence Funding: During consideration of the FY2008 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill, offered an amendment to add $10 million to the Analysis and Operations account within DHS to prevent cuts in intelligence support for border security and halting terrorist travel and human smuggling. The proposed cuts also would have severely impacted the ability to do nuclear and biological threat assessments. (H.Amdt.254 to H.R. 2638, RC#455, 6/12/07) SIGNED INTO LAW; PL 110-161, The Consolidated Appropriations Act (12/26/07).

* H.Amdt.513 - Emergency Medical Services for Children: During consideration of the FY2008 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Bill, offered an amendment to provide $2.5 million in additional resources for the Emergency Medical Services for Children program that provides grants to states and medical institutions to expand and improve emergency care for children who need treatment for life-threatening illnesses or injuries. PASSED HOUSE, H.Amdt.513 to H.R. 3043, Voice Vote, 7/17/07

* H.Amdt.669 - Domestic Violence, Court Training and Improvements Program: During consideration of the FY2008 Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Bill, offered an amendment to provide $5 million to fully fund the Court Training and Improvements Program. The Court Training and Improvements Program enhances our courts' ability to keep victims of domestic and sexual abuse safe and to hold offenders accountable. SIGNED INTO LAW; H.Amdt.669 to H.R. 3093,RC#732, 7/25/07

* H.Amdt. 1075 - Reducing School Class Sizes: Offered amendment authorizing grants to local education agencies for the construction, modernization, or repair of public kindergarten, elementary, and secondary schools to reduce class sizes and promote the individualized instruction students need to excel. PASSED HOUSE, H.Amdt.1075 to H.R. 3021, Voice Vote 6/4/08

* H.Amdt. 1105 - Commuter Bus Services: Authorizes funds that transit agencies can use for commuter bus lines like the Greater Eastside's Park-and-Ride system to expand services and create new facilities. PASSED HOUSE, H.Amdt.1105 to H.R. 6052, Voice Vote 6/26/08.

* Plus-in Hybrid Amendment to H.R. 6323: Offered an amendment in Science and Technology Committee to establish a pilot program to promote the widespread use of plug-in hybrids by testing their impact on our nation's electric power grid. The research would be carried out through the Department of Energy's National Laboratory System, which could include the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland, WA. It is Reichert's hope that this will ensure a smooth transition to a non-fossil fuel based transportation system. PASSED HOUSE, Voice Vote, 9/24/08

* H.Res.1106, Designating April as Autism Awareness Month: Designates April as National Autism Awareness Month; commends the parents of children with autism for their sacrifice and dedication in providing for their special needs; supports devoting new resources to researching the root causes of autism; and recognizes the shortage of appropriately trained teachers necessary to teach, assist, and respond to special needs students. PASSED HOUSE, H.Res.1106, 4/14/08

* H.Res.1180, Recognizing Women in Science: Recognizes the contributions of women to science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and the health of many industries that have improved the nation's competitiveness and standard of living. (H.Res.1180, 5/7/08) PASSED HOUSE; (Voice Vote, 5/21/08)

109TH CONGRESS

* H.R. 5351, the National Emergency Management Reform and Enhancement Act of 2006: After Hurricane Katrina, Congressman Reichert was appointed only the 6th freshmen in history to be a subcommittee chair, leading the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Science and Technology. In this position, Chairman Reichert was tasked with improving FEMA and led the efforts in the House to keep FEMA within DHS while significantly strengthening it. On May 17, 2006, the full Homeland Security Committee marked-up H.R. 5351. This legislation is a comprehensive bill that will strengthen and better integrate FEMA in DHS. SIGNED INTO LAW, 10/4/06 as part of Homeland Security Appropriations (PL 109-295)
o Keeps FEMA within DHS
o Recombine Preparedness and Response within DHS
o Create a new Office of Emergency Communications
o Establish Regional Directors to prepare and coordinate a response to a disaster or terrorist attack
o This language was largely included in the Homeland Security Appropriations bill and will become law

*What does FEMA look like two years later, as a result of Chairman Reichert's work?

Due to FEMA's position within the Department of Homeland Security, the Agency has been able to leverage assets from other Departmental components to assist in the response to Hurricane Gustav.
+ For instance: Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided aerial support for damage assessment missions using both manned and unmanned aircraft. CBP also deployed over 150 personnel to perform post-hurricane damage assessments.
+ The U.S. Coast Guard assisted in search and rescue operations and deployed additional ships, fixed and rotary wing aircraft, medical teams, disaster assistance response teams and other personnel to the Gulf area to ensure a rapid response to emergency calls.
+ Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees were deployed to New Orleans to help passengers evacuate in advance of Gustav and are currently stationed there to assist with general airport activities until local personnel are able to return to work. Federal air marshals also will be on site to support security operations at the airport.
+ The National Communications System tracked and responded to needs and other requests from Federal, state and local government agencies, as well as emergency response organizations in the Gulf Coast states.
+ The National Protection and Programs Directorate's Infrastructure Protection Office deployed 29 Protective Security Advisers (PSAs) to the affected areas. The PSAs are currently providing assistance on issues regarding impacts within the incident area, and serving as the central coordination point for sector response and recovery efforts.
+ The coordination across all levels of government has greatly improved, as has the coordination through FEMA's Regional Offices, which helped to further coordinate complex preparations for response and recovery.

o H.R. 5852, the 21st Century Emergency Communication Act of 2006: On July 25, 2006, the full House of Representatives passed H.R. 5852 by a vote of 414-2. SIGNED INTO LAW, 10/4/06 as part of Homeland Security Appropriations, PL 109-295
+ Elevates the importance of emergency communications by creating a new Assistant Secretary of Emergency Communication.
+ Mandates a National Emergency Communications Report to recommend goals and timeframes for the achievement of interoperable emergency communications systems;
+ Requires a baseline assessment of current emergency communications capabilities and periodic assessments on progress in filling in existing gaps;
+ Accelerates the development of national standards for emergency communications equipment;
+ Requires state and local governments to establish effective Statewide Interoperable Communications Plans before being able to use DHS grant funds for emergency communications; and
+ Facilitates coordination on emergency communications by establishing regional working groups comprised of federal, state and local officials, first responders, and other relevant stakeholders;

This language was largely included in the Homeland Security Appropriations bill and will become law.

o Port Security Training and Exercise Program within H.R. 4954, the Security and Accountability For Every Port Act (SAFE) Port Act of 2006: During Committee Mark-Up on April 26, 2006, Congressman Reichert successfully passed two major amendments that created a new Port Security Training Program and a Port Security Exercise Program to the bill. These amendments were developed after extensive outreach to the Labor community. SIGNED INTO LAW, 10/13/06 (PL 109-347)

o Law Enforcement Amendment, H. AMDT 1100: Successfully passed an Amendment to the FY07 Science, State, Justice, Commerce Bill to increase $25 million for the Byrne-JAG program. PASSED HOUSE, Voice Vote, (6/27/06)

o National Police Athletic/Activities League (PAL) Program: Congressman Reichert introduced legislation to reauthorize the National Police Athletic/Activities League (PAL) Program - H.R. 4005. Bill authorizes $16 million per year in assistance to National PAL and the 350 local PAL chapters around the country. Language INCLUDED in H.R. 4472 - SIGNED INTO LAW 7/27/06.

Working Together

* Dave Reichert has been recognized by members on both sides of the aisle for his bipartisan approach and effective leadership.

"My colleague and the ranking member of our Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing, and Terrorism Risk Assessment, Dave Reichert, introduced H.R. 6098 earlier this year, and it was reported unanimously out of our subcommittee and the full committee...I know that this is a subject he is passionate about, as am I, as are the first responders, so-called ``first preventers'' who will benefit enormously by its passage."
~Rep. Jane Harman (D-CA), on H.R. 6098, CR H7191, 9/29/08

"As an original sponsor with my good friend Congressman Reichert, this is long-overdue legislation. It is bipartisan legislation and really sends a message throughout the entire Congress of the United States that we can work together if we place the needs of our families and neighborhoods ahead of partisan politics."
~ Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ), on H.R. 5852, CR H5696-5705, 7/25/06

"It is a real pleasure for me to be a cosponsor with the gentleman from Washington, Mr. Reichert's legislation. Mr. Reichert is a veteran himself and as a sheriff of a large department hired many national guard and reserve soldiers. He understands this issue intimately. He was working on it when I was a member of the Guard and not in Congress. So it is a real privilege for me to join you. You are fighting the good fight and doing the right thing."
~ Rep. Tim Walz (D-MN) on H.R. 1632

"There are two key components of this appropriations bill which are in fact legislation passed by our committee and which Mr. Rogers has so generously moved forward for us: certainly FEMA reform, and chemical plant security. On the issue of FEMA reform, let me also commend Chairman Reichert for the extraordinary work he did at the subcommittee and committee level."
~ Chairman Peter King (R-NY), on H.R. 5441, CR H 7960-7972, 9/29/06

"Chairman Reichert was the driving force behind this legislation," Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee Peter King said. "Without his leadership and 30 years of law enforcement experience, these comprehensive reforms never would have been possible."
~ Chairman Peter King (R-NY) in Press Release, 9/29/06

"I am confident in saying that I do not think we could have a much better advocate for the needs of first responders than our new chairman, David Reichert. With 30 years of noted law enforcement experience, Chairman Reichert knows first-hand what our men and women in the field go through on a daily basis."
~ Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ), Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Science and Technology, First Hearing as Chairman for Congressman Reichert, Serial No. 109-44, 9/25/05

"I would like to thank Chairman Reichert for his outstanding leadership on this important piece of legislation, which, in my view, will ultimately save lives."
~ Rep. Mike McCaul (R-TX) on H.R. 5852, CR H5696-5705, 7/25/06

"I was very pleased to learn that…you were successful in your effort on the floor on the House of Representatives to increase the level of funding for the pediatric emergency medical service initiative. In my judgment, this particular program is extraordinarily important to our nation's children and their families."
~ Letter to Congressman Reichert from Senator Daniel Inouye (D-HI), 7/23/08

"Dave and I believe in the same philosophy on this. We believe in a bottom-up approach to protecting our kids and our families and neighborhoods. It's been an honor for me. And David knows that I can be as partisan as the next person, but David knows I care for this guy. He's been a great chairman. You have a great congressman here. He works very, very hard for all the people. And he knows, if I didn't mean it, i wouldn't say it. I don't care where I would be."
~ Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ), Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Science and Technology Field Hearing in Orting, WA. Serial No. 109-73 referring to the need for interoperability legislation, 4/12/06

Media Perspective: Working in the Minority

# Despite being a member of the minority party, Dave Reichert has worked tirelessly and effectively for the people of the Eighth district, reaching across party lines to move legislation forward. As the media recognizes, the majority party dominates the agenda:

* http://www.minnpost.com/kathrynpearson/2008/08/12/2912/lesson_of_energy_debate_majority_party_controls_the_agenda

Kathryn Pearson, Assistant Professor, Political Science, University of Minnesota
"The current war of words between the two parties over energy policy highlights majority party leaders' tight control over the legislative agenda and just how entrenched the partisan divide has become on Capitol Hill. ...Democratic leaders have left Republicans with few options. On "This Week in Washington" on Aug. 3, George Stephanopoulos asked House Speaker Nancy Pelosi why Republicans can't have a vote on their drilling proposal. Her response was hardly encouraging: "They'll have to use their imagination as to how they can get a vote, and they may get a vote"."

* http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0108/8182.html

John Fortier, Politico, AEI Research Fellow
"Moderate Republicans have often served as partners with their moderate Democratic counterparts to craft deals that move important policies along…The center of both parties has often been a driving force in favor of fiscal responsibility."

* http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/01/AR2007010100784_2.html

Ross K. Baker, Political Scientist, Rutgers University
"It's in the nature of the House of Representatives for the majority party to be dominant and control the agenda and limit as much as possible the influence of the minority … It's almost counter to the essence of the place for the majority and minority to share responsibility for legislation."

Darcy Burner 2.0 : Ideological + Negative + Proudly Partisan = No Change

* Burner has consistently criticized Dave Reichert for working in a bipartisan fashion - for crossing party lines and deciding to vote with Democrats on some issues, and Republicans on some issues - at times within the same bill. There are two possible foundations for this criticism: 1) a misunderstanding of how Congress works, or 2) a strident, partisan philosophy that is grounded in her campaign slogan: "More and Better Democrats", which dictates that only proposals that are ‘pure' Democrat products have any merit. This is not change; this is more of the same.

* If one conclusion can be drawn with surety, it is this: Darcy Burner intends to serve in Congress the same way she has run her campaign: hanging from the cliff of the hard left, preoccupied with negative, headline-grabbing, partisan rhetoric.

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