Obama's man in Virginia

Senator Mark Warner is sending out this email to his constituents with the basic message of 1) pass the blame, 2) echo the Fear-Monger-In-Chief, and 3) a disingenuous pledge that the money will create jobs and there will be oversight.

"Thank you for contacting me with your views on the economic stimulus package. In order to best represent you as your United States Senator, it is vital that I hear your view on this and other important matters.

We have received a large volume of correspondence from across the Commonwealth both in favor and opposed to the stimulus. I certainly understand concerns about the size and scope of the bill and about certain provisions included in the package, especially in light of how poorly the first half of the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) has been administered. In the Senate, I will continue to work with the new Administration on the expenditure of the second half of TARP to ensure more accountability and transparency so that Virginians know exactly how this money is being utilized.

In regards to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, although no effort on this scale will be perfect, President Obama and the relevant Congressional committees have been in close consultation with state and local officials and a wide range of economic experts to develop an approach which represents a prudent and effective path to economic recovery. As a newly-elected Senator, I have come to this process late in the game, but I am working to make certain that these funds are directly targeted to job creation and "shovel ready" initiatives. To do nothing in the face of this economic crisis could lead to catastrophic consequences for small businesses and working families across the country.

The committees drafting the legislation have provided for unprecedented oversight, accountability and transparency in the measure so that taxpayers' money is handled carefully and used in the most efficient and effective manner possible. You should know that a Recovery Act and Transparency Board will oversee the disbursement of the funds and a website provided by the White House, www.recovery.gov, will post detailed information about recovery spending.

Again, thank you for your input. As we move forward in the 111th Congress, please continue to be in touch with your opinions and concerns."

Sincerely,
MARK R. WARNER
United States Senator