Shocking news from Charlottesville today as the Daily Progress breaks that a DC lobbying firm forged letters claiming to be from Virginian community groups.
Bonner & Associates dispatched at least six letters to Congressman Perriello's office using the logo and name of Creciendo Juntos, a local Hispanic outreach group and the Albemarle-Charlottesville chapter of the NAACP voicing supposed opposition to the American Clean Energy and Security (ACES) Act. Both groups supported the legislation, and Tom Perriello boldly voted in favor of the crucial measure that passed the House of Representatives by a 7-vote margin.
So to recap: polluters, desperate to stop clean energy legislation, pay a DC lobbying firm to libel two Virginia community groups, all the while claiming the letters (all six of them, which were coordinated using a logo and name) were a "mistake." Their efforts fail, as "Patriot Perriello" (as we like to call him around here... at my house...) does the right thing and votes for national security and a clean future.
Even worse for Bonner & Associates, the story is now national, with Chairman Markey of Massachusetts launching a Congressional Investigation of the scam and groups like the Sierra Club and Energy Action Coalition voicing their outrage. That's a lot of attention for just one freshman Congressman... I think someone likes Tom Perriello, like, likes him. I know VAYD does.
Unfortunately, dirty tricks like this are almost expected in today's politics, but the courage of some leaders like Tom Perriello is indeed an uncommon blessing. While big-money interest groups are up to no good, Congressman Perriello does what really is right for the African-American and Hispanic communities, and he knows what is best for our national security, our economy, and our earth. Young voters were key to his victory in 2008, if we don't step up in 2010, Washington will lose a precious voice of courage.
