Ad blasts Goode for support of 'Big Oil'

A new radio advertisement condemning Congressman Virgil Goode's purported "support of big oil companies" hit airwaves this week, turning up the heat on the race for the 5th District seat.

Sponsored by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, the ad features a George W. Bush-esque voice leaving a message on Goode's answering machine.

"Virgie," the Bush-impersonator voice says, "'W'" here...'Preciate you voting to keep giving billions in tax breaks to the big oil companies...Sure, gasoline is over four bucks a gallon and the oil companies are making record profits but what's good for Big Oil is good for America, right?" the ad states, as the voice chuckles.

The ad refers to Goode's votes on congressional bills pertaining to oil companies and renewable energy, according to Kyra Jennings with the DCCC.

Specifically, the organization wants to highlight Goode's vote against the Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Act of 2008, she said Tuesday.

The bill would have provided tax incentives for renewable energy production and energy conservation. It also would have rescinded tax breaks for major oil companies' income from domestic oil and gas production and increased taxes on companies that had more than $1 billion assets in 2013.

"This is just one example against the needs and priorities of the hardworking people of the 5th District," Jennings said.

Maintaining his long-held position, Goode said Tuesday that while he supports alternative energy initiatives, he voted against the bill because he believes it would discourage domestic production of fossil fuels.

"Immediately, I think we need to have a pro-drill policy," he said.

Goode pointed out his support of an initiative of the Institute for Advanced Learning & Research to experiment converting switch grass into fuel. He said he also has co-sponsored legislation on solar and wind power. But, Goode added, policy priority should be on domestic drilling.

Last week, Goode voted against the so-called "Responsible Federal Oil and Gas Lease Act" that would have stopped the secretary of the interior from issuing new federal oil and gas leases to big oil companies, effectively forcing them to explore only the 68 million acres of land they already lease from the government.

The incumbent congressman has consistently advocated lifting the existing moratorium on drilling in the Artic National Wildlife Refuge and he has reiterated his strong support of drilling in the inter-continental shelf, Alaska, and New Mexico. Goode maintains authorizing the drilling would have an immediate impact on the price of gas.

"The world would know that the U.S. is finally serious (about domestic production) ... and will not be held captive to the League of Conservation Voters and the Sierra Club," he said.

The radio ad is not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee; the DCCC is solely responsible for its content.

This is the first tangible element of support the DCCC has given its candidate, Charlottesville Democrat Tom Perriello, in the 5th District race.

"We think that Tom Perriello is a strong challenger who offers a change and opportunity for working Americans," Jennings said. "He will be a representative for the working families of the 5th District rather than someone who puts the needs of big oil companies first."

Jennings said the ad is running this week to highlight the fact that while many people are struggling to get to work every day because of high gas prices, pain at the pump is particularly acute this week as families can't afford to take vacations for the long July 4th weekend.

Sarah Arkin is a staff writer for the Danville Register & Bee in Danville, Va.