Democratic Party of Tennessee: Sen. Alexander continues to face headwinds

FROM THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF TENNESSEE

July 18, 2008

Today, Senator Lamar Alexander's public support for the Republican Party line dismisses some renewable, safe, and clean forms of alternative energy, said Tennessee Democratic Party Chairman Gray Sasser.

The Wall Street Journal noted the senator's previously voal and long-standing opposition to wind energy in 2005 when some suspected the senator would not run for re-election. [The Wall Street Journal, "Senator is running against the wind," by Johh Fialka. June 21, 2005]

"As Senator Alexander campaigns here in Tennessee, he is not touting his opposition to wind energy," Sasser continued.

"Alexander has said on the floor of Senate that wind energy would 'destroy the American landscape.' [Remarks by Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN) on the floor of the United States Senate, May 13, 2005]

"I wonder if he has been opening those emails from constituents burdened by the rising cost of gas, or if he only consults with his neighbors in Nantucket when it comes to exploring carbon-neutral options.

"Maybe Senator Alexander is just worried that windmills will disrupt the view from his future retirment home in Massachusetts. It seems clear that campaigning on a platform that opposes clean, renewable energy is one way to hasten that retirement," concluded Sasser.