July 14, 2010--Ivy, VA--The Perriello campaign said today it has agreed to a televised debate to which all three candidates on the ballot have been invited. The debate, produced by WDBJ7 in Roanoke, will allow 5th district voters the opportunity to learn about the candidates' positions on major issues facing Virginia and the nation. Although Sen. Robert Hurt has switched his position on his willingness to debate third-party candidate Jeffrey Clark, the Perriello campaign--joined by a chorus of 5th district editorial pages of all ideological stripes--is urging participation from both opponents. 

"There is no tradition more tried and true in our American democracy than the debate. Tom looks forward to informing the voters of his record of results, as well as to engaging with the other candidates about their ideas for how to improve competitive advantage in our local economy," said Lise Clavel, campaign manager for the Perriello campaign. "We urge Sen. Hurt and Mr. Clark to quickly agree to this debate so that 5th district voters may be best equipped to make an informed choice in November." 

Today, the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture successfully passed H.R. 4785, the Rural Energy Savings Program Act—known as “Rural Star”—clearing it for a vote by the full House of Representatives. The bill, which Congressman Tom Perriello originally cosponsored and is championing in Congress, would establish a loan program to create an estimated 20,000 to 40,000 jobs a year while saving Virginia families and businesses money on their electric bills. Today, Perriello called on his colleagues in Congress to pass the bill into law before the August recess.

“Especially in the past year when we’ve experienced extreme temperatures and weather both in the winter and in the summer, saving Virginia families money on their heating and cooling bills can make a big difference. These energy efficiency upgrades will lower energy costs and put Virginians back to work right away manufacturing and installing this technology. I’m thrilled to see the Rural Star bill moving forward and I urge my colleagues to pass this much-needed job-creating measure before the August recess,” said Perriello.

Perriello has been a champion of clean energy jobs in Virginia, creating a “New Energy” Blueprint to put the 5th district at the forefront of this burgeoning industry. In the past year, significant progress has been made in the area of energy efficiency, with federal funding from the Recovery Act supporting weatherization of 824 homes in the 5th district, a 70% increase from previous years.

Today, the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture successfully passed H.R. 4785, the Rural Energy Savings Program Act—known as “Rural Star”—clearing it for a vote by the full House of Representatives. The bill, which Congressman Tom Perriello originally cosponsored and is championing in Congress, would establish a loan program to create an estimated 20,000 to 40,000 jobs a year while saving Virginia families and businesses money on their electric bills. Today, Perriello called on his colleagues in Congress to pass the bill into law before the August recess.

“Especially in the past year when we’ve experienced extreme temperatures and weather both in the winter and in the summer, saving Virginia families money on their heating and cooling bills can make a big difference. These energy efficiency upgrades will lower energy costs and put Virginians back to work right away manufacturing and installing this technology. I’m thrilled to see the Rural Star bill moving forward and I urge my colleagues to pass this much-needed job-creating measure before the August recess,” said Perriello.

Perriello has been a champion of clean energy jobs in Virginia, creating a “New Energy” Blueprint to put the 5th district at the forefront of this burgeoning industry. In the past year, significant progress has been made in the area of energy efficiency, with federal funding from the Recovery Act supporting weatherization of 824 homes in the 5th district, a 70% increase from previous years.

 Campaign Fueled by Grassroots Support, with 97% of Donations Below $200 

July 12, 2010—Ivy, VA—The Perriello campaign announced today that, because of Congressman Tom Perriello's strong grassroots support in the 5th district, it has raised more than $660,000 in the second quarter of 2010, breaking their record from last quarter and bringing their cycle total to almost $2.3 million. The campaign surges into the summer with $1.7 million cash on hand, enabling them to reach more voters and quantifying the wide support Perriello receives from across the district.

Continuing to reject funds from federal lobbyists and corporate PACs, the campaign reported that individual donors made more than 98% of contributions this quarter. Other freshmen representatives from similarly competitive districts have received an average of $250,000 in contributions from federal lobbyists and corporate PACs this cycle. 

The campaign is gaining momentum, with 62% of contributors giving for the first time and 97% of donations below $200, demonstrating the success of the campaign's grassroots support. The campaign has received contributions from citizens in every one of the district's 22 localities. 

Tom enjoys talking with people at the Chatham Bluegrass and BBQ Independence Day Bash.