Hurt Refuses to Oppose Korean Free Trade Agreement, Would Protect Tax Breaks for Companies that Ship Jobs Overseas

July 28, 2010--Ivy, VA--Despite representing Southern Virginia during the worst job losses in our area's history, Sen. Robert Hurt still refuses to oppose trade agreements that send American jobs overseas. Again yesterday, he refused to oppose expanding NAFTA-style agreements to cover South Korea and other countries. Yesterday, Rep. Perriello reiterated his opposition to those bad deals. Rep. Perriello has voted to close the outsourcing tax loopholes for companies that ship jobs overseas, while Robert Hurt has already pledged to Washington groups to protect those tax breaks.

"Only a career politician like Sen. Hurt could be so out of touch; while 5th district constituents lost 5,900 jobs since he's been in office because of our trade deficit with China, he simply has no opinion on the very issues that have killed jobs in our community. Instead of representing the district, he has literally promised to answer to corporate groups in Washington,” said Lise Clavel, campaign manager for the Perriello campaign. "Tom has the courage to challenge his own president and the powerful corporate interests to do what is right for American workers. Sadly, Sen. Hurt seems willing to take the path of least resistance that leaves his own neighbors unemployed. What's worse, when jobs are shipped overseas, he'll continue to oppose unemployment benefits for our citizens who have lost their jobs because of these deals. Tom fights Wall Street and Washington special interests to give the working and middle class a chance while others sell out Southside Virginia."   

Background:

• Robert Hurt has refused to state his opposition to the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement and wondered whether such free-trade agreements create jobs in Virginia [Danville Register & Bee, 7/27/10]
• Virginia's 5th congressional district has lost 5,900 jobs to China during 2001-2008 [Alliance for American Manufacturing]
• Rep. Perriello voted to close the tax loopholes that protect corporations who ship jobs overseas while the Republican caucus and leadership opposed the measure [Roll Call #324, 5/28/10]
• Sen. Hurt also opposed extending unemployment benefits to workers who have earned them [Martinsville Bulletin, 7/23/10]
• Sen. Hurt has signed a pledge by Americans for Tax Reform, a Washington group, that would force him to side with corporations who ship jobs overseas over the interests of his own constituents [TPM, 1/4/10]