For Immediate Release – Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Contact: Ben Marchi (804) 380-9240

WASHINGTON─ Today, Americans for Prosperity launched two television advertisements in Virginia highlighting the disastrous economic effects of bad global warming policy, which will result in higher taxes on energy and lost jobs.

“In a struggling economy with gas prices creeping back up and folks losing their jobs left and right, we simply cannot afford to spend billions of dollars on “green energy” that will make it more expensive to heat our homes,” said President of Americans for Prosperity, Tim Phillips.

The ads, costing more than $140,000, are set to air in Charlottesville, Roanoke, Lynchburg, and Smithfield media markets, will run through Feb. 28, starting today. There will be limited run on the FOX News and FOX News Business channels.

"Virginia is a key state for energy issues, with the General Assembly considering legislation to implement the costly recommendations of the Kaine climate panel and two U.S. senators who need to be sensitive to the state's important coal industry," said AFP Virginia State Director Ben Marchi. "I'm excited to be broadcasting these messages, which we believe will resonate with Virginians and all Americans."

The first ad suggests that Congress is listening to special interest groups rather than the average taxpaying American, and the second claims that during an economic recession, Congress needs better prioritize spending.

“Not only will Congress raise energy taxes in the name of global warming programs, but they will regulate our local businesses out of existence,” said Phillips. “We shouldn’t turn our back on energy that can be produced right here at home while providing well-paying jobs for people.”

The scripts for both television advertisements are included below and can be viewed by clicking here.

Ad #1: “Isn’t It Time Congress Listened To You?”

Hey there, I’m Carlton the wealthy eco-hypocrite.

I inherited my money and attended fancy schools.

I own three homes and five cars, but always talk with my rich friends about saving the planet.

And I want Congress to spend billions on programs in the name of global warming and green energy.

… even if it causes massive unemployment, higher energy bills and digs people like you deeper into the recession.

Who knows, I’ll probably make money off of it.

ANNONC (VO): Isn’t it time Congress listened to us and got its science and priorities straight?

Paid for by Americans for Prosperity

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Ad #2: “Tell Congress Not To Waste Our Money”

MAN: OK, we’re in a recession.

Times are tough and jobs are scarce.

Congress talks about economic recovery, but what are they doing?

Spending billions of taxpayer dollars in the name of global warming and green energy.

Who is going to bail us out and pay our bills? Instead, they will:

… Make energy more expensive

… cost us more to heat our homes

… and regulate our local businesses and our jobs out of existence

No thanks. Congress should stop wasting their time and focus on real problems.

ANNONC (VO): Isn’t it time Congress listened to the rest of us and got its science and priorities straight.

Paid for by Americans for Prosperity

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