Doug Cloud looks at the energy crisis and sees solutions. His opponent sees an opportunity for politicians, bureaucrats and special interests to get change, your change, and advance flawed ideas and laws. With Americans hurting at the pump, the incumbent voted to stifle debate in Congress because Nancy Pelosi was afraid of the solutions the American people wanted. Doug Cloud will bring independent leadership to D.C. that looks to solve problems instead of denying their existence.

As energy prices skyrocket, fall a little and then start climbing again, we can feel the heavy hand of government picking our pockets every day. Doug Cloud knows the only solution is to let energy producers do what they do best: produce energy at prices we can afford.

Politicians and bureaucrats aren't qualified to tell energy producers how to do their jobs. Energy producers, who are educated and trained to specialize in their fields, will find ways to cleanly and safely find new fuel sources. By these producers operating in a free, less-regulated market prices will go down. Otherwise, these companies will go broke, or more likely come to the government for a bail-out as the banks are now.

You probably wouldn't accept election to office as criteria for someone to build you a house, fix your car or perform surgery on you. Neither should politicians and bureaucrats be trusted to decide how best to do the jobs of scientists and business leaders, especially when all they're really able to do is tax and regulate - which raises prices.

Doug Cloud is committed to encouraging an increase in American-made energy supplies while protecting the environment. We have untapped resources at home we should allow to compete on the world market. There are new technologies which have only government regulations standing between us and the cheaper prices they would create.

All this can be done while encouraging improvement in energy conservation and efficiency. Cutting regulations will get industry moving, but strategically cutting taxes for companies which are responsible to the communities and countryside they operate in will ensure pollution remains at a minimum. If a company pollutes, they must pay for the damages and the clean-up.

Also renewable and alternative energy technologies must be allowed to come online while remaining competitive. Even with the hype of global warming theory and emphasis on 'sustainability', there is hypocrisy in government policies that restrict industries, like solar, which so much investment and taxpayer money is being used to develop and promote. Doug Cloud can do better, and he will do it by doing his job smarter. Doug Cloud will bring Washington the change we deserve.