Nullification!
I have no idea why cap-and-trade is an issue in Virginia’s attorney general race, but Republican candidate Ken Cuccinelli had this to say on the subject at RedState (note: “Ration and Tax” is Cuccinelli’s preferred name for cap-and-trade):
As Attorney General, I will use the tools of the office, including the 10th Amendment, to oppose “Ration and Tax” and to preserve the opportunity for Virginians to have the energy they need to be successful in today’s difficult economy.
Now, I think cap-and-trade is bad policy on the merits, particularly in the midst of a difficult recession. But what does “including the 10th Amendment” mean in this context? Is Virginia going to unilaterally nullify federal emissions regulations? I can’t think of any other possible explanation for Cuccinelli’s comment, and I’d be curious to hear his constitutional rationale for ignoring national cap-and-trade legislation.
Here’s your Saturday Night Jukebox:
I saw these guys at the 9:30 club last week. As always, they rocked the casbah.
Republicans are all about federalism when it comes to giving them cover for ignoring (Democrats’) laws they don’t like.
But when the GOP holds the reins of power in Washington, no state should dare try that sh1t.
As for BtS, great band but not very outgoing in concert. When I saw them in Orlando a few years ago, they must’ve said less than 20 words to the audience. But the encore cover of “White Man in Hammersmith Palais” was a nice touch.Report
I’ve seen them three times, and they’re never very loquacious. But they do play a great live set.Report
It would seem as if the 10th Amendment has joined the great pantheon of right wing nonsense. Someone should ask Cuccinelli if he can even recite the text of the 10th, let alone describe any of the 10th A. jurisprudence. Perhaps he has copies of Randy Barnett’s old books, but I rather doubt it.Report
3 things:
1. Cooch!
2. It seems like every red-leaning state legislature has passed a resolution condemning cap-and-trade. Short of nullification, however, I am not sure how a state could actually opt-out of the scheme. Similar to Sanford’s stimulus efforts, you would also short-change your companies from being able to take advantage of allowance freebies.
3. I believe the head of Virginia’s manufacturing group is testifying in front of Barbara Boxer’s committee on the bill this week. Maybe he has some ideas.Report