California Dreamin'

Once again in the grip of his love-hate affair with the state of California, Mr. Rogers has co-sponsored a bill with Democratic Rep. Ellen Tauscher (CA-10) to direct federal dollars to encourage local van pools.

Mr. Rogers co-chairs the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Caucus with Rep. Tauscher; they've also co-sponsored a crib safety bill.   

In fact, Mr. Rogers has a pretty good track record of collaborating with California Democrats.  In addition to Rep. Tauscher, he's worked with Rep. Lois Capps (CA-23) on a pain relief bill and Rep. Jane Harman (CA-36) on the Select Agent Program for bioterrorism. His super-special CalCongressPal is Rep. Anna Eshoo (CA-14): they've co-sponsored a number of bills, including coverage for cancer medication, the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), and directed the EPA to study data center efficiency.

You have to wonder, though, what Reps. Eshoo, Capps, Harman & Tauscher think when their legislative buddy comes out with gems like:  

"American families ought to decide what cars they want to drive, not the state of California where extremism continues to damage the manufacture of American cars and hurt American workers."

and this:

"This reckless decision overturns an important increase in fuel efficiency and an essential improvement in vehicle safety," Rogers said. "It is further proof of why we need a real energy bill that embraces innovation and stops California politicians and judges from designing American cars and trucks."

Seems like Mr. Rogers is OK with extremist California politicians as long as they agree with him...