Manchester, NH -- Today, Jay Buckey, Democratic candidate for US Senate from New Hampshire, proposed a National Security Levy on oil designed to make America stronger and the economy less vulnerable to disruptions in foreign energy supplies.

"It is truly unacceptable to have American servicemen and women risking their lives overseas -- in part to protect our access to oil -- and yet not do everything we can here in New Hampshire and across the country to end our dependence on foreign oil," said Buckey, a retired Major in the Air Force Reserve. "We need to take positive action to protect our nation's security and our future."

"Right now, every time we fill up our cars, we're using our hard-earned dollars to help fund foreign oil producers in the Mideast, Russia, and elsewhere," Buckey continued. "Instead of sending billions of dollars overseas to buy energy, we should use our nation's technological skills to make the transition to renewable alternatives. The National Security Levy can help fund that transition."

The proposed National Security Levy would include a fee on all oil consumption in the United States and a price floor to stabilize the price of oil. A slow phase-in would insure against sudden shocks to consumers.

"So far, OPEC and other oil-producing countries have been able to lower and raise oil prices like puppeteers pulling the strings," Buckey said. "Alternative energy companies have often failed when oil prices were low. And American consumers – especially lower income citizens – have been stretched almost to the breaking point when prices spike. It's time to put a stop to this."

Buckey explained that the National Security Levy would be variable, depending on the world price of oil. Falling world oil prices would trigger an increase in the National Security Levy to stabilize the price in the US and provide a predictable environment for alternative energy producers. Alternatively, temporary suspension of the National Security Levy would
serve as a counterbalance in the US to spikes in the world price of oil.

Revenue from the National Security Levy would be used in two ways: 1)rebates to working families to compensate for increased energy costs, and 2)support an Apollo program for Energy to rapidly move the United States into the lead in alternative energy technology and to stimulate the economy.

"The National Security Levy will allow us to make essential investments in energy technology," Buckey explained. "With this vitally important funding, we'll be able to develop the technology we need to end our dependence on foreign oil – and move on to renewable alternatives."

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Lebanon, NH - "The Iowa caucus results show that voters want new leaders and are rejecting the politics of the past,” Jay Buckey, candidate for US Senate said today.

“The record-breaking turnout, especially among young and first-time voters, indicates that a new generation of Americans is getting involved, and they want a positive approach to change,” said Buckey.

Campaign Manager Karen Liot Hill added to Dr. Buckey’s comments: “Inspiration motivated independents, which challenges the conventional wisdom about electability. Jay leads with a vision, and that’s what we need to beat John Sununu.”

Buckey also reacted to the news that two candidates have withdrawn from the race.

"I hope that Joe Biden's sober and informed approach to Iraq and foreign policy will continue to inform our national dialogue. Chris Dodd's relentless defense of our constitution and civil liberties deserves our profound thanks," said Buckey.

"I'll miss seeing them both in New Hampshire. But I know they will be continuing their work in the Senate on our behalf. With New Hampshire’s support I hope to join them there in 2009,” Buckey added. “I'm committed to making us energy independent, curbing the influence of special interests, and keeping us competitive in the global economy."

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Lebanon, NH -- "By preventing a vote on the energy bill, our senators are working against America's national security," said Jay Buckey, democratic candidate to represent New Hampshire in the US Senate.

On Friday, an energy bill that had passed the House of Representatives was blocked in the Senate. According to the Washington Post, "the failure to close debate was a victory for the major oil companies, Southeastern utilities and coal-mining firms that had opposed the
legislation."

"Currently, the US has few energy options - and our reliance on foreign oil creates a major security threat," Buckey said. "But New Hampshire's Republican Senators, John Sununu and Judd Gregg, helped block an energy bill that would have improved mileage standards and encouraged alternative energy sources."

The US is now spending an estimated $137 billion dollars annually to protect access to the Persian Gulf and its oil resources. "Instead of access to Persian Gulf oil as a vital national security interest, moving aggressively to renewable, clean energy should be our vital national security interest," Buckey said.

With energy as a major focus of his campaign, Buckey, a scientist and former astronaut, is advocating a new Apollo-style program for energy to improve national security, protect the environment, and create new jobs in New Hampshire and throughout the US.

"Blocking the energy bill helps the oil and gas industry, not the American people," said Buckey, who is not accepting contributions from special interests. "I believe that our senators should work for national security and our future, and I'm committed to changing our country's energy policy."

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Sanbornton, NH – Speaking at a house party in Sanbornton, US Senate Candidate Jay Buckey urged House and Senate leaders to support renewable energy in the energy bill under consideration. “Taking out the renewable energy provisions would head us in exactly the wrong direction,” said Buckey. Today Buckey added,. “Renewable energy is our future, oil is our past.”

Yesterday the New York Times reported that in energy bill negotiations, support for renewable energy may be on the cutting block. The bill now includes subsidies for nuclear and coal power, as well as subsidized oil field leases. Fuel economy standards, portfolio energy requirements for energy companies, and renewable energy tax incentives are thought to be at risk in current negotiations.

Commenting today from the campaign's headquarters in Lebanon, NH Buckey said, “We have a clear choice ahead of us, We can either devote ever increasing resources to defending and securing access to petroleum resources around the world, or we can start to develop new energy options that will take us into the 21st century. The stakes are high and we should not back off from setting aggressive standards for renewable energy and fuel economy.”

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Lebanon, NH --Jay Buckey, Democratic candidate to represent New Hampshire in the U.S. Senate, said that Michael Mukasey's appointment today as Attorney General is a disappointment for anyone who values the Constitution and common sense.

"I couldn't believe that he refused to condemn water boarding,” said Buckey, a former flight surgeon in the Air Force Reserve. "Most commonsense folks would look at that and say, 'Gee, if it were done to me, I'd consider it torture.' It doesn't take a constitutional scholar to figure that out."

Buckey said that he doesn't question Mukasey's intelligence or qualifications, but he's concerned about the Attorney General's backbone, and he would have voted against Mukasey's confirmation. New Hampshire's current Senators, Republicans John Sununu and Judd Gregg, voted to confirm Mukasey.

“The Attorney General should have the strength of character to stand up to the administration and define water boarding as torture, “ said Buckey. “Terrorists present difficult issues, but we have to expect our Attorney General to uphold the Constitution. This is a time for clarity and having the courage to stand for what we believe in."

Torture is not only illegal, it's also ineffective, Buckey noted. "Our use of torture isn't scaring the terrorists, but it is alienating millions of other people throughout the world who we want on our side. I hope that in the upcoming months Attorney General Mukasey will re-think his position and condemn torture.”

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Lebanon, NH - US Senate Candidate Jay Buckey expressed disbelief that President Bush vetoed expansion of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). “Investing in children is one of the smartest things you can do for the future of the United States,” said Buckey. “Vetoing this bill is clearly the wrong move.”

“As a doctor I see what happens when people put off needed health care,” Buckey explained. “Preventive care is a cost saving measure for everyone, but proper care for children is especially important so they can avoid a lifetime of disability and health costs.“

“Expanding SCHIP is good for children and families and it’s good for our economy,” Buckey said. “It is the fiscally responsible move.”

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Senate Candidate Jay Buckey will be addressing Dartmouth College democrats and community members at thev Presidential Debate Watch Party in Leede Arena, in Hanover, NH. Buckey will speak at 8:10 PM. The Presidential Debate is sponsored by NBC, NECN, and NHPR and is coordinated by the Nelson A. Rockefeller Center for the Social Sciences, and will take place in Spaulding Auditorium. General seating tickets are no longer available, and a capacity crowd is expected.

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PRESS RELEASE
Lebanon, NH – US Senate Candidate Dr. Jay Buckey responded to the news that Katrina Swett would be withdrawing from Senate race with the following statement: "I will miss Katrina on the campaign trail. She brought great vitality and energy to the campaign."

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