Media Area!
Eric Schansberg
Libertarian Candidate for Congress (9th District, U.S.)
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Media Contact:
Melanie Hughes,
Media contact.
Press Releases!
July 14, 2008
Schansberg press conference about gas prices and energy policy on Wednesday in Jeffersonville
Eric Schansberg will hold a press conference at Warder Park in Jeffersonville on Wednesday, July 16th at 9:30 AM—to address a variety of issues about gas prices, "energy independence", and federal policy. (Warder Park is located at the corner of Court Avenue and Spring Street in downtown Jeffersonville.)
Dr. Schansberg is an economics professor at Indiana University Southeast and the Libertarian candidate for Congress in the 9th District.
In his prepared remarks, Dr. Schansberg will address:
- the importance of expanding domestic drilling of the Gulf Coast and in ANWR
- the dramatic but overlooked impact of the weaker dollar on the price of gas
- the (limited) usefulness of reducing the size of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve
- proposed policies that cannot significantly decrease the price of gas: windfall profits taxes and additional regulation on "speculators" and "price gougers"
- why subsidizing oil companies and alternative energy is a bad idea
the likely reason for much higher prices (recently) in Jefferson County and Southern Indiana
Dr. Schansberg will also be pleased to field questions from members of the press about gas prices, energy policy—or anything else related to the campaign.
His remarks will be passed out at the press conference and provided by email on request.
For more information on the campaign, see: www.SchansbergForCongress.com.
To schedule an interview, contact Eric Schansberg at (812) 218-0443, Melanie Hughes at (502) 432-1930, or send an email to SchansbergForCongress@gmail.com.
July 8, 2008
Schansberg: Hill is blowing smoke on gas prices
During recent TV interviews on Louisville's WAVE-3 and Indy's WTHR-13, Baron Hill asserted that speculators in the futures market are causing gas prices to be as much as 50% higher. Hill cited unnamed economists in making this claim.
Eric Schansberg, an economics professor and the Libertarian candidate for Congress in the 9th District, found this incredulous. "I can't imagine an economist making that claim. If it's true, he and Baron should take advantage of their superior knowledge of the market, change their investments, and make a ton of money."
Schansberg continued: "This is doubly frustrating since Baron refuses to debate me on gas prices—after repeatedly demanding a debate on this single topic in May 2006. The funny thing is that he dismissed 'those fancy economists' during our 2006 debate in Jasper [on the minimum wage]."
Schansberg added: "I think he's confused about $2.75 per gallon gasoline. That's about the price we'd have for gas if the dollar had not been devalued since 2002. President Bush and his Congresses (including Baron Hill and Mike Sodrel) bear considerable responsibility for that, given their avid pursuit of government spending and debt.
Beyond the increasing pain at the pump over the last few years, gas prices have been even higher in Louisville and Southern Indiana recently. Schansberg said, "This is probably the result of supply and demand for the particular gasoline required by the EPA. People often imagine that there is a single market for gasoline. But EPA regulations fragment the market into what economists call 'boutique fuels'. This results in otherwise surprising price differentials between counties and greater price fluctuations in these regulated markets."
For more information on the campaign, see: www.SchansbergForCongress.com.
July 1, 2008
Congressional Candidate Eric Schansberg on IN-9 News
Eric speaks out about the energy crisis. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mSdsGOvtFU
June 30, 2008
Schansberg pumps gas in Salem, criticizes Hill and Sodrel on energy policy positions
On Tuesday July 1st, Dr. Eric Schansberg, the Libertarian candidate for Indiana's 9th District, will be the guest on WSLM's live show "Coffee Talk" (Salem; Channel 17; 8:00-8:30 AM). Afterwards, he will pump gas and talk with voters at S&S Petroleum in Salem (1306 W. Mulberry St.) from 8:45-9:45 AM.
Schansberg also took the occasion to criticize Baron Hill and Mike Sodrel for their remarks last week on gas prices and energy policy.
About Hill, Schansberg remarked: "Baron seems to think that more government and regulating markets is the answer. He pushed for tighter fuel efficiency standards, but higher gas prices will encourage people to demand more fuel-efficient cars quite naturally. And he wants to regulate the futures market and reduce the number of investors. At best, that's pandering and it may make things worse by limiting competition in the futures market."
Continuing, Schansberg said, "I agree with Baron about reducing the size of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). But strangely, he seems to think that a modest adjustment to the SPR will have a dramatic impact on price, while increasing oil production by far more will do nothing to the futures market."
About Sodrel, Schansberg commented: "I agree with Mike that drilling off the Gulf Coast and in ANWR is a no-brainer. But he wants to take money from taxpayers to give to oil companies and to companies developing alternative energies. In this time of massive government debt—which weakens the dollar and has dramatically driven up the price of oil—more spending is not the answer."
Continuing, Schansberg said, "Mike talks about the power of market incentives, but then he argues for government subsidies. There's so much money on the table right now—all the incentive needed for entrepreneurs to innovate. Why should the government take money from taxpayers and try to pick winners?"
June 25, 2008
Schansberg completes tour of business districts, looks forward to county fairs and campaign's first radio ad
On Tuesday, Eric Schansberg, the Libertarian candidate in Indiana's 9th District for the U.S. House, completed his tour of the 9th's business districts. Schansberg walked through 38 cities and towns, meeting small business owners and their employees.
Schansberg said, "Most of the time, it was just a brief introduction. But I really enjoyed talking at greater length with many people—talking with them about economics and public policy and hearing their desire to have someone new in Washington."
On Thursday, Schansberg will campaign with his wife Tonia at the Dearborn County fair—the first of 20 county fairs in the 9th District over the next six weeks.
And next week, Schansberg will debut his radio ad of the campaign—on gas prices. The 60-second ad will run more than 500 times on 10 different stations across the district over the next five weeks. The ad can also be heard at www.EricForCongress.com.
Schansberg said, "The price of gas is the burning issue of this campaign so far. Baron has been unwilling to debate me—despite his repeated demand for a debate on gas prices in May 2006. I'm sorry to see Baron's hypocrisy but understand why he'd be embarrassed. We should start drilling for oil off the Gulf Coast and in ANWR—and we should stop devaluing the dollar through massive government spending and debt. We hope to turn up the heat on Baron through these ads."
June 9, 2008
Schansberg makes tax returns available
Late last week, Rep. Baron Hill released nine years of tax returns to the press. The Libertarian candidate in the 9th District, Dr. Eric Schansberg, has decided to follow suit and make the same information available upon request.
Schansberg said: "I can't say that I'm excited to make my personal finances a matter of such public record. But I'm willing to provide the same information. And perhaps it will give people some insight into the character of the candidates."
Schansberg added: "Perhaps this is a more subtle way for Baron to underline Mike Sodrel's wealth. If so, I guess that's an improvement over repeatedly calling him "Millionaire Mike".
June 2, 2008
Schansberg Wins National Award
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Libertarian Party proudly announces recipients of this year’s Thomas Paine, Samuel Adams, and Thomas Jefferson awards. These awards are given out every four years at the Presidential Nominating Convention. They are given to individuals whose achievements place them among the best activists in the history of the LP.
Read the full article: http://www.lpin.org/node/158
June 2, 2008
Libertarian Schansberg Wins National Recognition
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - The Libertarian Party proudly announces Libertarian activist and candidate for Indiana's 9th District U.S. Congressional seat, Dr. Eric Schansberg, is the recipient of this year's Thomas Paine Award as the nation's leading communicator of libertarian ideals. This award is given every two years at the biennial national conventions. It is given to individuals whose achievements place them among the best activists in the history of the LP.
"I'm honored to receive the award and humbled to join the company of such fine previous winners," comments Schansberg. "I want to thank those who have multiplied my efforts (mostly behind the scenes), especially those on my 2006 and 2008 congressional campaign teams, those in leadership in the LPIN, and Craig Ladwig at Indiana Policy Review."
Schansberg, of Jeffersonville, has run for public office and is running again again this year for Congress. He is the author of three books on limited government, regularly writes articles for the Indiana Policy Review Journal, and publishes an influential blog called the "SchansBlog."
"In our time, we have a tremendous opportunity to communicate a message of Freedom -- with people who are increasingly disenchanted with the Republicans and Democrats. May we apply ourselves more diligently and creatively to that end," recommended the economist from southern Indiana.
Schansberg shares the 2008 award with Missouri libertarian, Michael Ferguson.
About Libertarian Party of Indiana
For more information on the Libertarian Party of Indiana visit
www.lpin.org
May 27 , 2008
Schansberg again urges Hill to debate on gas prices—or at least to return phone calls
After challenging Rep. Baron Hill to a debate on gas prices two weeks ago, Dr. Eric Schansberg's campaign has yet to hear back from Hill's campaign. Hill has responded through the media (in a News-Tribune story), but has not yet extended the dignity of returning a phone call.
Dr. Schansberg is following the tradition established by Rep. Hill in May 2006 when Hill challenged former Rep. Mike Sodrel to a debate on gas prices. Gas prices have risen 68% since Hill returned to Washington DC.
Quoting Hill's press release from May 2006: "One week after challenging Congressman Mike Sodrel to an immediate debate over gas prices, Baron Hill has yet to hear back from Sodrel. On Primary Night, Hill demanded a debate in Southern Indiana on or before Friday, May 12, claiming Hoosiers deserve to hear the two candidates talk about the current gas crisis…"
Schansberg said: "The hypocrisy of repeatedly demanding a debate in 2006 and refusing to debate in 2008 is embarrassing."
Schansberg added: "But I understand why Rep. Hill would run away from a debate with me about gas prices. His party supports a range of policies that reduce supply and thus, increase prices. He supports massive government spending and debt, which weakens the dollar and drives up the price of imports including oil. Besides, why would a politician want to debate an economist about economics?"
May 15 , 2008
Schansberg challenges Hill to debate on gas prices
After challenging Rep. Baron Hill to a debate on gas prices, Eric Schansberg has yet to hear back from Hill's campaign. Dr. Schansberg is following the tradition set by Hill in May 2006 when Hill challenged former Rep. Mike Sodrel to a debate on gas prices.
Hill demanded a debate with Sodrel in 2006 after average gas prices increased from $1.99 in November 2004 (when Sodrel entered office) to $2.87 in May 2006—a 44% increase. Since Hill returned to Congress in November 2006, gas prices have risen from $2.23 to $3.74—a 68% increase.
"Voters deserve an explanation from Congressman Hill," Schansberg said. "Baron thought this was an important issue in 2006. Surely, he will want to address it now."
Schansberg added: "As an economist, I know that gas prices are determined by the market. And we all know that Democrats support a range of policies that restrict the supply of oil and gas—and thus, keep prices higher. Baron also supports increased government spending and debt, which continue to weaken the dollar and drive up the price of imported oil."
"That's why we need a change in Washington – a change of direction to help Southern Indiana families," Schansberg said. "I understand the hardships working families face, and in Congress, I'll support measures that will increase the supply of oil and lower gas prices—instead of sending taxpayer dollars to special interest groups like oil companies and corporations that produce alternative energy."
April 9, 2008
Hill Flunks Again
The National Taxpayers Union has just released their annual report on Congressional spending. (The report is available at: http://www.ntu.org/main/components/ratescongress/index2.php3.)
Rep. Baron Hill received his fifth F for his seven years in Congress. (The other two years, he received a D.) His score of 14% puts him in the NTU’s category, “Big Spender”.
Mike Pence again topped the Indiana delegation with an A. Dan Burton earned an A this year as well, while Steve Buyer earned a B+ and Mark Souder earned a B-.
In his two years in Congress, Mike Sodrel earned a B and then a C+.
(See: http://www.ntu.org/main/components/ratescongress/details_all_years.php3?house_id=912.)
As a Libertarian, Eric Schansberg expects to easily earn an A from the NTU.
About Hill, Schansberg said: “This is just one more indication that Baron Hill is a poser on the topic of fiscal conservatism. I understand why he wants the title, but his record simply doesn’t match the label. He might as well try to tell us that he’s pro-life and wants to bring the troops home quickly.”
About the campaign, Schansberg said: “It’s clear that I’m the only fiscal conservative in the race. If the size of the federal government and its budget debt are important to voters, then I’m glad to give them a voting option in November.”
April 1, 2008
Schansberg completes successful 1st quarter of fund-raising
In their 1st quarter report to the Federal Election Commission (FEC), Schansberg's campaign had contributions of nearly $14,000 and cash-on-hand of almost $15,000.
Dr. Eric Schansberg, the Libertarian candidate for the U.S. House (9th District—IN), will be opposing the winner of the May primaries—most likely, Baron Hill and Mike Sodrel.
Schansberg said, "We're happy with the outcome. Last time, we were just getting started in April. This time, as we go into April, our cash-on-hand is almost as much as we raised in cash from individuals in all of 2006. We look forward to a vigorous campaign with thousands of radio and cable TV ads."
When asked how this compares to the fund-raising of Hill and Sodrel, Schansberg replied, "It's not nearly as much. But we're running a much leaner campaign. And we won't have to spend nearly that much to generate a lot of buzz about the campaign."
Schansberg also noted an irony: "When they raise more money, that means they'll be spending more money on attack ads and annoying mailings. The more they spend, the more they irritate a lot of voters."
March 14 , 2008
Schansberg to speak at events commemorating the 5th anniversary of the War in Iraq
On Wednesday, March 19th, Dr. Eric Schansberg will speak at the memorial event organized by the Louisville Peace Committee and the demonstration organized by the Bloomington Peace Action Coalition. Schansberg will probably speak between 11:30 and 12:00 in Louisville (at the Jefferson County Courthouse)—and will speak between 6:00 and 6:30 in Bloomington (at Showers Plaza).
In Bloomington, Schansberg will be joined by the other two active anti-war candidates for the 9th District seat—two competitors in the Democratic primary, Gretchen Clearwater and John Bottorff.
Schansberg advocates a “rapid, safe and complete withdrawal” of American troops: “This is in our best interests strategically. We should have imminent troop reductions and complete withdrawal within the next 6-12 months.”
Schansberg pointed to the immense cost of the War and its contribution to our growing national debt: “The debt will be paid by our children and grand-children. In the meantime, we have a weakening dollar and its contributions to a weaker economy and higher gas prices.”
Beyond the cost of the War in terms of dollars and lives, Schansberg emphasized it as a catalyst for further terrorism: “As Robert Pape’s book Dying to Win makes clear, suicide terrorism occurs when people who are weak militarily believe that their land is being occupied. We promised to get out of the Middle East after the Persian Gulf War. We didn’t do that. Al-Queda sees us as imperialistic occupiers of their Holy Land. And until we leave, they will continue to attack us—in Iraq and here if possible. The best thing we can do is to leave Iraq and the Middle East as soon as possible.”
Schansberg criticized Rep. Baron Hill (D-IN) in particular. “He votes for non-binding resolutions and his rhetoric is pretty good. But he votes to finance the War over and over again. So we know that he’s not at all serious about bringing the troops home.”
February 9 , 2008
Schansberg criticizes Baron Hill, Congress, President Bush for Stimulus Package
Dr. Eric Schansberg criticized the $167 billion “stimulus package” passed by the House and Senate on Thursday. President Bush had called for such a measure and has promised to sign the bill next week.
Schansberg, a Professor of Economics, said that it is not clear whether the economy is in a recession or even a significant economic slowdown. “There’s an old joke about economists—that we’ve predicted nine of the last five recessions”.
Even if we’re in a slowdown or a recession, the stimulus would probably be too late to be effective. Schansberg said, “Attempts to engage in fiscal policy are notoriously slow. It takes time to recognize a problem, to implement a solution, and to see the solution have its impact. In this case, the Treasury will be mailing out checks all summer long.”
Schansberg also questioned whether the plan is ethical. “Even if this would work, why is ethical to take money from the future taxpayers who will have to pay for it? The President and the Congress are, again, spiking the budget deficit and the national debt.”
On this, Schansberg singled out Baron Hill (D-IN) in particular—for his vote in favor of the package. “He likes to claim that he is a fiscal conservative. All I can say is that I appreciate his sense of humor about such things.”
Schansberg pointed to politics and the November election as the catalyst for the legislation. “Politicians are trying to buy our votes with the money of future generations. It will be interesting to see whether the public rewards them in November.”
October 9 , 2007
Schansberg welcomes Sodrel back to the race
On Tuesday, Dr. Eric Schansberg welcomed former Representative Mike Sodrel to the 2008 race for Indiana’s 9th District U.S. House seat. Sodrel joins Schansberg and Repesentative Hill for a second campaign together—after a close race in 2006. (Hill received 50.0% of the vote; Sodrel received 45.5%; and Schansberg received 4.5%.) Sodrel and Hill also battled in 2002 and 2004.
Schansberg said, “I’ll continue to raise important public policy issues and promote a useful discussion of those issues. As in the last campaign, I will run educational and entertaining ads. I hope Hill and Sodrel will do these things too.”
On the differences between himself and Sodrel, Schansberg said, “Although there’s still only one fiscal conservative in the race, Sodrel will compete with me for pro-life voters. Voters will now have two pro-life choices: a candidate who voted twice to take money from taxpayers to give to Planned Parenthood—and a candidate who would never do that.”
Contrasting himself with Hill, Schansberg said, “I look forward to engaging Hill as well. I hope that he’ll get much more aggressive in pushing to get our troops out of Iraq. And I hope that he’ll join me in addressing some issues of vital significance to the working poor and middle class—payroll taxes, Social Security reform, and significant education reform.”
Learn more about the campaign!