GREGG CAMPAIGN REACTS TO HOLCOMB FALSE ATTACK

 GREGG CAMPAIGN REACTS TO HOLCOMB FALSE ATTACK

INDIANAPOLIS – Following today’s launch of a false and negative television spot by the Lt. Governor Eric Holcomb, Gregg for Governor campaign manager Tim Henderson released the following comment:

“It’s disappointing that two days after being handpicked by 22 insiders in a backroom deal, Eric Holcomb is going negative with false attacks like this — but it’s not surprising. As a candidate for four different offices and as a state party chairman, he has earned the reputation as a political hatchet-man who makes over-the-top claims that aren’t based in facts or reality. A simple internet search produces ample evidence of John Gregg’s position on this issue, his support for coal miners, coal jobs and his disagreements with those in his own party. This attack reinforces the notion that Eric Holcomb is more interested playing politics than on actually working to improve the lives of middle class Hoosier families.”

For more information on John Gregg, Christina Hale or their campaign, please visit www.greggforgovernor.com or call 317-510-1876.

Gregg: “I’m a big supporter of coal. I’ve disagreed in the past with President Obama’s position on coal for a lot of reasons but, number one, I believe in energy independence. Coal is very important to our economy in Southwest Indiana.” “I think energy independence is important,” he said. “I’m a big supporter of coal. I’ve disagreed in the past with President Obama’s position on coal for a lot of reasons but, number one, I believe in energy independence. Coal is very important to our economy in Southwest Indiana.” He said coal is important to the many people who made their living from coal in this area but, beyond that, it is important to the state for other reasons from coal-fired electrical generation to coal used by divergent industries such as steel and motor vehicle manufacturing.” [Brazil Times, 7/26/2016]

Gregg has been a “longtime coal advocate.” “The topic at hand is the EPA’s Clean Power Plan and its potential impact on existing coal-fired power plants and on Indiana consumers and businesses. It will no doubt be an issue in the 2016 governor’s race, as Pence’s campaign has quietly pushed Democratic opponent John Gregg – a longtime coal advocate – to state his position. Gregg would take a different approach but doesn’t disagree on the possible consequences of the rule. The plan sets goals for states to cut carbon pollution that is driving climate change, and it shows the world that the United States is committed to leading global efforts to address climate change, according to the EPA. [Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, 9/13/15]

Gregg worked for two coal companies in Indiana, Peabody and Amax. “Most Indiana utilities generate the bulk of their power by burning coal. Gregg, an attorney who has worked for two coal companies with Indiana operations, Peabody and Amax, said he hasn’t studied the proposed rules enough to know if he opposes them entirely. But he believes in general that the administration should try to work more closely with the industry. And he said the failure to do so has hurt the Democratic Party in coal mining areas of the country. “It has turned the southwest Indiana area from what used to be a Democratic bastion almost into a Republican stronghold,” he said. “If you knock this industry out, it cripples my part of the state.”” [Indianapolis Star, 9/7/14]

Gregg’s “career is inextricably linked with the coal industry.” “With regard to Obama’s new federal air quality standards, Gregg, whose career is inextricably linked with the coalindustry, vaguely said he is in favor of developing a statewide plan instead of being forced to adopt a federal plan. He did not offer specifics. And Gregg has also not said how he would handle the settling of Syrian refugees in Indiana, after Pence blocked state agencies from disbursing federal refugee aid amid national securities concerns following the deadly attacks in Paris.” [Associated Press, 12/6/15]

John Gregg led a pro-coal Democratic organization. “John Gregg wants the president to know it’s not just Republicans who are upset about the impact of his environmental policies on the coal industry. “I’m a Democrat and I disagree vehemently with the president’s position on what he’s doing to coal,” said Gregg, the former Indiana House speaker and 2012 gubernatorial candidate.That’s why Gregg is among the leaders of the “CoalBlue Project” a coalition of current and former public officials trying to change the perception that their party is anti-coal.” [Indianapolis Star, 9/7/14]

Gregg suggested working with coal companies to ensure good policy. “Most Indiana utilities generate the bulk of their power by burning coal. Gregg, an attorney who has worked for two coal companies with Indiana operations, Peabody and Amax, said he hasn’t studied the proposed rules enough to know if he opposes them entirely. But he believes in general that the administration should try to work more closely with the industry. And he said the failure to do so has hurt the Democratic Party in coal mining areas of the country. “It has turned the southwest Indiana area from what used to be a Democratic bastion almost into a Republican stronghold,” he said. “If you knock this industry out, it cripples my part of the state.”” [Indianapolis Star, 9/7/14]

HEADLINE: “Gregg Objects to Obama’s Coal Policy” [Indianapolis Star, 9/7/14]

John Gregg “vehemently” disagreed with Obama coal plan. “John Gregg wants the president to know it’s not just Republicans who are upset about the impact of his environmental policies on the coal industry. “I’m a Democrat and I disagree vehemently with the president’s position on what he’s doing to coal,” said Gregg, the former Indiana House speaker and 2012 gubernatorial candidate. That’s why Gregg is among the leaders of the “CoalBlue Project” a coalition of current and former public officials trying to change the perception that their party is anti-coal.” [Indianapolis Star, 9/7/14]

Gregg’s pro-coal group called Obama’s proposal “flawed and imprudent.” “The coalition has sent letters to President Barack Obama urging him to increase public investment in technologies that will capture and store carbon dioxide emissions from coal-fired power plants. And the group has criticized as “flawed and imprudent” the president’s proposal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the plants. “This was started to raise awareness to the president, and to a lesser extent Congress, to say, ‘Hey, there’s Democrats out here that believe in the coal industry,'” Gregg said. Republicans have accused Obama of waging a “war on coal” because of environmental policies that will make it cleaner – but more expensive – to burn coal for fuel.” [Indianapolis Star, 9/7/14]