Rep. Davis Touches On War, Immigration, Health Care

BRISTOL, Va. – After a laid-back round of "howdies," pledges and chicken-fried steaks, the Bristol Host Lions Club on Friday heard U.S. Rep. David Davis, R-1st District, tell them what most U.S. citizens already know.

"The people we get most of our oil from now hate us and our religion," Davis told about 40 supporters. "Can you imagine being the secretary of the U.S. Air Force knowing you’re filling your planes with fuel from countries that want to fight us?"

Davis touched on the major issues of the day – the Iraq war, immigration and health care – during a campaign appearance at the Piccadilly Cafeteria in Bristol Mall. But oil, gasoline and alternative energy sources topped the list of concerns.

"We are having an energy crisis in America because we don’t use American resources," he said. "We need an energy policy that utilizes hydro-electric, solar and nuclear power."

Davis also called for legislation that would open up oil reserves for drilling in Alaska and elsewhere. He said more extensive offshore drilling is needed.

Jim Bowdoin, a longtime Lions Club member, agreed, saying he is angry that major oil companies continue to rake in record profits.

"How can we allow that when it’s costing the average American so much?" he asked. "I think it’s poor leadership."

Johnson City Mayor Phil Roe, a Republican, is Davis’ only GOP challenger in the Aug. 7 primary.

Kingsport Democrats Robert Russell and Michael Donihe are vying in the Democratic primary for the 1st District seat.

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