Bobby Bright

Bobby Bright was a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives, representing the 2nd district of the State of Alabama from 2009 to 2011.

Energy
Bright believes that the best way to be our current gas prices and our reliance on foreign oil is to begin drilling for oil in ANWR and offshore. However, Bright believes that this is only a short term solution, and that in long term alternate energy sources such as wind, solar, hydro and synthetic fuels—in addition to increasing our use of nuclear power will be the best solution.

Bright opposed the cap and trade energy bill introduced in the 111th Congress because of the vast scope of the bill in a time that energy costs were already of concern to his constituents, and believed energy policies should instead provide incentives for the private sector to lead the way in innovation.

Abortion
Bright believes in the sanctity of life.

The Second Amendment
Bright believes that that second amendment guarantees that law-abiding individuals have the right to keep and bear arms.

Iraq
Bright said he will support any responsible plan that brings the troops home as soon as possible, but he would also require that the Iraqi government pay for the appropriate expenses for defending and rebuilding Iraq. Bright also believes that until the active troops can be revitalized and National Guard and Reserve forces adequately rested, there should be a restriction on the activities of the Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC).

Agriculture
On his campaign website, Bright said he will stand up for farmers and make sure they get the help they need in the form of appropriations and other support.

Healthcare
Bright said, on his campaign website, that we do not need to risk the "stability and quality of our health care system by implementing a potentially overreaching government-based program". Bright does, however, support other, smaller adjustments such as the provision of tax credits for employers, double-tax credits for families who do not have access to employer-based insurance (and have to purchase private insurance), and the creation of insurance pools so that individuals can take advantage of reduced rates. He also said he will support the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).

Bright voted against the health care reform bill in March 2010. He believed health care legislation should increase the number of primary care physicians and nurses in rural areas of the Second District, and suggests that health insurance policies be purchasable across state lines to increase competition. 

Environment
Bright believes that the damage caused by the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico must be taken responsibility for and is committed to ensuring that BP pays for the damage the spill has caused to local businesses. 

Bio
Bright was born July 21, 1952, in Midland, Ala. He has a B.S. from Auburn University, an M.A. from Troy University and a J.D. from Thomas Goode Jones School of Law. Bright was the mayor of Montgomery, Ala. from 2005 to 2008. Prior to being elected to that position, he was a practicing attorney for 15 years. He and his wife, Lynn Clardy, have three children.

2008 elections
Bright received the Democratic nomination in the June 2008 primaries, and defeated Republican nominee Jay Love in the November 2008 general election.

Money in politics
cid=N00029838&amp;cycle=2008

External resources
Bobby Bright for Congress