Gary Peters in Past and present Senate candidates from Michigan

On Energy & Oil: AdWatch: Yes, I own petcoke stock, but I can still speak out

VOICEOVER: Whose side is Congressman Gary Peters on?
Peters says "yes" to petcoke, and has a $20,000 investment in a company that produces petcoke.
Peters says "no" to petcoke, and his campaign is receiving $2.5 million in help from billionaire environmentalist, Tom Steyer.
Steyer wants to block American energy projects like Keystone Pipeline, and is spending millions to attack Terri Lynn Land on--you guessed it--petcoke. Peters wants to make money with a petcoke producer, and take money from a petcoke opponent. Now, he claims it's no big deal:
PETERS: "Even though I own a little bit of stock in a company, that doesn't stop me from speaking out."
VOICEOVER: For Congressman Peters $20,000 is a little bit of stock--and more than a little hypocrisy.

On Energy & Oil: Proudly voted to invest in renewable energy sources

Steyer, a former hedge fund manager turned green evangelist, says he plans to raise up to $100 million during the midterm elections for candidates who stand strong on climate change. Steyer's NextGen Climate Action is pouring $2.6 million to support Gary Peters.

Studies show that cap and trade would have killed Michigan jobs. In supporting cap and trade, Peters "proudly" stands by what would have been the biggest tax in American history: his congressional website says he "proudly voted for" the Waxman-Markey bill, more commonly referred to as cap and trade legislation. "In 2009, I proudly voted for the American Clean Energy and Security Act to invest in renewable energy sources, reduce America's greenhouse gas emissions and lay the groundwork for a clean energy economy."

On Energy & Oil: Cap and trade is an option we need to look at

HOST [of a radio call-in show in August]: "Congressman, are you a cap and trade fan?"

PETERS: "I think cap and trade is an option we need to look at. It has been successful in other areas. We saw that in acid rain, when we had to mitigate acid rain, a cap and trade program actually reduced acid rain emissions while doing it in a very cost effective way. You've seen some programs similar to that in New England now, actually when it comes to carbon emissions, that have reduced carbon emissions while the New England economy is doing very well. So it's certainly something on the table that we have to take a look at as we reduce carbon emissions. But there is not a specific proposal before us right now to comment, but I think it's important to make sure we are looking at all of the market based solutions."

On Foreign Policy: Be actively engaged in the Middle East

• Responsibly Ending the War in Iraq: I support the President's plan to responsibly withdraw our troops and turn over the task of securing Iraq to the Iraqis.
• Peace and Security for Israel and the Middle East: I believe Israel's security is enhanced by a strong U.S. engagement in the region and that a secure Israel, with recognized and defensible borders, and a peaceful resolution to the conflict is in the long-term interest of all parties.
• I am a strong supporter of sanctions against Iran, and I have cosponsored legislation such as the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act and the Iran Sanctions Enabling Act.

On Energy & Oil: FactCheck: Mich. gets back more in gas tax than it collects

That sure makes it seem like Michigan is getting back less in highway funding than its residents pay in gasoline taxes. But in 2012, Michigan received $1.03 in highway funding for every $1 in federal highway gasoline taxes collected in the state. Michigan's return on investment was even better in 2010, when the state received $1.30 in highway funding for every $1 it collected; and $1.20 for every $1 in 2011.

There is a caveat, however. The federal dollars "cannot be used for routine maintenance such as filling potholes or removing snow." Land's ad specifically shows images of potholes, and it's true that the state cannot spend federal money to fix them. Every state tacks on its own gasoline tax, which can be used on routine maintenance.

On Corporations: I supported auto bailout; my opponent opposed it

Romney's anti-bailout stance haunted him in Michigan. Democrats hope Land pays a similar price in a race to replace Sen. Carl Levin. When asked about Romney's position, Land said at the Republican National Convention that she was "with" Romney and said Ford survived without the bailout. Land's campaign says something had to be done to address the auto crisis, but she wasn't convinced on the plan proposed.

On Jobs: Extend jobless benefit for long-term unemployed

For weeks, Democratic US Rep. Gary Peters had already been calling for an extension of benefits that expired Dec. 28.

Then before White House-backed legislation to restore the benefits unexpectedly cleared a hurdle in the Senate on Tuesday, Republican Terri Lynn Land said she supports the bill. Her stance puts her at odds with Republicans in Congress and conservative organizations that say an extension is ineffective and wasteful.

The unemployment bill would restore benefits averaging $256 weekly to an estimated 1.3 million long-term jobless, including 86,000 in Michigan. Peters said on his Facebook page Tuesday that "extending unemployment insurance is an investment with a proven economic return, and it is the right thing to do for Michigan families."

On Government Reform: Nuclear option: Allow confirmation of Obama's appointees

On Health Care: AdWatch: Targeted by RNC robocalls for support of ObamaCare

The targets besides Peters are Rep. Bruce Braley (IA), Sens. Mark Warner (VA), Mark Begich (AK), Dick Durbin (IL), Kay Hagan (NC), Mary Landrieu (LA), Jeff Merkley (OR), Mark Pryor (AR), Jeanne Shaheen (NH), and Mark Udall (CO). The robocall script reads:

"President Obama and the Democrats said you could keep your healthcare plan under ObamaCare. Now we know [SENATOR] actually VOTED to make it more difficult. Call [SENATOR] at (XXX)-XXX-XXX & ask why [he/she] lied."

The robocalls are a response to Democrats launching the "GOP Shutdown Watch" campaign, highlighting Republican senate candidates who supported the partial federal government shutdown.

On War & Peace: Undecided on military intervention in Syria

The email asks supporters to sign a petition urging her undecided Democratic rival, Rep. Gary Peters, to join her and vote "no."

Peters has kept his options open as he studies the issue. "As a former naval officer, I take the decision to use military force very seriously," he said in an earlier statement. "In the days ahead, I will review classified intelligence, speak with experts, and listen to the people I represent in Michigan before making a decision and casting my vote."

On Drugs: Implement voter legalization of medical marijuana

The two candidates have become cartoon caricatures of their respective parties. Peters gets painted as a flaming liberal who kowtows to the "socialist" liberal agenda and Raczkowski is deemed a tin-foil hat wearing ultra right-wing lunatic. Case in point: this Freep summation of their positions on the only other 3 issues in this election:

• Health care reform
  Peters: Supported
  Raczkowski: Wants to repeal
• Gays in the military
  Peters: Repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy
  Raczkowski: Keep the policy
• Federal enforcement of medical marijuana laws
  Peters: Wants Michigan voters' legalization of medical marijuana implemented without federal interference
  Raczkowski: Wants no further expansion of medical marijuana law