Congress just doesn't get it and proved it this past week when the House approved $18 billion in new taxes on the largest oil companies.

February 13, 2008 -- ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced its Vermont Leadership Team, along with endorsements from state legislators and prominent Republican party leaders.

"John McCain is the conservative who can rally and unify our party for victory in November," said Governor Jim Douglas. "John has a 24-year record of being strong on national security, cutting taxes and wasteful spending, and reforming and restoring trust in government to make our country stronger."

John McCain thanked the leadership, saying, "I am grateful to Jim and all of the Republican leaders working on my behalf in Vermont. I look forward to working with each of them and to campaigning in the state on Thursday."

U.S. Rep.-elect Mike Conaway, R-Midland, Wednesday said he has leased offices in Midland and San Angelo and is planning more in Odessa and two cities on the east end of his 400-mile-wide 11th Congressional District.

The Permian Basin's newest congressional representative-to-be is already whipping up attention inside the Beltway.

Starting in January, the Republican-controlled Congress will have a rare chance to reform the tax code, Social Security and immigration laws in 2005 and '06, said Congressman-elect Mike Conaway, R-Midland, here Tuesday.