We got her, babe: Bono-Mack votes 'yea' on ACES

By 1Sky interns Florencia Foxley and Emma Fernandez, soon-to-be graduates of Sidwell Friends School in Washington, D.C.

Thank you to Representative Mary Bono Mack! Bono Mack (R), representing California's 45th District, was the only Republican to vote for the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 in the House Energy and Commerce Committee last night (four Democrats voted against the bill). Her vote was a big step towards a clean energy future and bipartisan cooperation. Plus it is a big win for her beautiful district, which has plenty of sun to help power America with clean renewable energy.

Since Bono Mack called herself a swing vote and did not announce her position in advance, her vote in favor received a cheer in the committee room. Rep. Bono Mack bravely split from her party and we’re glad that she recognized that America’s clean energy future is more important than party politics. Bono Mack said,

..I believe this is the right direction for our district, for our nation and for our future.

Rep. Bono Mack has historically been a moderate Republican and was the only self-announced swing Republican on the committee. The beautiful Coachella valley, which she represents, will likely benefit from, in her own words, the "exciting new developments in wind, solar and geothermal energy," that will result from the enactment of this clean energy bill. Her constituents agreed; a recent New York Times article quoted Bono Mack as saying that the majority of phone calls into her office were in favor of the bill. One of our 1Sky volunteers even had an hour long in-person meeting with her!

Rep. Bono Mack's vote proves that constituent pressure does make a difference. It's time for us to step it up! If you live in Mrs. Bono Mack’s district, please let her know that you are pleased with her vote in the Committee last night.

P.S. Fun Fact: Bono Mack was previously married to Sonny Bono of Sonny and Cher. Here is a video for your enjoyment!