The campaign of U.S. Rep. Zack Space (D-Dover) said opponent Fred Dailey (R-Mt. Vernon) can’t perform the basic function of a representative: understanding legislation.

This was Space’s respond to Dailey’s press release sent Wednesday that accused Space of voting for a “scam” energy bill, which does “nothing to promote the development of advanced clean coal and coal-to-liquid technologies.”

However, the bill does provide $1.6 billion for “advanced coal-based generation” and expands the coal gasification credit. It also includes money for carbon sequestration, which is one part of “clean coal” technology (putting carbon dioxide underground instead of in the air).

Space spokesperson Matt Thornton said this proves Dailey can’t comprehend legislation.

“At its most basic level, being a member of Congress requires the ability to read, understand, and subsequently vote on legislation – an ability Fred Dailey has just revealed he completely lacks,” he said.

Dailey’s campaign stuck to its message that the bill doesn’t promote the development of clean coal and coal-to-liquid fuel technologies. Dailey campaign manager Sean Bartley said the bill doesn’t repeal Section 526 of H.R. 6 of this year, which Bartley said prohibits the use of clean-coal or coal-to-liquid fuels being used by the federal government. This makes the incentives in this week’s bill pointless, Bartley said.

“It’s another gimmick in a bill full of gimmicks,” he said.