It's a starting point, at least.
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January 29, 2006
Dear Senator Landrieu:
Plenty of your Louisiana constituents are my new Texas neighbors. I write to you in their interest and my own - because there's frankly no talking to my own senators about this - to urge you not to vote for cloture in the nomination of Samuel Alito to the Supreme Court.
The White House already is stonewalling against the Hurricane Katrina investigation: Who thinks Alito won't advocate Bush's right to continue to do so, or even to shut it down altogether? Your constituents need federal help to rebuild their lives and homes: Who thinks Alito won't side with big money interests in the inevitable eminent-domain cases that will give Lakeview and the Ninth Ward to casino developers and LGPs?
And what evidence is there that this administration will help you if you help shut down a filibuster, when it has made it a point thus far to take your help and give nothing back?
I'll be blunt: I believe President Bush should be in jail, not nominating judges to the highest court in the land. Extraordinary circumstances dictate that no action should be taken on Judge Alito's nomination until the Senate investigates the administration's warrantless wiretapping against Americans.
It's easy for me to understand your point of view on the filibuster. The Gulf Coast, especially the great city of New Orleans, is months overdue for the assistance that will help return it to the people who have made their homes and livelihoods there for generations. I also understand the political circumstances that drive your position as a Blue senator from a Red state.
But I implore you that if you cannot in good conscience vote No on cloture, that you vote Present instead.
The entire country needs you in the issue of Judge Alito. Please stand up for us.
Very truly yours,
[Penny Century]
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Call or fax Mary Landrieu yourself -- here's where to do it:
Washington, D.C.: 202-224-5824 (phone), 202-224-9735 (fax)
Baton Rouge: 225-389-0395 (phone), 225-389-0660 (fax)
Lake Charles: 337-436-6650 (phone), 337-439-3762 (fax)
New Orleans: 504-589-2427 (phone), 504-589-4023 (fax)
Shreveport: 318-676-3085 (phone), 318-676-3100 (fax)