Grassroots Democrats in AZ-01 are organizing to buck the DCCC's decision to nominate Ann Kirkpatrick in our district.
From a desk in Washington, Ann Kirkpatrick must look good on paper: Woman, brief legislative experience, moderate to conservative, long family ties to the district, knows a few Navajo words.
But the people who live here would like to have effective representation in Congress, and a true Democrat, thank you very much.
Here are the candidates positions on issues taken from their websites. You will see why grassroots Democrats prefer Shanker.
IRAQ
SHANKER: Signer of "Responsible Plan to End the War," which details a plan for military withdrawal, addressing humanitarian concerns, restoring the U.S. Constitution.
KIRKPATRICK: Last on her list of five positions. "Need to find a responsible way to end the war as quickly as possible." No specific plan.
HEALTH CARE
SHANKER: Health insurance coverage for all, with health care publically financed and privately delivered.
KIRKPATRICK: Several specific patches to existing system: Eliminate exceptions for "pre-existing conditions," allow for negotiation with manufacturers for lower Medicare drug costs.
EDUCATION
SHANKER: Eliminate Bush's program to teach to the test. Opportunities for continuing education to restore leadership in science and technology. College education opportunities for foster children.
KIRKPATRICK: Help schools create smaller class sizes, increase all teachers' pay and bring internet that isn't constantly breaking down to students in every school.
ECONOMIC GROWTH, ENERGY
SHANKER: Investment in research, development and infrastructure for renewable energy sources.
KIRKPATRICK: Supports wind, solar and geothermal energy, but offers no specific plan.
WATER
SHANKER: Require large new subdivisions to demonstrate a 100-year water supply.
KIRKPATRICK: No position
SOCIAL SECURITY
SHANKER: Protect Social Security and Medicare through sound financial management.
KIRKPATRICK: No Position.
IMMIGRATION
SHANKER: Charge $500 to allow people to enter the country legally to work.
KIRKPATRICK: No position.
Source: Candidates websites.
howardshankerforcongress.com
www.kirkpatrickforarizona.com
Shanker has real plans and real commitments. Kirkpatrick just panders. Anyone who can suggest that Congress guarantee a raise to all teachers doesn't have a very good understanding of federalism.