Why I will caucus for John Kerry [View All]

John Kerry stands out among his rivals as the person best qualified to represent the fundamental values and concerns of the Democratic Party, and the United States. He has the temperment, skills, and qualifications needed to advance progessive causes, to improve the quality of our lives and our democracy.

Although I have been impressed with Kerry's development as a campaigner, it is the totality of Kerry's distinguished record as a Senator and public servant that convinced me that he is indeed "the real deal"--a principled champion for social justice and Democratic ideals who has his gaze fixed on achieving results for the people he represents.

A major concern in this election is the rule of law, and the integrety of the judiciary. PATRIOT USA, which Kerry voted for, was an outrage and affront to not just civil libertarians, but to all Americans. John Kerry has vowed to fix the most eggregious aspects of that legislation, which of course begins with replacing John Ashcroft as Attorney General. I trust that Kerry will keep his word, and that he more than any other candidate can be trusted to appoint reasonable judges who will uphold our constitutional rights, including so-called implied rights like the right to privacy.

I would urge anybody who agrees with me that restoring sanity to the judiciary is of paramount importance to read John Kerry's address to the National Council of Negro Women. This speech demonstrates that John Kerry has a comprehensive understanding of the issues facing the nation, how our government works, and why we need a champion for civil rights and justice in the White House. These are not just words. They are backed by a career of standing up for constitutionally guaranteed rights and liberties, extending liberty to groups who have been historically discriminated against, and standing up against the confirmation of right wing ideologues who would roll back the progress we've made.

Time and time again John Kerry has demonstrated his commitment to making this country a better place to live for all Americans. I am happy to be able to support him in the Washington State caucus.