| Like millions of other Democrats, the choice for me between these two great candidates could not have been more difficult. It is a choice I never anticipated having to make. But it is clear to me that in order for NH Democrats to have the successful year that I know is possible and reelect our governor, our members of congress, our majorities on the Executive council and in the Senate and House, increase our county offices, elect Jeanne Shaheen to the US Senate and carry the state for our presidential ticket, we need to have a united effort now. We simply cannot wait twelve more weeks to engage the Republicans in their campaign of continuing the failed Bush policies.
Senator Obama's life story, agenda for change and hope for tomorrow is inspiring. In his campaign, he has addressed the concerns of all Americans. Since witnessing his remarkable speech at the 2004 convention I knew that America had a new visionary leader.
My admiration for Senator Hillary Clinton's decades of work for healthcare, America's families and children could not be stronger. Her work and candidacy has changed America for the better. I join with millions Americans who appreciate her leadership with the full knowledge that her groundbreaking journey has many years ahead.
But now that we are at the end of the voting, it is time for people like me to make a choice. I have chosen to support Senator Obama to bring finality to the process and allow the voters to begin their process of making their own choice in November.
For New Hampshire voters, the choice between Senator Obama and Senator McCain is an easy one. Sen. Obama represents the future; Sen. McCain represents the past.
New Hampshire citizens have seen the economy decimated by two successive Bush administrations, first in the early '90's and in recent months. Why, then, would they support a continuation of these failed policies by voting for Sen. McCain, a virtual Bush clone when it comes to matters of the economy? Sen. McCain has admitted that "economics is something I never really understood," while Sen. Obama's personal and professional history has provided him with ample opportunity to experience the wave average families ride when economic policies that favor the few over the many are instituted. As a child raised in a single parent household, as a community organizer in one of the nation's poorest neighborhoods, and as a young public servant raising a family while still paying off student loans, Sen. Obama understands economics in the way the average New Hampshire family understands economics.
Sen. Obama is committed to ending this war. Nothing speaks more loudly and clearly to the New Hampshire voter than his full-throated support for a policy that will finally turn Iraq's future over to the people of Iraq. Sen. Obama has consistently supported a staggered but steady withdrawal of troops that will remove the vast majority of American servicemen and servicewomen from Iraq within 16 months of taking office. Compare Sen. Obama's impatience with the status quo in Iraq with the contentment Sen. McCain has expressed with leaving troops in Iraq for 100 years. Sixteen months versus 100 years. I know the path that the voters of New Hampshire will choose.
New Hampshire citizens have consistently and overwhelmingly supported a woman's right to choose, as does Sen. Obama. John McCain has vowed to follow George Bush's lead by appointing to the federal bench judges like Antonin Scalia and Sam Alito, two men whose hostility to women's rights in particular and the right of privacy in general is open and notorious. According to every word he has uttered on the subject and every vote he has taken as an Illinois state senator and a member of the U.S. Senate, Sen. Obama has never missed an opportunity to support this fundamental right.
On a personal note, I have great confidence that Sen. Obama will touch the hearts and minds of the children of America and the world just like another former Illinois Senator did for me. Learning about Abe Lincoln while in the second grade inspired me to have hope. At that time, my family was suffering greatly financially and emotionally and Lincoln inspired me to have hope and to dream of a better day. I began my political involvement in the very next election. In this challenging world, every child needs to be given hope for a better tomorrow, as America's president, Barack Obama will provide that hope.
We must join together now behind Senator Obama to offer the people a clear choice for November: real change versus more of the same. I am enthusiastically supporting our next president, Sen. Barack Obama and ask that you join me. |
