Reply #9: Here is my pitch for Howard Dean: [View All]

[GumboYaYa]

We need Dean's voice in this race. Howard Dean has credibility on some important issues that most of the other candidates can not claim.

Dean opposed "No Child Left Behind" from the start. Dean knew it was an unfunded federal mandate that would hurt schools more than help them. Kerry, Edwards, Lieberman all voted for "No Child Left Behind." NCLB has turned into a colossal failure because it "is an unfunded federal mandate." Sounds familiar because Howard Dean had the foresight to call it just that when it was not popular to do so.

We all know about the invasion of Iraq. Dean opposed the war because he saw no evidence that Saddam possessed WMDs. Last week David Kay admitted that there was no evidence of WMDs. Sounds familiar because Howard Dean had the foresight to call it just that when it was not popular to do so.

If you want a candidate who will take positions on issues because he believes it is right for the American people and not because of the political expediency of the moment, Howard Dean is the candidate for you.

In addition to exhibiting excellent judgment and foresight on many issues important to Americans, Dean has delivered results in government. Children under 18 have healthcare in Vermont, one-third of seniors have a prescription drug benefit, every parent of a newborn is visited in the hospital and over 90% of those have follow-up visits at home. As a result of his focus on helping people and some far sighted programs, Dean has helped reduce child abuse in Vermont by over 40%. At the same time he was delivering results to Vermont families, Dean was delivering balanced budgets. These are but a few examples of way Howard Dean delivers results to the people he represents. I encourage you to visit www.denforamerica.com to see more details of Dean's actual record.

Having said all of that, the main reason to vote for Dean is the fact that he is in politics to help people. There is not one whiff of political corruption in his entire career. You may not agree with every position Dean takes on an issue, but you can be assured that he is taking that position because he honestly believes it is the best position for the people he represents.

Thank you for the opportunity to try to change your vote. I hope you will seriously consider Governor Dean.