Not Peter Fitzgerald, of course, but Mike Fitzgerald, Business Manager of Local 134, IBEW.
Here are his
comments to the press:
Good Afternoon,
I am announcing today my personal endorsement and support of the candidacy of our distinguished former United States' Senator from Illinois and Ambassador for the United States to New Zealand and Samoa, for President of the United States.
I believe that when the hurly-burly is over that Carol Moseley Braun would be the strongest candidate for President of United States against George Bush, demonstrating that a new world order based on a strong national defense and an equally strong multilateral defense system against terrorism and despotism is far more effective than the "Dodge City Cowboy Diplomacy" of the incumbent President.
Carol Moseley Braun is the only elected political leader seeking the presidency who has local, state, national and international experience.
She has been widely acknowledged as the most popular and effective Ambassador to New Zealand that the U.S. has ever sent to that idyllic and literate nation.
As U.S. Senator she had an almost 100% pro labor record while at the same time supporting rational business growth and development.
She led the fight for restoration of our nation's crumbling schools, environmental remediation and tax fairness for working people. As President she will work to create jobs and stem job loss, to create a comprehensive universal system of health care and make women equal partners in leading our country toward peace, prosperity, and progress.
I might add that her confirmation as Ambassador by the U.S. Senate was 98-2 despite all the unfair, inaccurate and distorted criticism of her and the only two who voted against her were the notorious Jesse helms and the ungracious Peter Fitzgerald who defeated her by less than a 100,000 votes after s pending twelve million of his own money.
The scrutiny she underwent to be appointed an Ambassador after she had been a Senator should permanently put to rest criticisms of her to which I just alluded.
There is a large field of candidates. All but two of them can defeat President Bush in November.
But I believe that the election of Carol Braun will send the clearest message to the rest of the world whom our president has alienated, and that is by electing our first woman and first African American as President.
I believe that Carol Moseley Braun should be the favorite daughter of Illinois. I am hopeful that she will receive the largest share of Illinois delegates to the National Convention. And I would be honored to run as a delegate committed to her candidacy.
Considering the large field of candidates in 2004 might be the first Democratic Convention since 1960 where the nominee will actually be nominated at the convention. In any event I am proud to support Carol Braun's candidacy for President.
Strong men are not afraid of strong women. It's time for a woman to correct George Bush's mistakes.
Said Braun:
"I couldn't be more pleased to have Fitzgerald's support. He represents the finest tradition of visionary organized labor in his willingness to be inclusive and devoted to the well being of working men and women. I look forward to having him head up the 'Fitzgeralds for Moseley Braun Committee'."
Yes, it's home turf. Well, you never know. As Fitzgerald suggests, this thing could wind up being decided in Boston. Anyway, I thought it was a good endorsement. "Strong men are not afraid of strong women. It's time for a woman to correct George Bush's mistakes." I'll buy that.