Mass. senators taking control, pledge to set Iraq deadline

[Mass]

http://www.lowellsun.com/front/ci_4637808

Mass. senators taking control, pledge to set Iraq deadline
By EVAN LEHMANN, Sun Washington Bureau
Article Last Updated:11/10/2006 12:06:57 PM EST

WASHINGTON -- Massachusetts' two senators -- who are in commanding positions now that Democrats have taken control of the Senate -- pledged today to champion middle-class families and turn the direction of the Iraq War.

Sen. Edward Kennedy, in line to become chairman of the Health, Education, Labor and Pension Committee, would have the power to push a minimum wage increase, expanded stem cell research, enhanced health care and a strengthened No Child Left Behind program.

"The American people voted their hope and their dreams -- and as Democrats we are determined to not let them down," Kennedy said in a statement.
...

"With both the House and Senate led by Democrats, we have a chance to get America back on the right track," Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., said in a statement. "I will first and foremost focus on the disaster in Iraq, setting a deadline so we can end the war and bring our brave heroes home."

Kerry is in line for the chairmanship of the Small Business Committee. He would also control several subcommittees, including the East Asian and Pacific Affairs panel of the Foreign Relations Committee.

Promises of bipartisanship were everywhere in Washington yesterday, as the White House saw its one-party rule dissipate and Democrats eye the 2008 presidential elections.

...

John Kerry on New Democratic Congress

“On Tuesday night, the American people voted overwhelmingly to take this country in a new direction. Today with Jim Webb’s election secured, it’s official that we have a Democratic Senate and a Democratic House.

“With both the House and Senate led by Democrats, we have a chance to get America back on the right track. In the Senate, I will first and foremost focus on the disaster in Iraq, setting a deadline so we can end the war and bring our brave heroes home.

“We will work to put the focus on the real priorities of Americans: raising the minimum wage, protecting the environment, and providing affordable health care for every American – starting with our children.

“I will continue to work with Sen. Kennedy, Congressman Markey, and our entire delegation to make higher education more affordable. I will work to make sure Massachusetts stays on the cutting edge of both technology and education. And by helping keep our state a great place to live, I will work to ensure that people don’t have to leave Massachusetts.

“The American people have spoken loud and clear, and we are eager to work in the new congress to help Massachusetts and our country move forward.”

kerry.senate.gov

From Ted Kennedy's acceptance speech.

Just as you have honored me with your trust tonight, I will honor you in the years ahead by fighting every day for our Commonwealth and for our shared vision of what our country ought to be.

I’ll fight for good jobs and decent wages to support your families.

I’ll fight for affordable health care for you and all Americans.

I’ll fight for full civil rights for all our people, and an end to bigotry, prejudice and discrimination in all their ugly forms.

I’ll fight for education, to make sure that our schools serve all our children well and that college is affordable for every student.

And I’ll fight to change our course on Iraq. This administration went to war on false pretenses. They sent our troops into battle under-armored, under-manned, and without a strategy for victory. But our brave soldiers have fought with courage and honor for three and a half long and senseless years. They’ve done their jobs heroically, and we’re deeply proud of them. We owe them a policy worthy of their sacrifice.

So I pledge to you I’ll never give in until we change our course in Iraq.
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tedkennedy.com

[williesgirl]

1. K&R

[ginnyinWI]

2. K& R once more. ;-)