Cross-posted at Turn Maine Blue
Hello! As my campaign for U.S. Senate in Maine is just getting started, I wanted to reach out to all of you and begin a dialogue on my race. Input from the netroots community will be absolutely vital to my campaign, and I hope to have an ongoing conversation with all of you over the course of this important race.
Undoubtedly, the most important issue in this race is the Iraq War. I have been an outspoken critic of this war since the beginning, when I proudly voted against the authorization to go to war in 2002. My opponent, Susan Collins, voted for that resolution and has consistently voted in support of President Bush’s disastrous war policies.
Today, I voted against the Iraq supplemental bill because it does not contain a timeline for withdrawal of American troops. It is clear that the President will not change course in this war unless we use the force of law.
Unfortunately, Susan Collins is as wrong today as she was at the beginning of this war. Since she first voted to authorize the use of force in Iraq in 2002, she has continually bowed to the President’s terrible judgment. Tomorrow, she is expected to yet again support the President’s failed policies.
Senator Collins and I also disagree on the President’s tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans, prescription drugs for seniors, and energy policy. I have consistently supported progressive ideas that would protect our environment, develop cleaner and more sustainable sources of energy, expand economic opportunities for the middle class, and create better and more accessible health care for all Americans.
As we go forward together in this campaign, I also wanted to address the Allen-Bass legislation that many of you have discussed with me. The Internet has served as a vibrant forum for political discussion, and the netroots community has played an absolutely critical role in our contemporary democratic process. I never intended the Allen-Bass bill to regulate these vital efforts. I understand that a number of people have concerns that this bill limits the right to speak out and organize online. I will not reintroduce that legislation or support any legislation that impedes or discourages free speech on the Internet.
Thank you for all you’ve done for our party and our democracy. If you’d like more information on my campaign please visit my Web site www.TomAllen.org – and don’t forget to sign up for our Blogger Connection while you’re there.