I sure want do and I know you do also based on what we did this past Tuesday night. But we have a whole slew of primaries left in the upcoming weeks.
I've been supporting my good friend Shelia Smoot for office in AL-07 one of the most Democratic seats in the country.
You see this is the seat currently held by Artur Davis who has had a far from progressive record in his 4 terms. He voted for bankruptcy reform and against Health Care Reform despite one out of every five people being out of work in this district. He also voted against the hate crimes bill despite this district being in the cradle of the civil rights movement. Selma and the Edmund Pettus Bridge. Birmingham and the 16th Street Baptist Church. Davis is running for Governor.
The good news is we have a chance to elect a progressive in this District on June 1. We need your help to elect my friend who's not even five feet tall in heels but has the heart of a champion and will fight for us.
Shelia has engaged in this community a few times recently telling us why she is running for Congress. My favorite Smoot line is
Send somebody to Congress who will impact your life not their own
Shelia has been fighting for years on issues that matter to us and most importantly the people in this district. Here's where she stands on some of the important progressive issues
MinistryofTruth had this to say about Shelia after interviewing her
Among Shelia Smoot's policy positions, she is strongly pro choice, pro EFCA, pro immigration reform, pro consumer and a staunch advocate for the Democratic platform. In my humble opinion Shelia Smoot embodies what the next generation of Southern Democrats should be, unabashedly populist, involved in their communities on a grassroots level, and in touch with their constituents on the issues they face every day in real life situations.
Here's Shelia on a few more issues
- Shelia on health care - Supported President's health care reform bill. Will protect Medicare. Has fought to keep hope the indigent hospital in her county. Will fight for better access to quality care. Will fight lower drug prices for seniors. Here's Shelia kicking off her campaign at the closed Good Samaritan Hospital in Selma which provided the only care to African Americans during the civil rights era. Davis was the only African American member of Congress to vote against the health care bill in this PVI +18 seat.
- Shelia on the Use of Torture
I do not believe in the use of torture as an interrogation technique. I also want to let you know that Veterans issues are near and dear to my heart. My brother served as a Marine for 20+ years. I will work to ensure that our Veterans are treated properly.
by SheliaSmoot on Thu May 20, 2010 at 11:57:18 PM CDT
- Shelia on LGBT issues
I was the first person ever to fight to have Jefferson County recognize Central Alabama Pride Day by resolution of the County Commission.Over ten years ago As a television anchor and reporter I challenged the moral clause in reporters contracts that would not allow them to judge contests that pertained to LGBT community.
I will offer an inclusive voice for all in the community. I’m willing to listen to the concerns of the LGBT community. This election is about having a leader who will invest and take an interest in all the constituents.
On ENDA - Shelia will support
On DADT - Shelia would vote for a repeal
On DOMA - Shelia would support Legislation to overturn and she would support legislation across the board that will allow employees to share benefits and responsibilities with loved ones regardless of sexuality or marriage standing.
- Shelia on Environmental issues -
Shelia set up the first Greenway Commission in Jefferson County Alabama. She's promoting green jobs as part of her job creation plan. She's asked for hearings and investigations into coal ash removal from the TVA Spill in Kingston Tenn to Perry County Alabama one of the poorest counties in the country and in the district. She wants to ensure that the long term health and safety of this community is not sacrificed.
Here's how you can help:: Our Primary is on June 1
If you are able please donate as a member of Grassroots for Smoot on Act Blue. We need to raise $2000 more dollars by election day.
You can follow @smoot2010 on twitter.
You can join Smoot for Congress on Facebook
Smoot on Your Side