It's time for Fred Upton to go. Fortunately for Michigan's 6th District, we have a strong and well-qualified candidate to make that happen: Paul Clements.
Upton has been in Congress since 1987. Once upon a time he was concerned about climate change. His website used to state, "I strongly believe that everything must be on the table as we seek to reduce carbon emissions.” In April 2009, he said "climate change is a serious problem that necessitates serious solutions. Everything must be on the table."
Not any more. By 2010, Upton was in full retreat, co-authoring a Wall Street Journal editorial [paywall] saying he was "not convinced" that "carbon is a problem in need of regulation." Upton is now chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and due to his new skepticism regarding climate change, the Los Angeles Times in 2011 concluded that Upton "represents one of the biggest threats to planet Earth on planet Earth." Upton also supports full repeal of Obamacare; he touts his work on “21st Century Cures,” yet doesn’t explain how these medical advances will help people who can’t afford them without health insurance.
The Sixth District has a solid Democratic challenger in Paul Clements for 2016. A Harvard grad with a Master’s and a Ph.D. in Public Affairs from Princeton, Clements has announced that he will run again in 2016 after a strong showing in the last election. Paul is a professor of Political Science at Western Michigan University. His c.v. and publications are impressive, and he has researched and written extensively about economics and economic development.
Paul believes that the only way the world can address climate change effectively is with American leadership, so America needs to lead. He supports strengthening Social Security and overturning Citizens United – his policy statement on these and other issues is here. Read it!
Michigan Sixth District Democrats are holding a Clements for Congress kick-off event Saturday, August 29, in Kalamazoo. If you’re in the Sixth District, come help jump-start Paul’s campaign. If you’re not – donate if you can.
Event details:
Saturday August 29
7:30-9:30
Cityscape Events, 125 S. Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo
Speakers will be:
Paul Clements
Jon Hoadley (state rep for the Michigan 60th District)
Bobby Hopewell (mayor of Kalamazoo)
John Taylor (vice-chair of the Kalamazoo County Board)
Annie Brown, a small business owner who ran against a Republican incumbent for representative of the Michigan 66th District in 2014.
There are several levels of support, starting at $7 for students. Tickets are available through this link.