As an independent candidate for US Senate in Pennsylvania, I was pleased to see that Kate Michelman had decided not to run, also as an independent US Senate candidate, in 2006. It is not that I have any reason to oppose her candidacy, since we both share the same positions regarding defense of reproductive legal rights. Comfort is found in the idea that two like-minded folks do not have to each collect 90,000 to 100,000 voter signatures in order to appear on the 2006 Pennsylvania ballot. Additionally, I was encouraged as I read Ms. Michelman's essay concerning her decision not to run; as it indicated she intended to continue to lead in def ense of American women. Then the usual disappointment set in, bringing on that dreaded sinking feeling inside, as I read her endorsement of Bob Casey. Bob Casey?
I could not believe my eyes, not Chuck Pennacchio or Carl Romanelli, Bob Casey! Now to be treated with disrespect by those whose principles Greens defend most vigorously have become quite the common expectation on our part. In my own case, for example, I have been vocal and public in opposition to the Iraq occupation since before the war began. Yet, I am never allowed to speak when I attend events sponsored by my area's peace organizations. Greens are rarely endorsed by Sierra Club committees, despite the articulate and steadfast environmental positions taken by so many of our party's candidates. Despite rhetoric of fairness of process, Democrats continually refuse to recognize our party's right to even bring our issues to the debate. Democrats will constantly complain tha t Greens are spoilers, yet refuse to support electoral reforms (such as IRV) that would eliminate the spoiler effect. I could go on, but the only point here is that the same disrespect Greens often feel, is now the common expectation of progressive leaning Democrats, too! Kate Michelman has endorsed Bob Casey without even a primary election stand in defense of progressive policy, let alone consideration of an independent, third party candidacy.
There are just too many ways in which the Bob Casey US Senate candidacy is offensive to list them all in this piece, so I'll provide just a few. First, there are the obvious concerns about the interests Mr. Casey serves. He supports more subsidies for insurance and pharmaceutical companies, instead of universal health care for all. He supports the illegal occupation in Iraq and refuses to articulate the criminal nature of the Bush administration's foreign and domestic policies. He opposes a woman's right to legal protection of reproductive rights (You are aware of that, aren't you, Kate?). The on ly policy position Casey has even offered is his reminder, that were he now a senator, he would have voted, like Senator Santorum, in favor of the Alito nomination. Then there are the over 200 common campaign contributors of Casey and Santorum. Of course, the fact that Bob Casey thinks he is the only candidate the Democrats should run in even numbered years, reflects the arrogant sense of gluttony typical of the old parties nowadays. Since 2000, Casey has run for Auditor General, Governor, Treasurer and US Senate. How can so many not see that Bob Casey is a man working for the betterment of his bank account and pension plan (with the people's tax dollars), not a man of policy or statesmanship.
By contrast, it is with great sacrifice that I bring my candidacy to the people of Pennsylvania. I offer a complete agenda, not a single-issue, symbolic campaign. I offer a willingness to provide policy details and why such policy is supported. I offer to be a candidate committed to the people of my country, not the special, corporate interests.&nbs p; I pledge to serve with integrity and distinction, as a candidate the people can feel they trust, even if there may exist certain differences of perspective. For these reasons, and many others, I will continue to move forward with my candidacy. I respectfully disagree with the idea that voting for the problem, is somehow a solution. The only wasted vote, Kate, is one that is not cast with your values and principles behind it. Bob Casey remains the problem, not the solution. I am proud that my party offers a candidate in which voters can rest trust and hope. Maybe there are enough Pennsylvanians willing to not waste their very important vote on interests counte r to theirs, for amazing things to happen this November. If not, at least there is the satisfaction of standing for something true, not the learned helplessness of a Bob Casey endorsement.