The next Congress will be called upon to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. Our economy is a mess, we are no closer to energy independence, and Washington continues to be plagued by special interest politics. The choice we make on Tuesday will impact all generations to come.
Two years ago, with the promise of a backbone and an independent voice, we sent Paul Hodes to Congress. I ask you one question: Are you better off today than you were two years ago?
Unfortunately, the answer for all of us is no. During his time in Congress, gas prices rose above $4 per gallon, unemployment is up 23 percent, the stock market has lost 40 percent of its value, and foreclosures are up 106 percent.
Paul Hodes campaigned in 2006 that he would bring independence to Washington. Instead he voted with Nancy Pelosi 98 percent of the time. In just two years, he has embraced the culture of Washington - more concerned with serving the special interests than the people. People are wondering how he can sit on the Financial Services Committee, take $282,000 from the mortgage, banking and insurance industries and do nothing about the impending financial crisis. It is a fair question.
Like most Washington politicians, Paul Hodes likes to blame others for our economic troubles while offering excuses for his failures. But two facts are absolutely undeniable: (1) He and his party are in charge of Congress; and (2) on their watch we have the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression.
Times are tough and we need someone in Congress who will get back to the task of solving problems. We must look to the future and choose who is best able to offer the leadership and character required. Paul Hodes has shown what he can do and has failed.
We can do better.
We can reform Congress. We can fix our economy and create good, new jobs. We can achieve real energy independence through a comprehensive energy reform plan that includes domestic drilling, new refineries, nuclear power, and incentives for the whole host of alternative energies. We can make health insurance more affordable through greater competition and more choices.
We can fix the problems we face today - all we need from Congress is a little bit of leadership.
I'm asking for your vote on Tuesday because together, we can change Washington and make it work for us again.
