For Obama, Baldwin and Wisconsin

An editorial  —  11/01/2008 6:22 am

Tuesday's election offers a choice: Do we start climbing out of the hole into which we were flung by George Bush, Dick Cheney and the Republican Congresses that ruled rather than governed during the first years of the 21st century? Or do we dig deeper?

Both Barack Obama and John McCain promise "change."

But Obama takes the word seriously. He has spoken honestly about the challenges faced by a nation that has been misguided into two disastrous wars, robbed of its financial security, and denied the freedoms and protections outlined by our Constitution. His campaign's watchwords -- "hope" and "believe" -- are linked to specific plans and budget proposals for how to realize the American dreams that were deferred during the Bush/Cheney interregnum.

McCain, who once formed the senior half of the McCain/Feingold reform team, has run a race so embarrassing in its crude appeals that he has lost the confidence of his partner in reform. Wisconsin Sen. Russ Feingold, who once defended the Arizona senator, now pleads with McCain to pull his campaign out of the fear-mongering gutter.

To elect McCain would be to abandon any hope for change. He promises more of the same tax breaks for Wall Street and the wealthy, war-making for the sake of war-making, and Supreme Court justices who assault the Constitution. Placing his running mate, Sarah Palin, a 72-year-old heartbeat away from the presidency would be electoral malpractice.

Obama has proven with his campaign that he is capable of remaining steady, focused and effective in the most difficult circumstances. To elect him would begin the process of renewing America as a country of promise for those of us who cherish our traditions and our possibilities and as the great nation that the world longs to embrace as an ally and friend.

The key word in that previous sentence is "begin."

The process will not be finished by one man. The renewal of America will require a Congress that is up to the task. Essential to that equation is the re-election of Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Madison, a bold progressive leader who will prod Obama to take necessary actions, especially when it comes to addressing our health care crisis. Wisconsin Democrats Steve Kagen, Gwen Moore, Ron Kind and Dave Obey and Republican Tom Petri should also be re-elected. Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Janesville, who has repeatedly voted against the economic interests of his district -- supporting the export of manufacturing jobs at a time when southern Wisconsin's major employers are shutting their doors -- should be replaced with Democrat Marge Krupp.

Remember that the process of renewal will not just play out in Washington.

Wisconsin needs new leadership in the state Assembly. In the districts listed, we urge the election of these progressive candidates:

37 - Andy Jorgensen

42 - Fred Clark

46 - Gary Hebl

47 - Trish O'Neil

50 - Tom Crofton

51 - Steve Hilgenberg

79 - Sondy Pope-Roberts

80 - John Waelti

Finally, we urge referendum votes of "yes" for Madison schools, "yes" for health care, and "yes" on both Fitchburg library questions.

We also back Brad Wolbert for the Dane County Board.

To read all the endorsements of The Capital Times, Wisconsin's progressive newspaper, go to www.captimes.com.

An editorial  —  11/01/2008 6:22 am