Wednesday — February 18, 2004

Kerry is the right
Democrat to beat Bush

Guest opinion by
Sen. CLINT STENNETT
and Rep. WENDY JAQUET

---

Senate Minority Leader Clint Stennett and
House Minority Leader Wendy Jaquet, D-Ketchum,
represent District 25 in the Idaho Legislature.

---

John Kerry’s career and life have been marked by his courage to do what’s right for our country. Whether it was volunteering to serve in Vietnam, to later speaking out against the way the Vietnam War was being conducted, to standing up against President George W. Bush when he attempted to drill in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, John Kerry has consistently fought to build a better America.

Senator John Kerry’s caucus and primary wins in Iowa, New Hampshire, Maine and across the nation have reaffirmed our belief that he is the right Democrat to beat George Bush. His foreign relations experience and his domestic record, from the environment, to education, to health care, to the economy, are a winning combination for Democrats and Independents who fear that the Bush Administration has taken our country in a radically wrong direction.

John Kerry is the right choice because he not only offers vision and hope for the future, but answers on how to make that future a reality for every American. His 20/20 Plan provides incentives so that at least 20 percent of our energy needs will be met through renewable resources by the year 2020. His First 100 Days Plan commits to helping provide every American with quality, affordable health care. His plan for winning the peace in Iraq promises to end American unilateralism and rebuild our relationship with the rest of the world. This is the kind of foresight Americans, like us, deserve.

We have been fortunate to see Senator Kerry and his wife Teresa Heinz Kerry in our Wood River Valley. Their contributions to our area have been numerous. Not only have they supported progressive causes such as Latino Vote 2002 and supporting Democratic candidates around the state, they have also worked to help build and promote our own community. Teresa was the catalyst that created Galena Lodge as a community benefit under the Blaine County Recreation District. Her challenge grant was what we needed to accomplish our community fundraising. Mrs. Heinz Kerry funded an infrastructure improvement for the St Luke’s Wood River Medical Center by supporting paramedic training and regional cooperative agreements. Her support of the Sun Valley Arts Center is a long-standing tradition in the community as well as her support for other organizations. The Kerrys are truly invested in our state and our community.

February 24 you have a chance to help choose the next president of the United States; make that choice John Kerry. Please attend the Democratic Caucus on Tuesday, Feb. 24, at the Blaine County Senior Center in Hailey at 7:30 p.m. Join us as we proudly stand for John Kerry and help Blaine County nominate its favorite son as the Democratic presidential nominee.

The Idaho Mountain Express is distributed free to residents and guests throughout the Sun Valley, Idaho resort area community. Subscribers to the Idaho Mountain Express will read these stories and others in this week's issue.