Camille Abate on the ISSUES

LIFE,
LIBERTY and the
PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS

Healthcare
"It's time to stop playing politics with health care. The American people deserve universal health coverage with the option of purchasing additional private insurance. Until universal coverage is achieved, I will have one aide dedicated to helping my constituents get the coverage they're entitled to from their health insurance providers. Whether healthy or unhealthy, rich or poor, old or young, veteran or civilian; every American deserves access to first class medical care."

Jobs / Economy
"In Congress I will fight to promote economic growth by returning fiscal discipline to Washington. Creating jobs through American ingenuity forms the foundation for economic growth. We must invest in education to keep the American workforce competitive in a global economy. As a Labor Union member I will oppose any trade agreement that eliminates American jobs. I promise to take a workers' perspective to Congress and fight on behalf of those most affected by the lagging economy."

Iraq / Security
"The ill-conceived and mismanaged Iraq war has left our troops and country more vulnerable to terrorism. I have opposed the Iraq war from the beginning and, like the majority of Americans, I believe it is now time for this war to come to an end. Our great military, intelligence, and diplomatic might must be used to track down Al Qaeda. In considering any future military action, I promise that, if I wouldn't send my kids, I won't send yours."

Education
"Quality education relies on quality schools and teachers. No Child Left Behind legislation has burdened schools, teachers, local and state governments with requirements that do not improve the quality of education. I will fully fund federal education mandates, and work to repeal the No Child Left Behind Act. Good teachers deserve good pay and, as a former teacher, I promise to fight for competitive salaries to provide our children with the world class education they need to compete on a global level."

Environment
"America has the opportunity to champion new technologies that will not only protect our environment but also represent an economic opportunity. Energy independence will make America stronger, help our economy prosper and fulfill our duty as steward of our environment. In Congress I will fight for our environment by supporting legislation that promotes the development and implementation of renewable energy."


LIFE

Iraq War
     » Withdraw our troops

Universal health coverage
     » Prefer single-payer system with option
          to purchase additional private insurance

Labor
     » Support work-related quality of life issues
          (e.g. Family Leave) and fair labor practices

Environmental protection
     » Reduce global warming
     » Ensure safe drinking water

LIBERTY

National Security
     » Restore America's standing in the world
          (e.g., honor the Geneva Conventions)
     » Strong on terrorism without being strong on torture
     » Protect U.S. ports and infrastructure
          - utilities, water supply, bridges, subways, etc.

Civil rights and threats to the Constitution
     » Restore habeas corpus
     » Repeal PATRIOT Act
     » Repeal Military Commissions Act
     » Restore civil rights
          (e.g., end warrantless spying on Americans)

Reproductive freedom
     » Support the Right to Choose

Voting and Elections
     » Restore confidence in the integrity of the voting process
     » Publicly fund federal and state elections

Media
     » Restrict media consolidation
     » Reinstate the Fairness Doctrine

PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS

Education
     » Insure sufficient federal funding to ensure
          quality education throughout the state
     » Provide educational opportunity for all
          through affordable college education

Energy Independence
     » Mobilize the best and brightest scientific minds to:
          - Achieve less dependence on foreign oil
          - Stimulate the economy with active development
               of renewable energy
          - Protect the environment and reduce global warming

Taxes
     » Fully fund federal mandates in order to reduce burden
          on states (which is passed on to property owners
          through increased property taxes)