Curtis v. Kosmas - a Perspective

Hi friends,

We are still polling comfortably ahead of our primary opponent. But the disturbing news is that 80% of the respondents did not know the difference between Clint Curtis and Ms. Kosmas. That isn’t news we find comforting. If you care about changing the direction of this country, it should disturb you too!

While Democrats have had control of the House of Representatives (236-199) since 2006, they have failed pass any meaningful progressive legislation on health care, the environment, creation of jobs, or impeachment. They cannot even override a lame duck president in stopping funding for the war, putting an end to torture, and terminating illegal warrantless wiretapping. Just recently, they handed immunity to the telecommunications corporations for their involvement in the illegal wiretapping of US citizens -- which by the way was ordered by the president long before 9-11!

We must elect more Democrats that share our progressive values and do not owe their allegiance to the same moneyed interests as the Republicans. We must replace these “Bush” Democrats with progressive Democrats and make sure that they do not win our primary elections.

When we elect Barack Obama as our next President, it will not make any difference if he is saddled with this lot of business-as-usual Bush Democrats.

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Florida’s 24th Congressional District has two Democratic candidates facing off in the primary election in order to challenge Tom Feeney for his seat in Congress. They are myself and Suzanne Kosmas.

The differences between us are vast and reflects whether we begin the national momentum in the direction of change or continue to just stay the course and only change the label.

DIFFERENCES IN THE CANDIDATES

I am a true progressive Democrat who represents todays political climate that is embracing real and meaningful change. Changes necessary to improve the lives and opportunities for all citizens. My wealth is in my tenacity and independence.

Most individuals run for public office because they are driven to make immediate changes, a few run in order to benefit themselves.

Ms. Kosmas describes herself as a conservative who has served in the state Legislature for eight years. What she fails to tell you is that in her first six years as a legislator, she did not sponsor or co-sponsor a single bill. In her last two years of office she co-sponsored the resolution supporting Bush and the Iraq War; she voted against working families and voted against the environment.


I am opposed to the war and have pledged to oppose continued funding. I am committed to bringing our troops home quickly and safely. And I will not vote for further war funding unless a withdrawal procedure is included.

In 2003, during the Republican PR run up to the war, when their war drums were being challenged by true patriots, Ms. Kosmas co-sponsored a bill supporting George Bush and the Iraq War. This was while I was writing books and speaking out in opposition to the war and addressing the lies leading up to the war. If elected, Ms. Kosmas would likely continue to fund the war with the rest of the Bush Democrats.

I fully endorse the Healthcare not Warfare platform of the Progressive Democrats of America. (Visit www.clintcurtis.com). Ms. Kosmas has no plan for Healthcare.

I have steadfastly championed election reform by speaking before the US Congress and numerous state commissions on election accountability and the right of every citizen to know that their vote will actually be counted. I have been successful in changing the election laws in over ten states and recently testified before the Election Commission of the Texas Legislature at their request. (Video to come!)

Most importantly, because I have refused to accept campaign contributions from special interest groups, the lobbyists for oil, pharmaceuticals, real estate, land developers and other special interest groups that buy their way into politics with campaign contributions, they do not own me. I have not sold my vote to the highest contributor. I will represent YOU!

In Ms. Kosmas, the Democratic national party offers up yet another a rich corporate democrat, who after having to persuade her to return to the political arena, has provided this multi- millionaire businesswoman with the monetary backing of out-of-district, high-dollar special interest groups and party-controlled political action funds.

Her voting record clearly shows her as the go-along-to-get-along politician who is unwilling to initiate change. She typifies the corporate Democrat by representing the established political tradition with its tired conventional approach to issues that have failed to produce any real change or challenge those who are presently wrecking our economy and undermining our Constitution.

These are a few of her votes that I would not of cast and will never support

During her 8 years in the legislature, Kosmas' record of voting in favor of special interest groups and contributors is very clear.

> She co-sponsored the resolution supporting George Bush and the Iraq War
> She voted against the consumers by opposing Tax Holidays
> She voted against working families by opposing Living Wage standards
> She voted against the environment by opposing the Everglades Protection Act.
> She opposes the Hometown Democracy Initiative.

This year the voters will have a chance to make positive and productive changes in the political arena by voting for Progressive candidates that have pledged to represent the interests of the citizens and not the corporations and their lobbyists.

You can help me get my message out. Please make a contribution today so we can let the district know There Is A Difference! Change will not happen when our Democrats continue to act like Republicans.

Help me get my message out. Please make a contribution today so we can let the district know There Is A Difference! Thanks, everyone!