EDITORIAL: Re-elect Courtney in 2nd District, New Haven Register

EDITORIAL: Re-elect Courtney in 2nd District

New Haven Register

Editorial

10/20/08

A primary job of Connecticut’s 2nd District representative in Congress is protecting the U.S. submarine base and Electric Boat in Groton.

Democrat Joseph Courtney picked up that job when he defeated former Republican U.S. Rep. Robert R. Simmons two years ago. Like Simmons, he serves on the House Armed Services Committee. Courtney has pushed legislation that allocated $588 million for the construction of a second submarine annually and has moved up this construction schedule from 2012 to 2010.

His Republican opponent, Sean Sullivan, is even more versed in the need for greater submarine production. Sullivan, a retired Navy captain, was commander of the sub base during the last round of closure hearings. He has commanded a Los Angeles class attack submarine.

Aside from the need for more submarines, the pair agree on a few issues — the end of the ethanol mandate for fuel, a need for more nuclear power and quick withdrawal from Iraq. Both opposed the financial bailout plan passed by Congress.

Sullivan backs the odd idea of a U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and use of sea-based missiles to attack the Taliban. A withdrawal would leave the fragile regime in Kabul at great risk.

Sullivan opposes abortion, except to save the life of a mother. Courtney supports the far more humane position of a woman’s right to choose. Sullivan opposes federal aid for embryonic stem cell research, despite its potential promise. Courtney supports the research.

Courtney votes in lockstep with labor unions. He wants to throw out workers’ right to a secret ballot in union recognition elections. He voted against or opposed free trade agreements because they did not include provisions to protect American workers. Sullivan supports keeping the secret ballot and free trade agreements. The state’s economy and jobs depend on exports and free trade.

Sullivan opposes amnesty for illegal immigrants. Courtney has supported an immigration compromise. It is impossible to deport all of the estimated 11 million illegal immigrants.

Despite our disagreement with Courtney on trade and labor issues, he has worked hard in his first term. He has paid particular attention to the needs of veterans in the 2nd District and backed student loan legislation that has made college education more affordable. He has our endorsement for a second term.